Page 39 - Religion Belief

Former Kerala PSC chairman Radhakrishnan joins BJP

Former Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman K. S. Radhakrishnan on Sunday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party here in the presence of party chief Amit Shah.

Protesters hold symbolic funeral in Istanbul for New Zealand victims

Hundreds of protesters held a symbolic funeral in Istanbul on Saturday to mourn the deaths of 49 people murdered in attacks on two New Zealand mosques. The right-wing extremist charged over the attacks in Christchurch apparently published a manifesto online that Turkish media said contained specific references to Turkey and ridding the famed Hagia Sophia in Istanbul of its minarets. On Saturday around 500 protesters gathered outside the Hagia Sophia, which is now a museum but was once a church before being turned into a mosque during the Ottoman empire. The crowds of mainly nationalist and Islamic groups unfurled banners that read "Muslims, stand tall!" and "Muslims, unite!" and conducted a short prayer service for the victims. Police stepped up security around the building, with dozens of officers flanking the demonstration, some on horse back and others carrying riot shields. "Everyone is aware of the rising Islamophobia all over the world; assailants find the courage to launch such

Man found dead in Ghantasala canal

A 26-year-old man was found dead in a canal in Krishna district's Ghantasala mandal on Saturday, police said. The deceased, identified as Akkhar Akhim, was a welder in Challapalli mandal in Krishna district, said Ghantasala Sub-Inspector Shanmukha Sai. Locals found his body wrapped in a sari in the canal, he said. The police found a suspected suicide note, where Akhim is believed to blame the family of his lover for the extreme step. The girl, who belongs to the same mandal, was set to be engaged on Saturday, police said. The body was sent to Avanigadda Government Hospital for post-mortem. A case was registered and investigation is on, police said.

Apna Dal Krishna Patel faction joins Congress

Apna Dal's Krishna Patel faction forged an alliance with Congress on Saturday and finalised seat-sharing arrangement for upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh.As per the arrangement, Apna Dal will be contesting from Basti and Pilibhit parliamentary constituencies of Uttar Pradesh.Pankaj Niranjan Singh Chandel, son-in-law of Krishna Patel, has also taken membership of the Congress.Earlier on March 16, Apna Dal (S), a faction led by Anupriya Patel had entered into an alliance with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for upcoming Lok Sabha elections and will be contesting on two seats in Uttar Pradesh.

Missing Hyderabad man Farhaj Ahsan killed in New Zealand terror attack

A man from Hyderabad, who was missing since Friday following the "well-planned" terror attack on Al Noor mosque in Christchurch in New Zealand, has been declared dead by the authorities in New Zealand on Saturday.The deceased, named Farhaj Ahsan, went to the mosque for Friday's prayers but went missing after the attacks.Ahsan's father had earlier told ANI: "My son went to the mosque to offer Friday prayers. My son has not returned yet."Meanwhile, the family members of the deceased are planning to go to New Zealand. Nobody was willing to speak to the media amid the sad reports of Ashan's death.In the worst ever terror attack in New Zealand, multiple gunmen carried out indiscriminate shootings at two mosques in Christchurch during the Friday prayers, leaving 49 people dead and at least 48 wounded.Using automatic weapons, the gunmen, four of whom have been taken into custody, launched a "well-planned" attack on the mosques when devotees had assembled for the weekly prayers.External ...

Cong seals alliance with Apna Dal, gives 2 Lok Sabha seats in UP

The Congress on Saturday finalised the seat-sharing agreement with the Apna Dal led by Krishna Patel and allocated it two Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. The Apna Dal will contest from two parliamentary constituencies -- Basti and Gonda, the Congress announced. Pankaj Niranjan Singh Chandel, the son-in-law of Patel, joined the Congress in the presence of party president Rahul Gandhi and general secretaries Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Jyotiraditya Scindia. Patel was also present there. Krishna Patel's daughter and union minister Anupriya Patel, who leads the Apna Dal (Sonelal), has tied up with the BJP on Friday. BJP president Amit Shah announced the agreement on Twitter, saying that Apna Dal (S) leader and Union minister Anupriya Patel would again contest from Mirzapur. Shah said the second seat would be finalised later after deliberations between leaders of both the parties. Uttar Pradesh has 80 Lok Sabha seats.

Kerala nun rape case: Nun who protested against Bishop Mulakkal receives show cause notice from FCC

Sister Lucy Kalappura, one of the nuns who had participated in the protest against rape-accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal, received fresh show cause notice from Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC) on March 12. As per the notice, she has to give an explanation before April 16.The 18-page letter, written by Superior General Ann Joseph, states that she has "prima facie violated vow of obedience".Alleging that the replies given so far are not adequate and satisfactory, the letter said, "His/her rights about marriage and family are conditioned by the obligations undertaken by that marriage. He/she cannot simply argue based on the fundamental human rights that I have the right and freedom to share my love and life with anyone of my choice".The letter has also accused Kalappura of not paying salary to the congregation since December 2017. It claims that she was enjoying the fruits of FCC membership like free food and accommodation and has also stated that she can leave the congregation if she

Muslim man assaulted in London post-New Zealand terror attack

A Muslim man here was beaten with a hammer and a batten outside a mosque in east London on Friday, hours after 49 people were killed in the terror attack on two mosques in New Zealand.The assaulters shouted abusive words with Islamophobic content as they drove past the mosque and called people attending Friday prayers as terrorists, Al Jazeera reported citing sources.In a video filmed by eyewitnesses, one of the attackers climbed out of a blue car and attacked a worshipper with a hammer. The 27-year-old victim suffered head injuries.When others started chasing, the attacker was seen clinging to the car's bonnet in an attempt to get away.Following the attack at Christchurch in New Zealand, British police have beefed up security around mosques.In a statement issued, London's Mayor Sadiq Khan said the city stands with the people of Christchurch in the face of this horrific terror attack."London will always celebrate the diversity that some seek to destroy ... I want to reassure the ...

Pak high commissioner offers prayers at Ajmer Sharif

Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood offered prayers at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan on Saturday, where the 807th Urs festival is currently underway. The Urs is an annual festival held at the dargah to commemorate the death anniversary of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. Mahmood presented the traditional chadar on behalf of the people and the Pakistan government, a statement by the Pakistan High Commission said. The high commissioner said Sufi saints like Khwaja Ghareeb Nawaz, Hazrat Baba Farid and Nizamuddin Auliya formed an immutable and eternal bond between the peoples of Pakistan and India, the statement said. Mahmood expressed the hope that the message and illustrious example of these Sufi saints would continue to serve as a guiding light in tackling present-day challenges and also help the two countries develop a relationship based on better mutual understanding, it added.

Pakistan High Commissioner to India Mahmood lays traditional Chaddar at Dargah Ajmer Sharif

Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood visited the Dargah of Hazrat Khwaja Syed Moinuddin Hasan Chishti (RA) in Ajmer Sharif on Saturday where the celebrations of his 807th annual Urs are currently underway.A press release from Pakistan High Commission in India read, "The High Commissioner presented the traditional chaddar on behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan and offered dua (prayers)."Mahmood was greeted by Syed Natiq Chishti and Syed Bilal Chishti as well as other notable members of the Anjuman Moinia Fakhria Chishtia Khuddam Sahib upon his arrival at the Dargah Sharif.Khwaja Ghareeb Nawaz, as he is popularly known among his followers, Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Ajmeri (RA) is one of the most revered Sufi saints of the subcontinent. He is the founder of the Chishtia order in the region. On his annual Urs, devotees from all across the world including Pakistan visit the Dargah.In his remarks on the occasion, the High Commissioner stated that Hazrat ...

Charge sheet against accused Kerala Bishop soon

A top Kerala Police officer has assured a group of nuns that the charge sheet against Bishop Franco Mulakkal, accused of repeatedly raping a nun over several years, will be ready in three to four days, one of the nuns said.

New Zealand shooting: Christchurch Muslims struggle with shock, fear

"I'm thinking what's going to happen the next time... it could be more people targeting somewhere else."

Pakistani mullahs in league with terrorists, responsible for acts like Pulwama attack: Ahmadiyyas

The Pakistan government has given a free hand to the 'mullahs' (Muslim clergymen) who closely collaborate with terrorist groups and create problems worldwide, like the recent terror attack in Pulwama, leaders of the country's persecuted Ahmadiyya community said here on Saturday.The leaders of the Ahmadiyya community, a minority sect of Muslims, also highlighted how in Pakistan they are being denied even the basic rights like practising their religion and voting besides being targeted with false cases of blasphemy.During an event held here on the sidelines of a conference of the UN Human Rights Session (UNHRC), the community leaders sought to draw the international focus on Pakistan-bred terrorism besides demanding an amendment to the draconian laws targeting them in Pakistan."The Government of Pakistan has given a free hand to 'mullahs' and they hold the writ of the government," said Iftikhar Ayaz, an Ahmadiyya leader and chairman of London-based International Human Rights ...

Cricketing fraternity condemns Christchurch terror attack

The cricketing fraternity condemned the Christchurch terror attack and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. "Shocking and tragic. My heart goes out to the ones affected by this cowardly act at Christchurch. Thoughts with the Bangladesh team as well, stay safe," Indian captain Virat Kohli tweeted."Heartbreaking news coming out from New Zealand. What's happened to humanity?," Rohit Sharma tweeted."Still struggling to comprehend why... we are all one people... I don't understand how such hatred can manifest itself like this disgusting," Kiwi bowler Mitchell McClenaghan wrote on his Twitter account."Went to New Zealand recently. It's such a beautiful and peace-loving country. Sad to hear about what happened there. Praying for the families of the deceased," Shikhar Dhawan tweeted."Why? Why? Once again a cowardly disgusting attack on innocent people's lives .. Thoughts & prayers with everyone affected in NZ .. !!," England's former captain Michael Vaughan ...

B-Town condemns New Zealand mass shooting

Bollywood celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher and Sonam Kapoor Ahuja among many others, condemned the attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, which killed 49 people.

Devotees erased TN temple lotus motif: Official

The lotus motif drawn by the devotees on the walls of Tamil Nadu's Srivilliputhur Andal temple was perhaps masked by themselves and not temple authorities, said a temple official on Saturday.

If God cannot fulfill your wishes, how can an MP: Mahesh Sharma in Bulandshahr

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Union Minister of State for Tourism and Culture Mahesh Sharma, while addressing a gathering here, asked how a Member of Parliament (MP) can fulfill wishes of people when God himself cannot. Sharma, who was speaking at a rally in Bulanshahr on March 14, was heard saying: "The biggest fool is God. When God has sent us into the world, then it is his responsibility to arrange for our bread, cloth, house, employment, education for our children. Even today, people in other districts, including eastern Uttar Pradesh's Ballia, do not get enough food. When the children go to school, they fill the stomach with mid-day meal, the rest are hungry. If the God who created us cannot fulfil your wishes then how could an MP?"Sharma was addressing a public gathering on Thursday in Bhajan Lal temple in the city. He is also an MP from Gautam Buddh Nagar in Uttar Pradesh.

Imam of attacked New Zealand mosque says 'we still love this country'

An imam who was leading prayers at a Christchurch mosque when a gunman brandishing semi-automatic weapons mowed down his congregation said Saturday that the Muslim community's love for New Zealand would not be shaken by the massacre. "We still love this country," said Ibrahim Abdul Halim, imam of Linwood Mosque, vowing that extremists would "never ever touch our confidence". Halim gave a harrowing account of the moment during Friday prayers when gunshots rang out in the mosque, replacing peaceful reflection with screaming, bloodshed and death. "Everyone laid down on the floor, and some women started crying, some people died immediately," he said. But, he said, New Zealand Muslims still felt at home in the south Pacific nation. "My children live here" he said, adding, "we are happy". He said the majority of New Zealanders "are very keen to support all of us, to give us full solidarity", describing how strangers exchanged hugs with him on Saturday. "They start to... give me big hug, and

UN chief appalled at New Zealand mosque attack

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is "shocked and appalled at the terrorist attack" at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, his spokesperson said on Friday.

Security at US mosques tightened after Christchurch terror attacks

Security at mosques across the US was beefed up on Friday following the deadly mass shootings at two mosques in New Zealand's Christchurch city which killed 49 people.Law enforcement officials and political leaders condemned the terror attacks and assured the Muslim community that they would be protected while they continue to practice their faith freely, The New York Times reported.Nihad Awad, national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said that Muslims across the world were united against hate speech, adding that the attacks were a part of the rising incidents of intolerance in the US and abroad."We are united against hate speech that sees immigrants as invaders. One should not tolerate hate speech because hate speech leads to violence. Now we are looking at the result of hate speech," he said.In New York and other major cities in the country, security was beefed up around mosques. New York city mayor Mayor Bill de Blasio informed that police presence .