SRINAGAR, 02 September 2020, TON: The Indian Cabinet on Wednesday approved Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill, 2020, declaring Hindi and English beside Urdu, Kashmiri, Dogri as five official languages.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar announcing the approval said, “the Bill will be introduced in Parliament soon.” "Inclusion of Hindi and English as official languages in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir has been carried out under the pressure of New Delhi to accommodate illegal immigrants. 

Meanwhile, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the government has accepted the long pending demand of the region for the inclusion of Dogri, Hindi and Kashmiri as officials’ languages and it is fulfilment of a long-pending public demand of the region. However, Kashmiris have strongly reacted to the Cabinet’s decision claiming that New Delhi has stabbed on the back of Kashmiris as India directly threatened Muslim identity and Islam while it is an attempt to eliminate “Kashmiriyat”.

If we recall, the top Pakistani Kashmiri leader, Syed Ali Geelani said last year to promote tourism, “I welcome you to sylvan and salubrious Kashmir valley. Whatever your faith, whatever language you speak and to whatever region you belong to, we are bound by a common bond, the bond of humanity. You are our honoured guest, respecting and protecting guests is not only our moral obligation but an article of faith.” However, Kashmiris had no idea what Indian would do with the Kashmiris.

SRINAGAR, 2 September 2020, TON: National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has launched a new book, "India Tomorrow: Conversations with the Next Generation of Political Leaders". His book contains interviews of 20 of the next-generation youth politicians and highlights various aspects of Kashmiri politics. Former Indian puppet Kashmiri leaders said he was detained when the government revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 and bifurcated the Jammu and Kashmir State into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh on 5 August 2019.

Responding to slogans from across the Line of Control about his book, Omar Abdullah said, “Let me make it clear that we are not anyone’s puppets, neither New Delhi’s nor of anyone across the border. We are answerable to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and will work for them.” He said, six political parties including National Conference, Congress, and the Peoples Democratic Party had on August 22 issued a statement titled “Gupkar Declaration-II” and promised to fight against the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. The parties described the Centre’s decision to alter the region’s status under Article 370 of the Constitution as “grossly unconstitutional” and a “measure to disempowered” people of the former state.

Last week he issued a statement that criticised the Centre for revoking the special status granted to the former state of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and said that New Delhi does not believe in the Constitution. He said, Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti, who is still under detention, was “suffering” because she did not cooperate with the Centre in the abrogation of the special status”.

Omar Abdullah who was taken into custody Indian custody on 5 August last and was charged under the Public Safety Act (PSA) in February was released on 24 March 2020, said in his book that although his 232-day detention period has made him bitter, resentful and angry but it won't change his time-tested stand that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. He writes that Jammu and Kashmir has been treated very, very badly and every single promise made has been broken.

Omar Abdullah in October 2019, issued a statement that he was pressurized during detention that if he signed a bond pledging silence “for the foreseeable future” on all developments in the state, he would be released immediately. Media reported his statement, “the magistrate came with his rubber stamp and his pen, assuming that i would sign it quite happily and run away. And he gave me the bond and said you sign this and you can leave, and the bond says that I will remain silent on all developments in J&K subsequent to August 5, 2019 for the foreseeable future. Which is basically tantamount to saying I will no longer be a politician. I said no, I am not going to sign this bond because to sign it silences me for the future.”

DECCA, 27 August 2020, TON: In the recent meeting between the high officials of Indian Border Security Force and Bangladeshi Border Guard Bangladesh, it was decided to hold biannual talks between the Director Generals of respective organizations from September 13 to18 at the headquarters of the Bangladeshi force at Pilkhana, in Dhaka. 

Director General Border Security Force Rakesh Asthana in a recent statement said that he is hopeful is resolving the issue of repatriation of illegal Bangladeshi from India as well as narcotics smuggling by Bangladeshi citizens in India and abroad. Indian side is expected to take up the issue of joint border security management, fencing of unfenced areas. On the other hand, media sources quoted Director General Border Guard Bangladesh, Major General Mohammad Shafeenul Islam saying that Indian agencies are pushing illegal Bengalis of Indians origin from West Bengal into Bangladesh to disturb law and order situation.

Director General Border Security Force Rakesh Asthana has taken the charge from Director General Indo-Tibet Border Police (ITBP) S S Deswal, who was holding the additional charge of Border Security Force since March 2020. Rakesh Asthana will remain Director General BSF till his retirement on 31 July 2021. During his previous appointment he held additional charge of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).  

