Jammu, Nov 24: While dubbing China as an anti-Muslim and a terrorist country, Jammu Muslim Front Friday criticized the Chinese government’s efforts to shut down mosques and the persecution of Muslim minorities.
Chairman Jammu Muslim Front, Shujah Zaffar in a statement to the news agency Kashmir News Trust said that in addition to closing mosques, China has been altering mosque architecture. He said these are the sheer examples of terrorism and Muslim world should take note of it.
Quoting a news report, Shujah Zaffar said that around 1300 mosques in Ningxia, about a third of the total number registered, have been closed since 2020. This figure does not include mosques closed or demolished due to their unofficial status, most of which occurred before 2020.
He criticized the government’s actions, stating that the closures and destruction of mosques represent a systematic effort to suppress Islam in China, contradicting the government’s claim of merely “consolidating” mosques.
Anjuman questions administration over undue restrictions on Jamia , Mirwaiz
Srinagar, Nov 24: Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar has expressed strong resentment against the administration for disallowing Friday prayers at the historic grand mosque for the seventh consecutive Friday today and placing Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq under house arrest, restricting him from carrying out his religious duties, terming it extremely unfortunate and reprehensible.
The Anjuman in a statement said, “On one hand, the government claims everyday that the situation in Kashmir is normal , but it is a pity that contrary to these claims, even on the seventh Friday, Jama Masjid was forcibly closed and the top religious leader of Kashmir, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq kept under house detention. This way, the centuries-old minbar and mihrab of Jama Masjid – the great place of worship in Kashmir – were again silent.”
Such hostile behaviour of the administration towards Jama Masjid and Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir is incomprehensible, the Auqaf said.
According to the administration, if Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir has been released from detention, then why is Jama Masjid being targeted and Mirwaiz Sahib not allowed to perform his religious responsibilities, the Anjuman asked.
Such actions hurt the religious sentiments of the people and tantamount to interfering in religious matters, the Auqaf said. It urged the administration to change its policy towards Jama Masjid and Mirwaiz and do away with undue restrictions.
Says supreme sacrifices offered by soldiers has raised morale of troops to fight terror more effectively; 20 to 25 terrorists still operating in Poonch-Rajouri areas; LG Manoj Sinha, DGP Swain pay floral tributes to fallen soldiers
Jammu, Nov 24: The northern army commander Lt General Upendra Dwivedi Friday said that slain terrorists in Rajouri encounter seems have been trained in Afghanistan and other countries and their killing was a major setback to “terrorism and its eco-system” in Rajouri-Poonch area.
Talking to reporters on the side-lines of a wreath laying ceremony of fallen soldiers including two captains in Jammu, the northern army commander Lt General Upendra Dwivedi said that the two slain terrorists were highly trained. “It seems that they were trained in Pakistan, Afghanistan and other countries,” he said as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
He said that the supreme sacrifices made by five army soldiers including two captains has raised the morale of troops and all are committed to eliminate the terrorists from the J&K soil.
Asked about the number of terrorists active in Peer Panjal range, the army officer said that killing of two highly trained terrorists in Rajouri gunfight has resulted in a major setback to terror and its ecosystem in the region. “The number of terrorists operating in the area may vary as Poonch and Rajouri are connected with the highway. At least 20 to 25 terrorists are still operating in the area and with the help of active support of police and human intelligence, we will be able to root out the terrorism within a year from the region,” he said. On Thursday, the army killed two terrorists in the Rajouri encounter and identified one of the slain as the top Lashkar-e-Toiba commander Qari of Pakistan. The army said slain Qari was an IED expert anda sniper trained to hide in caves and forests.
Meanwhile, LG Manoj Sinha and DGP RR Swain paid floral tributes to the fallen soldiers—(KNO)
Srinagar, Nov 23: Kashmiri journalist and editor of The Kashmir Walla magazine Fahad Shah, who was granted bail by Jammu and Kashmir high court last week, has been released from jail after 21 months.
Shah was released from Kot Balwal jail in Jammu on Wednesday and has reached home in Kashmir, his legal team said on Thursday.
“He was released yesterday after the high court granted him bail in a case filed by the state investigation agency(SIA),” said a member of his legal team.
The SIA of J&K Police had taken custody of Shah in May 2022 into the investigation of the FIR number 01/2022 registered at the Joint Interrogation Centre (JIC), in Jammu, in connection with the publication of an alleged seditious article in now defunct The Kashmir Walla in 2011, allegedly written by a Kashmiri scholar Abdul Aala Fazili. Shah was booked under UAPA.
Shah, 34, was arrested on February 4, 2022 by Pulwama police under the charges of allegedly glorifying militancy and sedition after running a story on an encounter. Besides the SIA case, the police had filed three separate first information reports (FIRs) against Shah in four years – one each in Srinagar, Pulwama and Shopian. The police accused him of glorifying terrorism, spreading fake news and inciting the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
On November 17, the Jammu wing of the high court, comprising justices Anil Sreedharan and ML Manhas, granted him bail in the alleged seditious article case.
