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.

WASHINGTON, 16 August 2020, TON: Ms Kamala Harris has been nominated as Joe Biden’s vice-presidential running mate in the upcoming US presidential elections, becoming the first African-Tamil woman to be nominated for national office. New Delhi seems much upset over the nomination of Kamala Harris as Vice President who claims to be of Indian origion of Christain-Jewish faith. In her memoir, Ms Kamala Harris writes how she would visit Tamil Nadu almost every year. 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’s internal politics.” If we recall, PM Modi quoted US President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign slogan “Abki baar Trump sarkar” in his speech. New Dehli 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”.

Interestingly, 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. Jamaican Foreign Minister Kamina Smith had wished Ms. Harris on her “historic selection” in a tweet.

Over a century and a quarter ago Swami Vivekananda delivered a speech at the first World’s Parliament of Religions where he said, “ I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites, who came to Southern India and took refuge with us in the very year in which their holy temple was shat­tered to pieces by Roman tyranny”.

Kamala Devi Harris was born on 20 October 1964, and raised in San Francisco’s East Bay where she attended public schools, attended African churches and lived in predominantly African American communities. She is also married to Jewish Los Angeles lawyer Douglas Emhoff.

NEW DELHI, 12 August 2020, TON: On 11 August 2020, a three-judge bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra of Supreme Court ruled that daughters have equal rights as that of sons on parental property. They shall remain coparcener throughout their life. This includes in cases where the father died before the enactment of Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005. The Judgement also said that the according to Section 6 of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, the status of coparcener on the daughter born before or after amendment in the same manner as that of the son.

It is important to highlight that in 2015, the Supreme Court had pronounced that the rights under the amendment of Hindu Succession Act, 1956 is applicable only to living daughters. However, in the recent judgement, the apex court nullifies the previous pronouncement. The Supreme Court’s Decision will also affect the State Subjects of disputed Jammu and Kashmir State. Previously, women hailing from Jammu and Kashmir who choose to marry men from outside the state do not lose their residency and inheritance rights under Article 35A of the Constitution. This issue was settled by a full bench of Jammu and Kashmir High Court in the case titled State and others versus Dr Susheela Sawhney and others in October 2002 by striking down the proviso of the state subject (permanent residency) law according to which women marrying outsiders would lose their permanent resident status."

If we recall, in December 2019, Khatija Taj, born in Pakistan had migrated to Jammu and Kashmir after her marriage with Muhammad Taj. The deputy Commissioner of Poonch, Rahul Yadav said that Khatija has been issued a certificate of registration, granting Indian citizenship under Section 5(1)(c) of the Citizenship Act, 1955. The same was granted on the basis of her marriage to an Indian citizen.

It is important to highlight here that the India government intentionally kept the Kashmiris of Jammu and Kashmir state underdeveloped and backward. Now, the Indians including the citizens of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, who marries the women of Indian, held Jammu and Kashmir State would be entitled to inheritance of full share in the property equal to the male claimants. It is also important to mention here that India Armed Forces and Security Forces have killed thousands of male members of Kashmir Muslims in fake encounters, those Indian who marry these Kashmiri widows and their daughters would be entitled full share in the property.

NEW DELHI, 11 August 2020, TON: High-powered special panel headed by Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and comprising other officers, including Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir submitted before the Supreme Court of India bench today that the Committee has decided that 4G internet services can be allowed on a trial basis in one district each of Jammu and Kashmir divisions
If we recall, in May 2020, the Supreme Court of India bench comprising of Justices N V Ramana, R Subhash Reddy and B R Gavai declined to pass any order on the restoration of Internet services in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the bench directed Indian Government for immediate setting up of a high-powered special panel headed by Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and comprising other officers, including Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, to decide the issue of restoring 4G internet services over there.
On 11 August 2020, Attorney General K K Venugopal submitted before a bench that the central committee would review the outcome of trial after a two-month period. The impact would also be examined by the state level committees periodically, at least once in seven working days. He, however, clarified that any opening on the trial basis should not be in any area adjoining the International Border or Line of Control. He clarified, "The area should have low intensity of terrorist activities and minimum spillover effect on neighbouring areas."
The special committee, which held its meeting on 10 August, revealed that in the given the current security scenario, both in Jammu and Kashmir and in neighbouring areas, "the overall situation is still not conducive to lifting the limited restrictions on high speed internet through mobile devices while allowing broadband and 2G across the board". However, the Special Committee was of the view that the present situation would permit a "carefully calibrated easing of some restrictions in limited and specified geographical areas which are which are comparatively less sensitive from national, internal, and border security and public order standpoint, subject to strict monitoring and periodical review". The government also maintained that internet speed-related restrictions were not posing any hindrance to COVID control measures, access to education programmes and business activities.

MOSCOW, 11 August 2020, TON: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday announced the launch of the world’s first Coronavirus vaccine and his own two daughters received vaccine shot. Russian Defence Ministry  has congratulated Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, which developed coronavirus vaccine.

 President Vladimir Putin declared, “The vaccine works quite effectively and forms a stable immunity”. He also asked Health Minister Mikhail Murashko to track of breakthrough and keep him informed about the vaccine.

The Russian Health Ministry revealed that the vaccine underwent the necessary tests. The vaccine’s registration is conditional and trials will be carried our till the time final production gets underway. It was also revealed that mass vaccinations could begin by October this year and individual belonging to risk groups, such as medical workers, will be offered the vaccine this month.