WASHINGTON,23 August 2020, TON: Presidential candidate and his Vice President, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have greeted Hindu community on “Ganesh Chaturthi” and expressed hope for a new beginning. Biden tweeted, "To everyone celebrating the Hindu festival of Ganesh Chaturthi in the US, India, and around the world, may you overcome all obstacles, be blessed with wisdom, and find a path toward new beginnings." But Indian in US and back home are not happy and much concerned. Many people fail to understand the question on the lips of every second Indian, “Harris is Indian while Sonia Gandhi an Italian?” Sonia Gandhi is President of Indian National Congress and rumors have spread that she is considering resigning. Is this India’s internal affair or have something to do with forthcoming elections in United States relating to Joe Biden and Kamala Haris? Joe Biden has moved two steps forward by declaring “Will back India against threats on border”. Is this a “Trojan Horse” and repetition of  1813 Charter Act provisions which removed the ban on missionary activity and establishment of a Churches in India. 

President Donald Trump is a strong candidate for White House in the 3 November 2020 presidential elections in the United States. In the last week of June 2020, White House Deputy Press Secretary Ms Sarah Matthews in a statement to media said, "President Trump is incredibly grateful for the widespread support he has received from the people of India and from millions of Indian-Americans across the United States." It is now an open secret that traditionally Indian -America vote is for the Democratic Party but quickly the Indians and Pakistan origin are switching towards Republicans and President Donald Trump. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump have understanding the the investments in each other countries and in addition, India has become an important US’ multilateral partner around the world.

To counter, President Trump growing popularity in Pakistan and India, US forthcoming election rival, Joe Biden has played his Indian card to choose Ms Kamala Harris, a Senator having Indian origin background from mother side and married to a Jewish Los Angeles lawyer as his vice President to divide Indian votes. Ms Kamala Harris a fine lady made a good dent in President Trump popularity but not in the minds of those who were already in President Trump’s camp, forming 55% of total Indian-American votes. Other reports say Trump has 50% and not 55%. Interestingly, Joe Biden’s move has been supported by Indian National Congress Party back in India where former President of the Indian National Congress Rahul Gandhi tweeted on 29 April 2020, “I'm dismayed by the "unfollowing" of our President & PM by the White House. I urge the Ministry of External Affairs to take note.” 

Fair and transparent elections are much desired but as thing are being unfolded there are some quite suspicious thing coming up, which no one will like to share at present. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is much upset over nomination of Ms Kamala Harris as she claims to be of Indian origin of Christian-Jewish faith. Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement, “the government would not make any statement on the development, as it could be seen as interference in the US’ internal politics.” If we recall, PM Modi quoted US President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign slogan “Abki baar Trump Sarkar” in his speech. New Delhi is worried because Kamala Harris has remained a tough critic of India’s internal policies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, especially Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir. She was quoted to have repeatedly said, “We’ve to remind the Kashmiris that they’re not alone in the world”. 

Bharatiya Janta Party, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and other like minded groups, in recently different formal and public meetings were much perturbed as President Trump never interfered in their religion and regarded Hinduism as religion of peace but Joe Biden and Ms Kamala Harris were reportedly targeting mass conversions of faith. This might be apprehensions of the Hindu religious groups and common Hindu, who struggled to get rid of European occupation which costed tens of thousand conversions from Hindus to Christianity.  Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam had also tweeted on the announcement, calling it a “moment of pride for Indians, especially for the people of Tamil Nadu”, as Ms. Harris’s mother belonged to Chennai. 

It is on record that after meeting the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi in January 2015, US President Barack Obama urged India not to stray from its constitutional commitment to allow people to freely "profess, practice and propagate" religion. Eric Metaxas in his show recently said that Kamala Harris has “no core values” and is only driven by ambition and power and also said she is an “evil protean figure”. President Trump tweeted last December, “have a Radical Left nonbeliever, who wants to take your religion & your guns, than Donald Trump as your President. No President has done more for the Evangelical community, and it’s not even close. You’ll not get anything from those Dems on stage. I won’t be reading ET again!” One wonders American withdrawal from Afghanistan has already been announced by President Trump but what Joe Biden announcement means about American presence in India, “Will back India against threats on border”.

TRIPOLI, 21 August 2020, TON: Libya’s U.N. recognized government of Fayez Sarraj, head of the Government of National Accord (GNA), on Friday announced a cease-fire across the country and called for demilitarizing the strategic city of Sirte in an initiative supported by the rival parliament in the east. This seems to be a major breakthrough in the recent months.

In a separate statement, Aguila Saleh, speaker of the rival eastern-based House of Representatives, supported Sarraj’s proposal of demilitarization of Sirte, an idea floated earlier this month by the United States as a compromise to prevent an escalation

Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte said in a tweet that the cease-fire announcement was an “important step toward restarting a political process that favors stability in the country and well-being among its people.”

Libya was plunged into foreign imposed war, when a NATO-backed uprising in 2011 in which foreign forces landed in Libyan soil, armed rebels forces and toppled legitimate ruler  Moammar Gadhafi, who was later killed.  Despite, peace talks and UN recognized Fayez Sarraj, head of the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli, opponent foreign powers helped Libya’s former military commander Khalifa Hiftar, an American national, who now controls major oil export terminals since January.

Despite all previous efforts to secure lasting peace or at least a cease-fire failed to produce results. But this time there is a possibility of progress on neutralizing heavy foreign interference in the conflict, especially by France, US, Russia, Italy, UAE, Qatar and Turkey. In case the conflict is not resolved there are chances of direct military confrontation between US, Russia, UAE and Egypt on one side and Turkey on the other.  Nevertheless, the US is playing a double role and its strategy at time confuses the international stakeholders.

JEDDAH, 21 August 2020, TON: The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied an impression of tension in relations between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stating that the two countries have always enjoyed unique relations deep rooted in historic, religious, cultural and social ties.
Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Zahid Hafeez Choudhry said in a statement that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have not only closely cooperated with each other at international fora but have always stood by each other at times of need.
Pakistan values Saudi Arabia’s important role in the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has an abiding commitment to defending the sanctity of Harmain Sharifain. And Pakistan remains firmly committed to the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia. The statement added that the people of Pakistan have special reverence and affection for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Frequent high-level visits and close leadership level contacts have been the longstanding tradition of the brotherly relations between the two countries.

 It is highlighted that Riyadh is irked by criticism from Islamabad that Saudi Arabia has been lukewarm on the Kashmir territorial dispute. The fact remains that Saudi Arabia has contributed a lot for the cause of Muslim countries, especially Pakistan and people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Royal leadership is always committed to raise the voice of Muslim brethren countries in all the regional and international forums.

The recent visit of COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa in which he was accompanied by Inter Services Intelligence Director General Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed,  was termed as fruitful, according to Pakistani military officials. General Qamar Javed Bajwa held meeting with His Excellency Prince Khalid Bin Salman, Deputy Defense Minister, His Excellency General (Staff) Fayiadh bin Ha’med Al-Rowaily, Chief of General Staff and His Royal Highness Lieutenant General (Staff) Fahad bin Turki Al Saud Commander Joint Forces, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In the latest development, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s remarks on the subject in his recent media engagement and COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa’s just concluded visit to Saudi Arabia testify to the unchanged fraternal relations and close contact between the two countries.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister His Excellency Prince Faisal bin Farhan ruled out any relation with Israel until the Palestinian issue is resolved, “Peace must be achieved with the Palestinians on the basis of international agreements as a precondition for any normalization of relations. The announcement has shut the mouth of many critics and adversaries of Saudi Arabia who doesn’t leave any stone un-turned to defame Arab leadership.

Pakistan is and Islamic Republic and its constitution provides in Article 40, “Strengthening bonds with Muslim World and Promoting International peace. The State shall endeavour to preserve and strengthen fraternal relations among Muslim countries based on Islamic unity, support the common interests of the peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin America, promote international peace and security, foster goodwill and friendly relations among all nations and encourage the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means.

NEW DELHI, 21 August 2020, TON: New Delhi has once again offered Nagas for talks, however, the Nagas have insisted for their independence as a precondition.

 On the independence day of India on 15 August 2020, BJP President Temjen Imna Along and NDPP president Chingwang Konyak in  a statement welcomed  the decision of Prime Minister  that the government of India has floated an initiative for talks Nagas to resume the Indo-Naga political dialogue with utmost seriousness to find a political solution that will pave the way for peace, progress and development.
The Indian authorities in the past had adopted a strategy to bring the Nagas with the fold o9f Indian Union by offering jobs in the government sector. Today, the government jobs are the main source of employment and the economy is largely based on salaries of Government servants. The agriculture sector, which livelihood of most of the people is in distress.  

Meanwhile, talks with former NSCN-IM cadre who had already surrendered have been invited to hold peace talks with the government of India to give an impression of a deluge with separatists.

Meanwhile NSCN-IM has rejected the inclusion of interlocutor, R N Ravi and desired his replacement. NSCN-IM cadre has made it clear that they would not accept rule of Indian Union wants a separate flag and their own constitution. However, New Delhi ruled out a separate flag and constitution since long and have scheduled talks to satisfy international community. In another development, Nagaland opposition party, Naga Peoples Front (NPF) has announced their decision to withdraw membership from the Joint Legislators Forum (JLF).

JEDDAH, 21 August 2020, Saudi Gazette report: The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has issued a royal order dismissing officials from their posts based on the information received from the Royal Commission for Al-Ula, Red Sea Company, and Al-Soudah Development Company about encroachments on the Red Sea project land plots.

Encroachments on the Red Sea project land plots have exceeded 5,000, in addition to other violations in Al-Ula. These violations are considered to be an infringement on law and constitute environmental damage, in addition to their great impact on the completion of projects and their plans, the Saudi Press Agency reported early Friday.

Since it was found that these infringements have been illegally authorized by some officials which is an infringement on the commission and/or the aforementioned companies' jurisdiction, the royal order stipulated the following:

— Termination of the services of Lt. Gen. Awwad Al-Balawi, the director-general of Saudi Border Guards, by referring him to retirement.

— Ending the services of the governors of Umluj and Al-Wajh, and the head of the Souda Center.

— Ending the services of the commanders of the border guard sectors in Umluj and Al Wajh.

— Ending the services of the official responsible for infringements and his deputy at the ministry of the interior, and those responsible for infringements in the governorates of (Madinah, Tabuk, and Asir).

— Ending the services of the Secretary of Tabuk Region, and heads of municipalities of Umluj, Al-Wajh, and Al-Souda.

— Ending the services of the person responsible for infringements in the municipalities of Madinah and Tabuk regions.

— The Ministries of Interior and Municipal and Rural Affairs, Madinah, Tabuk, Asir are given one month from this date to remove all infringements, and very strict measures shall be taken in the event of any further infringement after that.

— The Control and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) shall immediately investigate all the officials referred to above about their responsibility for the above-mentioned infringements, and take legal action against them, and submit the results.

SAUDI ARABIA, 21 August 2020, TON: Islamic New Year begins today on 20 August 2020. The holy Quran guides that there are four months of “Hurmat” or prohibited in which Allah has ordered to abstain from fighting, killing and every kind of aggression. 

As per the Islamic tradition there were number of testimonies received from various cities and individuals about the sighting of Muharram moon, hence, Thursday was marked as the first day of the first month of the Islamic calendar.

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has announced that Thursday, 20 August is the first day of Muharram, the first month of the new Hijri year of 1442. The Saudi Press Agency reported that the crescent of the month of Muharram 1442 for Umm Al-Qura calendar was sighted on Wednesday evening, Dhul Hijjah 29, corresponding to 19 August 2020.

Meanwhile, in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan Friday August 21, 2020 is the first day of the Islamic New Year 1442 Hijri. 

SRINAGAR, 20 August 2020:  Top Pakistani Kashmir leader, Syed Ali Geelani, along with Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Grand Mufti of Kashmir Nasirul Islam has given call for complete shutdown in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir territory and peaceful protests after Friday prayers in throughout Indian occupied territories.  Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema has strongly condemned the blasphemous remarks and warned that such kind of derogatory acts would not be tolerated at any cost.

Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq asked the Kashmiri Muslims and Muslims throughout the world raise their voices against the blasphemous acts by BJP for killing of three lobourers from Rajouri in fake encounter and torture of two Muslim farmers in Reasi in the name of cow vigilante.

Meanwhile, All Parties Hurriyat Conference’s General Secretary, Molvi Bashir Ahmad in a statement issued Srinagar said that tens of thousands of Kashmiri Muslims were ready to sacrifice their lives to protect honour and dignity of the Prophet (Alhe Salam Sal Allah Ho Alhe Wasalam). He appealed for peaceful protests tomorrow after Friday prayers, against the blasphemous act by a BJP leader and hooliganism of cow vigilantes in Jammu region.

Other Kashmiri leadership in separate statements strongly condemned the blasphemous act and beating of two people by cow vigilantes and termed such acts as reflection of fascist and communal mindset of Indian leadership. They said that these forces were doing this under a well-planned strategy to hurt religious sentiments of Muslims in the occupied territory and provoke them to retaliate and then punish them, physically, financially and politically. The said that Indian secularism has been exposed.