In the case, the court quashed charges such as terror conspiracy (Section 18) and waging war against the country (Section 121) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and imputations, assertions prejudicial to national-integration (Section 153-B) of the Indian Penal Code.
Shah will, however, face trial under Section 13 (abetting unlawful activities) of the UA(P)A. He will also undergo trial for allegedly receiving foreign funds illegally.
The judgment, while noting the appellant’s assertion that despite being granted bail in Pulwama and Shopian cases, Shah was not released but the alleged article case was dug out from the past.
“However, the appellant was still not released, and his custody was shifted to Safa Kadal police station (in Srinagar) in another case registered at that police station. It is also averred that before the court of competent jurisdiction at Srinagar could decide his bail application, the appellant was taken into preventive detention under the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, 1978. It was in this backdrop that the current case against the appellant was dug out by the Respondent with the registration of the aforementioned FIR,” the court said.
The court said the act (of publication of the article) was allegedly done 11 years ago. “From then till date, no evidence has been brought on record that the offending article was responsible in provoking persons to take to militancy. Not a single witness says this,” it said.
While also putting the side of the state on record, the court said that the prosecution alleged that the appellant is part of an “operation to build and propagate the false narrative that is essential to sustain the secessionist cum terrorist campaign, the aim of which is to break the Indian union, secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India and accession to Pakistan”.–(Hindustan Times)
JAMMU, NOVEMBER 23: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today chaired a review meeting on the overall Power supply situation in the UT of Jammu Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad, Principal Secretary, Power Development Department; Sh Santosh D Vaidya, Principal Secretary Finance Department; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor and other senior officials.
Detailed discussions took place on various aspects to meet the high electricity demand in both Kashmir and Jammu Division.
During the meeting, the Lt Governor asked the Principal Secretary, Power Development Department, H. Rajesh Prasad for strict compliance of curtailment plans, uninterrupted and quality power in 100% smart metered feeders and timely replacement of damaged transformers to avoid any inconvenience to the people. He said the team on the ground must closely monitor the situation and take proactive actions to meet the peak electricity demand.
The Lt Governor also took appraisal of the status of the installation of smart meters, manpower and power infrastructure.
Rajouri, Nov 23: One more soldier has succumbed to his injuries at a hospital, taking the toll to five, including two officers, in the ongoing encounter in Rajouri.
Reliable sources told Kashmir Scroll that one more soldier succumbed this morning taking the toll to 5 including two officers in an ongoing encounter with militants in the Rajouri area of Jammu and Kashmir.
They said troops, including special forces, are deployed in the area after inputs were received about the movement of a group of militants in the area.
The 16 Corps Commander and Rashtriya Rifles commander are monitoring the operations closely, they added.
Pertinently, the encounter entered into the second day on Thursday in the woods of Rajouri where two militants are believed to be trapped. (KS)
SRINAGAR: In a recent forecast, the IMD anticipates light snowfall and rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir, courtesy of a western disturbance at 55 degrees. Additionally, central India is bracing for thunderstorms and hailstorms until November 26-27, all attributed to an oncoming western disturbance.
Understanding the role of western disturbances, which are extratropical storms originating from the Mediterranean or Caspian Sea, is crucial. These disturbances bring non-monsoonal rainfall to northwest India and usher in sudden winter rain in the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent, often accompanied by snow and fog.
Looking ahead to November 24-25, dark clouds are expected to gather over Northwest India, indicating a dynamic weather scenario in the region.
In a stunning turn of events at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Australia claimed its record-extending sixth Cricket World Cup crown, overcoming an undefeated Indian team. The hero of the match was Travis Head, whose remarkable innings of 137 led Australia to a six-wicket victory in front of a captivated audience of approximately 125,000 fans.
India, previously unbeaten in the tournament, set a target of 240 runs, but Head’s stellar performance turned the tide for Australia. The opener’s innings, which included a crucial partnership with Marnus Labuschagne (58), guided Australia to victory after an early setback left them at 3-47.
Match Summary
India
v
Australia
ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023
Final
Sunday 19 November 2023
Venue
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Umpires
Richard Illingworth & Richard Kettleborough
Australia won the toss and decided to bowl
India
240 (50 overs)
Lokesh Rahul 66
Mitchell Starc (3-55)
Australia
241-4 (43 overs)
Travis Head 137
Jasprit Bumrah (2-43)
Australia win by 6 wickets
Head’s century marked a historic moment as he joined the ranks of Ricky Ponting (2003) and Adam Gilchrist (2007) as the third Australian to achieve this feat in a men’s World Cup final. His contributions didn’t stop with the bat; Head also made a crucial diving catch to dismiss India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, for 47 runs.