KARIPUR, 10 August 2020, TON: An Air India Express plane carrying 190 passengers skidded while landing at Karipur Airport in Kozhikode on evening 7 August 2020. At least 18 people including two pilots have lost their lives in the incident. Air India Express in a statement said, all the accident victims will be tested for COVID including those who killed in the crash as one victim has tested positive for Coronavirus. The injured are admitted to hospitals in Malappuram and Kozhikode. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakhs to the next of kin of each passenger who died in the Air India Express crash.

The crash incident in which flight from Dubai had which had 190 people on board will be formally investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to look into the cause of crash. As per the witnesses, the flight overshot the runway in rainy conditions, "went down 35-feet into a slope before breaking up into two pieces. It has also been decided that the Boeing technical team would be allowed to take part in the investigations. Although, it could not be confirmed but security agencies did not rule out sabotage by Indian rebel elements in North East, which claimed the responsibility.

KARU, 10 August 2020, TON: Indian General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command, Lieutenant General Yogesh Kumar Joshi has asked military commanders in Northern, Western and Eastern commands to be prepared for any eventuality and maintain highest operational preparedness.

The comment comes against the backdrop of tensions between India and Pakistan in the recent weeks. There are reports of mobilization of Indian troops along their un-demarcated areas in Siachen Glacier, Line of Control and Line of Actual Control border in the Western sector.

On Friday, Lieutenant General Yogesh Kumar Joshi was briefed by respective Division Commanders about their operational preparedness. General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command interacted with all the Divisional and Brigade Commanders and reviewed the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness. 

ISLAMABAD, 9 August 2020, TON: Iranian President Hassan Rohani announced that Muharram commemorations "cannot be canceled. Qom-based Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi was quoted as saying, "We have some principles that we cannot give up at all, including mourning in Muharram."  It has been reported that Minoo Mohraz, a physician who specializes in infectious diseases and is a member of Iran's task force to combat the coronavirus, warned that Muharram gatherings would be dangerous said,  "The coronavirus is only being transmitted in wedding ceremonies, Eids, prayers in Mosque.  Otherwise during Muharram mourning, the virus stands in a corner, beats its chest and weeps." Soon after the announcement by Iranian ledership, Pakistan has taken a lead and announced holding of  Majalis and Procession as well as Police operations against the others. It should be recalled that throughout the lockdown in Pakistan there was total ban on even offering Jumma prayers or normal congregation in the Mosques. However, after the Iranian announcement now Jumma prayers have been allowed.

A press release has been issued by authorities in Pakistan on 8^th August 2020 that security arrangements were discussed in a high level meeting, presided over by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad to devise an elaborate security plan and supervise all the arrangements by maintaining close liaison between police officials and peace committees, Majalis organizers and procession organizers. In a surprise move special cards would be issued to police deputed for security at religious gatherings and Imambargahs. Strict security and vigilance will be maintained at gatherings and participants through Safe City system. It has been announced that the entry of all kinds of vehicles in Imambargahs’ surroundings will be prohibited, and barbed wire will be placed around venues of gatherings while police officials will be deployed on the rooftops of buildings on procession routes. Safe City Director General has been ordered to monitor all kinds of movement around imambargahs and religious gatherings using CCTV cameras. Large strength of police has been deputed everywhere throughout the country and all Superintendent of Police have been ordered to monitor search operations themselves and inform senior officials of progress on a daily basis.

Punjab Home Department while issuing security guidelines for Ashura-e-Muharram has decided to call army and Rangers for maintaining law and order during the holy month of Muharram. Additionally, the department has issued instructions to all deputy commissioners and DPOs to make security plans and point out sensitive places. It was decided that mobile phone services would not be available on the Ashura while ban on pillion riding was under consideration, said the sources. According to sources, police guidelines have been sent to administration of all districts of the province. Leaves of police officials will be cancelled. Other provinces have also decided to call army and Rangers for maintaining law and order during the Muharram.

WASHINGTON, 7 August 2020, TON: A panel of the United States House of Representatives expressed concern over continued lack of normalcy in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoJ&K) on Thursday, 6 August 2020.

The panel of the US House of Representatives; Chairman of the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Eliot Engel and Michael T McCaul wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday – a year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in New Delhi stripped off the special status of disputed Jammu and Kashmir and divided the State into two Union Territories with India.

As per the details, panel of the US House of Representatives expressed strong “bipartisan support” for the US-India relations but noted with concern that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir had not normalized, a year after the Modi Government’s 5 August  2019 move on the status of disputed Jammu and Kashmir State.

India reacting over the letter Anurag Srivastava, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said, “There have been several positive changes in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir over the past one year, be it in terms of ensuring good governance or socio-economic development or justice to the disadvantaged sections of the population” adding, New Delhi will be happy to brief the US Congress on positive changes and return of normalcy. 

If we recall, Indian External Affairs Minister cancelled meeting with US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal in December last year over her report on Kashmir. He said, “I don't think the report is fair understanding of situation in Jammu and Kashmir or fair characterization of what Government of India is doing. I have no interest in meeting her.”

Ever since the India illegitimate action of 5 August,, the disputed Jammu and Kashmir State and adjoining regions witnessed strong protests and security forces used third degree methods to control the masses. Thousands of Kashmiris were picked up from their homes and are being continuously harassed since 5 August 2019. In most of the cases there whereabouts are not know. Despite arrests and detention of thousands of people, including three politicians and people from other walk of lives, protests against the move were continued. The Kashmiris have decided that they would not sit idle and continue their peaceful struggle to acquire their right of self-determination which has been guaranteed by international law and supported by United Nations Security Council Resolutions.