Newsletter 8 Feb

Top 5 of the news of the Week

Vote of Thanks over Presidents’ Addressed to budget session, passed from the both houses
Top Kashmir leaders charged under ‘draconian’ law.
PM Modi made announcement in Parliament; trust formed for construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Lucknow Defense Expo 2020: the city’s first DefExpo concluded on Sat
Pak Solidary day Celebration concluded
No Decision On Nationwide NRC’

Saturday’s Brief

Delhi Assembly voting completed today.
Delhi: Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa met Former PM Dr MM Singh, Congress leaders. He is on a 4-day visit to India.
SC takes suo moto cognizance of a letter by a Bravery Award winner seeking direction to authorities to stop children and infants taking part in demonstrations and agitations, in wake of the death of a 4-month infant of a Shaheen Bagh protestor; SC to hear the case on Feb 10.
MEA informed the house that ‘80 Indian students still in coronavirus-hit Wuhan’. Also added India extended offer of evacuating people from Wuhan to all its neighbors.
Indian Army Major develops world’s first bulletproof helmet against AK-47 bullet
- The ballistic helmet can stop an AK-47 bullet round fired from a distance of 10 meters
- The officer is part of the Indian Army’s College of Military Engineering and had got into the development of bulletproof jackets after he had received gunshots on his vintage bulletproof jacket.
Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa attends ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan. PM Narendra Modi also present.
A key point discussed at a meeting between foreign secretary Harsh Shringla and Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong here on Fri was that while some of the planned activities may be delayed, the two sides should work to ensure that they are able to implement as many activities as possible once the situation returns to normal.
Three persons, linked with the Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist outfit have been arrested in JnK in connection with grenade attack in Lal Chowk area of Srinagar. In the Kashmir Valley, Police have arrested three persons in connection with Sunday’s grenade attack in the busy Lal Chowk area of Srinagar. Four civilians and two jawans of CRPF were injured in the attack on 2^nd

Hitting out at the Centre, Former, P Chidambaram, who spoke on the Union Budget at a programme organised by the party in Hyderabad, alleged the Modi government was like a helpless doctor who failed to diagnose the illness of a patient and treat him effectively.

National

Vote of Thanks over Presidents’ Addressed to budget session, passed from the both houses

Vote of Thanks over Presidents’ Addressed to budget session, passed from the LS without amendment while from RS with certain amendments.

After two days of debate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday replied to the debate and the motion was passed by a voice vote.
President Ram Nath Kovind had addressed a joint sitting of Parliament on Jan 31.
PM Modi replied various questions, raised during session, addressed the countrymen on CAA, targeted the Opposition over the CAA protests and accused them of fear-mongering and misleading the country, as well as defended the detention of Political leaders in Jnk.
Cornering the Congress on the CAA issue, the PM quoted India’s first PM, Pt Nehru had also called for “treating Hindu and Muslim refugees differently”.
He also quoted Pt Nehru was in favor of amending the law, if required, to ensure that Hindu refugees are taken care of by India.
He also took on Opposition leaders for sharing stage with the anti-CAA protesters, saying that the nation was watching closely how some leaders were getting their photographs clicked with those who raised slogans to divide India.
India has kept fiscal deficit, price rise in check
Discussion going on in RS, PM said “Anti-corruption bureau set up in JK for first time, says PM Modi, listing steps taken after scrapping of Article 370”.
- Rahul Gandhi on PM speech: PM Modi’s style is to distract the country from core issues. He talks of Congress, of Jawaharlal Nehru, of Pakistan, etc but not of core issues.
- TMC, MP Mahua Moitra on Modi’s speech in LS today: “It was a mix of fairy tale and mediocrity”.
  Amendments added in RS are following:
  - “That at the end of the Motion, the following be added, namely :
  - …but regret that the Address does not mention/fails to mention/does not take notice of, etc. …”
  - Every year, a large number of amendments are moved by members of the opposition highlighting the issues or pinpointing the failure of the Government or criticizing the policy enunciated in the Address.
  - The lists of amendments are circulated to members in advance and amendments are moved in the House after the speeches of the mover and the seconder when the Chair formally puts the Motion to the House for discussion.
  - Conveying the Motion of Thanks adopted by the House to the President
  PM Modi yesterday led a fierce charge against the Congress party and made a strident case in defense of the government’s decision to implement the CAA. He accused opposition of fear-mongering and misleading the country.
  On a lighter note, PM Modi mocked on Rahul Gandhi, without naming, “some people are warning me to be beaten by danda, after 6 months, I will performed more Suryanamskar to make my back stronger to cope up with”

Top Kashmir leaders charged under 'draconian' law.

Two former CMs, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti of JnK have been charged under strict Public Safety Act (PSA), 6 months after they were detained. Most covered news by international media was detention of leaders in Kashmir. On Sat, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Naeem Akhtar who is in detention, has been booked under Public Safety Act (PSA).

Authorities on Thursday charged both CMs under PSA – a law that allows detention without trial for up to two years, made by Farooq Abdullah his father) as part of a crackdown to prevent protests against New Delhi’s decision to strip the region’s autonomy of Muslim-majority state, after exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1989-90s.

Sources said that while “most of the political leaders were released after they signed a bond not to indulge in political activity, at least 10 leaders are in detention.”

The strict measures against the mainstream politicians were taken after they strongly opposed the government’s move to abrogate the special law that had provided the region with a separate constitution, a flag and barred outsiders from the permanent settlements.

Only two families from which both CMs come, had ruled the whole region, since independence, by one or other ways.

On Thursday, PM Modi cited some statements made by Farooq and Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti to justify the decision to book them under the PSA. None of those comments merit the PSA. Worse, Modi cited fake news in ostensibly quoting Omar, showing how arbitrary and flawed the process of booking people under PSA has become. The PSA is a draconian legislation. Many have been calling for its revocation. Instead, the government is using it as a weapon to settle scores and silence dissent. This is indefensible..

“The abrogation of Article 370 hasn’t just made accession null and void but also reduces India to an occupation force in Jammu and Kashmir,” Mufti claimed on social media, on day before they detained.

Government’s decision on Article 370 as a “betrayal of trust”: Omar Abdullah

While GoI plead that abrogation is internal matter of country and it’s all about prosperity of region, while Pak argue about human right crisis in the region, and did every effort to international intervention in the matter. As per New Delhi, “the main problem with Pak is its failure in sending terrorists across the border.

“The Narendra Modi government’s decision to book former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti and three other leaders of the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party under the Public Safety Act (PSA) is wrong and condemnable. Not only is it a deeply undemocratic move that violates the rights of citizens but also, it will deepen Kashmiri anger against the Indian State and make the Kashmir-India conflict even more intractable”. [A newspaper from South India]

PM Modi Announced in Parliament; trust formed for construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

PM Modi made announcement in Parliament; trust of 15 members, formed for construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, as per verdicts of SC dated Nov 9, 19.

The trust has named as ‘Shri Ram Janambhoomi Tirath Kshetra’, and GoI issues gazette notification by the afternoon.
The PM called upon everyone “Let us all support the construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya”.
He expressed pleasure in the way countrymen accept the verdict of SC.
The 67.703 acres of land along with the inside and outside courtyard will be transferred to the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra for the construction of the Ram Temple.
He also informed about the consent accorded by UP Govt to allocate 5 acer land to Sunni Wqaff Board. According to reports, the land for the mosque has been identified near the Dhannipur village along the Lucknow-Ayodhya highway, about 18 KM from the district headquarters.
In its verdict on Nov 9, the Supreme Court had paved the way for the construction of a Ram temple by a trust at the disputed site at Ayodhya, and directed the Centre to allot an alternative 5-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board for building a new mosque at a “prominent” place in the holy town in UP.
SC judgment in this matter, the central government has directed to formulate a scheme with necessary provisions for the setting up of the trust with a board of trustees or any other appropriate body, the functioning of the trust, the powers of the trustees, transfer of land to the trust and all necessary, incidental and supplemental matters.

[For detail see newsletter of Nov 10, 19]

Media is also raised question about timing of announcement, as it comes just before election of Delhi Assembly. It is just came at end of 3 Months.
Develop it as grand tourist place, the Ayodhya airport and the Lord Ram statue, which is slated to be the world’s tallest. Both have been taken up on priority by the Yogi Adityanath government in UP.
Members of the ‘Shri Ram Janambhoomi Tirath Kshetra’
A highly empowered to take all decision regarding temple construction, 15 membered trust that’ll be led by K Parasaran, being referred to as ‘God’s advocate’. However, not inclusion of ex CM UP and one of key player in this fight, Kalyan Singh, created a bit of problem inside party.
Kesava Iyengar Parasaran is the man who fought the Ramjanambhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute in Supreme Court. He was the lead counsel for the Hindu parties in the temple-mosque land dispute in Ayodhya and he successfully argued for possession of the entire disputed land in the Supreme Court in favour of the deity “Ram Lalla Virajman”.
Religious Gurus
1. Jagatguru Shankaracharya Jyothish Peethadheswar Swami Vasudevanand, Prayagraj
2. Jagatguru Madhavarcharya Swami Vishwa
3. Prasannatheerth, Udupi, Yugpurush Parmanand, Haridwar
4. Swami Govinddev Giri, Pune
Civilians
1. Vimlendu Mohan Pratap Mishra – a descendant of Ayodhya royal family
2. Dr Anil Mishra, doctor Kameshwar Chaupal (SC), Patna – the Dalit man who laid the foundation stone of Ram Temple in 1989 during ‘sheelanyas’ organized by VHP
3. Mahant Dhirendra Das, Nirmohi Akhara, Ayodhya – the SC verdict in Ramjanambhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute had directed the government to give Nirmohi Akhara a seat at the trust table
Nominated Members
1. The temple trust will select 2 persons by majority resolution to be part of the trust
2. 1 representative to be nominated by the central government, which will be a serving member IAS, at least of joint secretary level.
3. 1 representative to be nominated by state government and would be a serving member of IAS under the state government
4. DM, Ayodhya will be the exofficio trustee. If serving DM is not a Hindu than additional magistrate will sit on the board
The chairman for development of Temple complex will also be selected by the trust board and will be an ex-officio

Lucknow Defense Expo 2020: the city’s first DefExpo concluded on Sat

Defense Expo Lucknow 2020 showcases the comprehensive spectrum of India’s aerospace, defense and security interests. Defense manufacturers from both the public and private sectors, OEMs and MSMEs are in Lucknow to display their products.

From 05 – 08 Feb 2020
The theme for this year’s DefExpo is “Digital Transformation of Defense”.
PM Modi on inaugural ceremony said “Seeing new security challenges, the security forces are developing new technologies”. Our aim is to develop 25 products based on artificial intelligence in the next 5 years.
He also said that, our goal is to increase India’s defense exports to USD 5 billion in next 5 years.
He further added “It’s our responsibility to ensure security of not only India but countries in neighborhood as well”
It is Lucknow’s first event of such a mammoth scale and the stakes are set high, as the expo will have over 925 exhibitors showcasing their top-of-the-line defense and military equipment.
India aims to rope in international defense companies to manufacture and set up base in the country.
The exhibition will see 925 exhibitors, out of which 150 are foreign defense equipment manufacturer, while 775 are home-grown.
Beside home, other countries US, UK, Russia, South Korea, Israel, Japan, Germany and France are participating.
One of the biggest attractions at the event is expected to be the F-21 Fighter Jet brought in by American aerospace giant, Lockheed Martin.
European aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, will also showcase its latest military equipment and technologies right here at the venue. Airbus’ exhibit will include the models of C295 aircraft- a tough and reliable aircraft, AS565 MBe Panther, the H145M and the H225M helicopters.
Hindustan Aeronautics, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Dynamatic Technologies signed a memorandum of understanding for marketing, manufacturing and selling of IAI’s unmanned ariel vehicles to Indian potential customers such as Indian Defense Forces, Paramilitary Forces and Central Armed Police Forces at DefExpo 2020.
Defense Min Rajnath Singh meets James Heappey, Minister for Defense Procurement from UK, and Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, the Minister of State for Defense, UAE, in Lucknow, on the sidelines of DefExpo2020.

Pak Solidary day Celebration concluded

Pak President, PM reaffirm Pakistan’s unflinching support to Kashmiris on Feb 5

President Dr. Arif Alvi and the Prime Minister Imran Khan in their separate messages on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day have reaffirmed Pakistan’s unflinching support for Kashmiri brothers and sisters who have been subjected to an inhuman lockdown and communications blockade for six months.

President Dr. Arif Alvi said through its illegal and unilateral actions of August 5 last year, India directly contravened the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions.
The PM Imran Khan in his message said India has turned 8 million Kashmiris into prisoners in their own land through the deployment of over 900,000 occupation troops.
Khan said India stands before the world, exposed as a majoritarian and authoritarian polity, tramping upon the basic rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people.
Khan said in AJK assembly, that it was his belief that Kashmir will now be liberated soon due to the annexation plan implemented by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the occupied territory.

Day before Solidity day, Pakistan PM Imran Khan urged by his MPs to start war after Feb 10. As per Pakistan’s publication Dawn, members of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) urged the Pakistan government to declare jihad against India.

JUI-F leader Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali even suggested that PM Imran Khan should announce that Pakistan would start a war with India after Feb 10.
Chitrali’s call for Jihad against India was welcomed by several leaders in the Pakistan National Assembly yesterday.
Other leaders in the Pakistan Assembly asserted that war is the only option available in order to “liberate the people of Kashmir and to complete the unfinished plan of the subcontinent’s partition.
Parliamentary leader of the main opposition Khawaja Asif lashed out against the other Islamic countries accusing them of doing nothing for the people of Kashmir.
Asif went on to add that Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) is a “dead organization and apart from three-four member countries, rest of the nations could not even defend themselves, so how would they talk about Kashmir”.
This can be seen in relation with PM’s current visit to Malesia, only country besides Turkey who supported on Kashmir issue.
After the three-hour-long Assembly session, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Khan got emotional and urged the country to “come up with a plan to attack India and take Jammu and Kashmir”.
PM Imran Khan is yet to respond on the calls for jihad against India.
Pak’s National Assembly, today passed a unanimous resolution extending solidarity with the people of Kashmir, The resolution was moved by Kashmir committee chairman Fakhar Imam: ARY News reported.

No Decision On Nationwide NRC'

As an first official confirmation, MoS (Home) said in a written answer in LS ‘Till Now, No Decision On Nationwide NRC’

The opposition and some of the BJP allies have been expressed opposition to the proposed pan-India NRC process.
NRIC (Nation Register for Indian Citizen) was in pre poll manifesto of BJP, to eliminate illegal immigrants, supposed to be came from neighboring countries, including B’Desh Myanmar etc.
However, problem arose when HM Amit Shah boldly during CAA debate in LS said that “NRIC must be implement, come what may”.
This helped the opposition to correlate present CAA to upcoming NRC (as stated by HM) and successfully create a fear mongering among Muslim community.
The NRC updating exercise in Assam was aimed at filtering a specific set of “illegal immigrants”.
The final draft of the Assam NRC was published on July 31 last year.
Over 19.06 lakh people were left out from the NRC list and would now need to prove they are Indian citizens.
The NRC named around 3.11 crore people in Assam as citizens of India.

Officially and factually no party can oppose the NRIC but voices loud from various segments of media and political field.

India in International Frame

BBC

Kashmir: India uses ‘draconian’ law to extend house arrest of former chief ministers

Reuters

India uses draconian law to keep Kashmir’s political leaders locked away

India has extended the detention of four political leaders in Kashmir who had been held by authorities since August to quell dissent after the central government stripped the region of its autonomy, two senior officials said on Fri.

Aljazeera

‘Humiliated’: Top Kashmir leaders charged under ‘draconian’ law

Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, the former chief ministers under detention since August, charged under PSA law.

The Washington Post

India detains prominent Kashmiri leader under law critics call draconian