Pat Cummins dismisses Virat Kohli as he chops the ball onto his stumps
Despite early threats to Head’s wicket from the skilled Indian bowlers, he showcased resilience and maturity in his innings. This incredible comeback story resonated with his teammates, with David Warner describing it as “magnificent,” and Captain Pat Cummins acknowledging it as the “ultimate gamble” that paid off.
Steve Smith opted not to review his LBW dismissal in the World Cup final
The partnership between Head and Labuschagne played a pivotal role in Australia’s triumph. Facing a challenging bowling attack, the duo navigated the tough conditions, with Labuschagne providing steady support. Head’s acceleration in the latter part of the innings, coupled with Labuschagne’s resilience, ensured Australia’s victory.
Travis Head’s historic innings for Australia in the World Cup nearly saw him carry his bat
The Australian pace trio, led by Cummins’s decision to bowl, set the stage for victory by taking crucial wickets, including the dismissal of India’s top-scorer, Virat Kohli. Cummins, expressing relief, noted that the team adapted well to the conditions and executed tight bowling.
Travis Head grabbed a spectacular catch to dismiss the Indian captain
In the end, Head’s outstanding performance, coupled with strong support from Labuschagne and the effective pace trio, secured Australia’s historic sixth Cricket World Cup title. The unexpected triumph left the Indian team in disbelief, acknowledging that Australia made all the right moves on the path to victory.
Captain Pat Cummins not only secured significant wickets but also displayed economic bowling for Australia
In an extraordinary display of cricket mastery, Virat Kohli etched his name into the annals of cricket history, steering India to a resounding victory over New Zealand and securing a coveted spot in the home World Cup final. The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai bore witness to India’s unbeaten run, propelling them to the tournament final for the first time since their triumphant 2011 campaign.
Kohli’s heroics unfolded as he notched up his record-breaking 50th ODI century, propelling India to an imposing total of 4-397. Overcoming a bout of hamstring tightness, Kohli’s century set the stage for a formidable run chase for New Zealand.
Match Summary
India
v
New Zealand
ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023
Semi Final 1
Wednesday 15 November 2023
Venue
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Umpires
Richard Illingworth & Rodney Tucker
India won the toss and decided to bat
India
397-4 (50 overs)
Virat Kohli 117
Tim Southee (3-100)
New Zealand
327 (48.5 overs)
Daryl Mitchell 134
Mohammed Shami (7-57)
India win by 70 runs
The cricketing maestro’s departure at 117 paved the way for Shreyas Iyer, who added another century to India’s tally. New Zealand faced the daunting task of mounting the highest ODI run chase in the tournament’s history. Despite moments of resilience from openers Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, Mohammed Shami’s exceptional performance, claiming seven wickets, proved insurmountable for the Kiwis.
The partnership between Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell hinted at a possible turnaround, but India’s bowlers, led by Shami, maintained a relentless grip on the game. Mitchell’s valiant effort, scoring 134, eventually succumbed to Shami’s brilliance, leaving India triumphant with a commanding 70-run margin.
India’s Mohammed Shami secured a five-wicket haul. (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
As Kohli celebrated his milestone, surpassing cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, the significance of the moment was heightened. The elation in the stadium was palpable as Kohli ran past the bowling crease, acknowledging the adoring home crowd and sharing a heartfelt embrace with Tendulkar.
Reflecting on the historic achievement, Kohli expressed his gratitude, stating, “The great man [Tendulkar] just congratulated me… all of this feels like a dream, it feels surreal. I never thought I would be here in my career.” The moment became even more special as Tendulkar, present in the crowd, raised his arms above his head, applauding his former teammate.
In the aftermath of the scintillating victory, New Zealand’s captain, Kane Williamson, displayed grace in defeat, acknowledging India’s outstanding performance. He commended India as a top-class side with world-class batters, recognizing their dominance throughout the competition.
With this resounding triumph, India eagerly anticipates the final showdown, poised to face either Australia or South Africa in a bid to secure the coveted World Cup title.
On November 4 in Bengaluru, New Zealand and Pakistan will play in a virtual quarterfinal. Pakistan are back in contention for the semi-final race after New Zealand slumped to their third straight loss to South Africa.
A win should be enough for New Zealand to enter the top four owing to their healthy net run-rate (NRR) of 0.484, Pakistan have every chance to edge past them with a big victory in Bengaluru to better their NRR of -0.024. They need to win by a margin of either 84 runs or gun down any target with 15 overs to spare to climb to the fourth spot on the points table
However, the weather for the New Zealand-Pakistan match doesn’t look promising as rain is likely to intervene at some point.
AccuWeather predicts November 4 to be “mostly cloudy with a couple of showers and a thunderstorm in the afternoon”. There’s a 68 per cent probability of precipitation through the day, which reduces to 25 per cent at night according to AccuWeather.
BBC Weather’s rain predictor ranges from 50 per cent to 37 per cent during match hours on November 4, with temperatures supposed to range between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius
