Residents in low-lying areas in and around Prayagraj city say they are suffering hardships due to flooding caused by the continuous rise of water level of Ganga and Yamuna rivers.

Residents here said they are forced to wade through knee-deep water in order to reach from one place to another in the flood-affected region.

"This is a low-lying area and every two years there is a flooding situation here. The administration never cares about us and we bear the situation by ourselves," a local, Mohammad Ahmed Khan said.

"The water is rising every hour here. In 2013 and 2016 there were floods here. After that the government had assured us that the situation will not be repeated but nothing has changed here," he added.

"When Yamuna water rises, the water seeps into the area. We have vacated the low-lying areas and moved to safer places," Azhar Rizvi another local said.

Incessant rains have led to villages near the bank of the Ganges partially submerged in water.

Residents in low-lying areas in and around Prayagraj city say they are suffering hardships due to flooding caused by the continuous rise of water level of Ganga and Yamuna rivers.

Residents in low-lying areas in and around Prayagraj city say they are suffering hardships due to flooding caused by the continuous rise of water level of Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Residents here said they are forced to wade through knee-deep water in order to reach from one place to another in the flood-affected region. "This is a low-lying area and every two years there is a flooding situation here. The administration never cares about us and we bear the situation by ourselves," a local, Mohammad Ahmed Khan said. "The water is rising every hour here. In 2013 and 2016 there were floods here. After that the government had assured us that the situation will not be repeated but nothing has changed here," he added. "When Yamuna water rises, the water seeps into the area. We have vacated the low-lying areas and moved to safer places," Azhar Rizvi another local said. Incessant rains have led to villages near the bank of the Ganges partially submerged in water.

UP: Rise in Yamuna, Ganga water level leads to flooding in parts of Prayagraj

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's election rally was hit by a powerful blast in the country's central Parwan province on Tuesday, a security source confirmed to Sputnik.

Around 24 people are reported to have been killed in the incident, while 31 others were injured, reports said.

According to the source, the explosion was caused by a magnetic bomb planted in a car.

The twice-delayed Afghan presidential election is scheduled for September 28. The Taliban movement, which has been fighting the government for years, has threatened to disrupt the process.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's election rally was hit by a powerful blast in the country's central Parwan province on Tuesday, a security source confirmed to Sputnik.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's election rally was hit by a powerful blast in the country's central Parwan province on Tuesday, a security source confirmed to Sputnik. Around 24 people are reported to have been killed in the incident, while 31 others were injured, reports said. According to the source, the explosion was caused by a magnetic bomb planted in a car. The twice-delayed Afghan presidential election is scheduled for September 28. The Taliban movement, which has been fighting the government for years, has threatened to disrupt the process.

Afghanistan: Blast in President Ghani's election rally; several reportedly killed

The death toll in the Godavari riverboat capsize incident near Kacchuluru village rose to 25 on Tuesday as 17 more bodies were recovered, an NDRF official said.

The rescue team today recovered one body each from Pattiseema, Anguluru Coffer Dam and Polavaram Launch River while 10 bodies were recovered from Devipatnam.

The remaining bodies were recovered from Dawaleswaram and Atreyapuram Down Stream.

On Sunday, a tourist boat carrying 61 people on board capsized in the Godavari river.

It is believed that the accident took place due to overloading of the boat.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has announced Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia for the bereaved families.

He had also directed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Navy and ONGC helicopters to carry out the rescue operations on war-footing.

The death toll in the Godavari riverboat capsize incident near Kacchuluru village rose to 25 on Tuesday as 17 more bodies were recovered, an NDRF official said. The rescue team today recovered one body each from Pattiseema, Anguluru Coffer Dam and Polavaram Launch River while 10 bodies were recovered from Devipatnam.

The death toll in the Godavari riverboat capsize incident near Kacchuluru village rose to 25 on Tuesday as 17 more bodies were recovered, an NDRF official said. The rescue team today recovered one body each from Pattiseema, Anguluru Coffer Dam and Polavaram Launch River while 10 bodies were recovered from Devipatnam. The remaining bodies were recovered from Dawaleswaram and Atreyapuram Down Stream. On Sunday, a tourist boat carrying 61 people on board capsized in the Godavari river. It is believed that the accident took place due to overloading of the boat. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has announced Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia for the bereaved families. He had also directed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Navy and ONGC helicopters to carry out the rescue operations on war-footing.

Devipatnam boat tragedy: 17 more bodies recovered, toll rises to 25

Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said that the largest growth is coming from the Asia-Pacific and the countries of this region also face challenges that are "quite common".

Speaking at the Ninth Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation Forum (APTFF) organized by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and Ministry of Commerce, Goyal said,&nbsp;"This region holds 60 per cent of the world's population. The largest growth is coming from this region. We are very large economies and there are also small economies in the region".

"Many of the challenges are quite common. Environment, poverty, etc, are our prime challenges. All the countries in the region are looking together to engage with each other. We have several Sustainable Development Goals set up by the United Nations. We will achieve faster results on some goals like poverty, zero hunger, clean water and sanitation, and affordable and sustainable energy," he added.

Goyal further said that this forum will help those countries which are developing economies.

Speaking on the initiatives taken at the national level, Goyal said, "Jal shakti mission will help masses with clean water.

"Our clean energy programme is the most ambitious program in the world. I am confident that we will achieve our ambitious target of five trillion-dollar economy," he added.

Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said that the largest growth is coming from the Asia-Pacific and the countries of this region also face challenges that are "quite common".

Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said that the largest growth is coming from the Asia-Pacific and the countries of this region also face challenges that are "quite common". Speaking at the Ninth Asia-Pacific Trade Facilitation Forum (APTFF) organized by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and Ministry of Commerce, Goyal said, "This region holds 60 per cent of the world's population. The largest growth is coming from this region. We are very large economies and there are also small economies in the region". "Many of the challenges are quite common. Environment, poverty, etc, are our prime challenges. All the countries in the region are looking together to engage with each other. We have several Sustainable Development Goals set up by the United Nations. We will achieve faster results on some goals like poverty, zero hunger, clean water and sanitation, and affordable and sustainable energy," he added. Goyal further said that this forum will help those countries which are developing economies. Speaking on the initiatives taken at the national level, Goyal said, "Jal shakti mission will help masses with clean water. "Our clean energy programme is the most ambitious program in the world. I am confident that we will achieve our ambitious target of five trillion-dollar economy," he added.

Largest growth coming from the Asia-Pacific region: Piyush Goyal

Central Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday filed an application in a special court in Delhi&nbsp;seeking permission to interrogate Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, inside Tihar Jail.

Judge Arvind Kumar has sought the response of Michel on the application.

The investigative agency has also sought a specimen of his signature and handwriting for the probe.

In its application, CBI told the court that Michel needs to be confronted with some more documents.

The next hearing on the matter will be held on September 20 as Michel's lawyer Aljo K Joseph has sought time to file a response.

Michel will also be produced in the court on September 20.

Observing that the accusations against Michel are serious, a Delhi court had on September 7 dismissed his bail plea.

Micheal, in his bail plea, contended that he should be granted bail since he has been in custody for the last 375 days, including the days spent in Dubai jail during his extradition proceedings.

Michel was extradited from Dubai last year and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with alleged irregularities in the chopper deal.

While the CBI is probing his alleged role as a "middleman" in the deal, the Enforcement Directorate is investigating money laundering charges against him.

Central Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday filed an application in a special court in Delhi seeking permission to interrogate Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, inside Tihar Jail.

Central Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday filed an application in a special court in Delhi seeking permission to interrogate Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, inside Tihar Jail. Judge Arvind Kumar has sought the response of Michel on the application. The investigative agency has also sought a specimen of his signature and handwriting for the probe. In its application, CBI told the court that Michel needs to be confronted with some more documents. The next hearing on the matter will be held on September 20 as Michel's lawyer Aljo K Joseph has sought time to file a response. Michel will also be produced in the court on September 20. Observing that the accusations against Michel are serious, a Delhi court had on September 7 dismissed his bail plea. Micheal, in his bail plea, contended that he should be granted bail since he has been in custody for the last 375 days, including the days spent in Dubai jail during his extradition proceedings. Michel was extradited from Dubai last year and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with alleged irregularities in the chopper deal. While the CBI is probing his alleged role as a "middleman" in the deal, the Enforcement Directorate is investigating money laundering charges against him.

AgustaWestland case: CBI seeks permission to interrogate Michel in Tihar Jail

In a bid to bolster military infrastructure along the China border, the Indian Air Force is set to operationalise its Vijaynagar Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday.

Eastern Air Commander Air Marshal R D Mathur and Eastern Army Commander Lieutenant General Anil Chauhan will jointly inaugurate resurfaced Vijaynagar ALG on September 18, Defence Spokesperson (Shillong) Wing commander Ratnakar Singh said today.

The officials will land at Vijayanagar ALG in AN-32, a turboprop twin-engined military transport aircraft. Vijaynagar is situated in a remote corner of the state and is not connected with any motorable road.

The area is important as it is close to the borders with China and Myanmar.

A total of eight ALGs have been revived for operations by the Indian Air Force as part of steps to strengthen military infrastructure along the China border.

Other seven ALG which have been made operational by EAC are Pasighat, Mechuka, Walong, Tuting, Ziro, Along and Tawang.

Vijaynagar ALG has been non-operational for fixed-wing operations since 2016 due to want of repair and up-gradation of its facilities there.

In a bid to bolster military infrastructure along the China border, the Indian Air Force is set to operationalise its Vijaynagar Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday.

In a bid to bolster military infrastructure along the China border, the Indian Air Force is set to operationalise its Vijaynagar Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday. Eastern Air Commander Air Marshal R D Mathur and Eastern Army Commander Lieutenant General Anil Chauhan will jointly inaugurate resurfaced Vijaynagar ALG on September 18, Defence Spokesperson (Shillong) Wing commander Ratnakar Singh said today. The officials will land at Vijayanagar ALG in AN-32, a turboprop twin-engined military transport aircraft. Vijaynagar is situated in a remote corner of the state and is not connected with any motorable road. The area is important as it is close to the borders with China and Myanmar. A total of eight ALGs have been revived for operations by the Indian Air Force as part of steps to strengthen military infrastructure along the China border. Other seven ALG which have been made operational by EAC are Pasighat, Mechuka, Walong, Tuting, Ziro, Along and Tawang. Vijaynagar ALG has been non-operational for fixed-wing operations since 2016 due to want of repair and up-gradation of its facilities there.

IAF to operationalise air field in Arunachal Pradesh near China border

Political activists from Pakistan have requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak about the human rights violations in Sindh and other provinces during the upcoming UN General Assembly session.

Speaking at "Conference on minorities and democratic process in Pakistan" during the 42nd Session of Human Rights Council, Munawar Sufi Laghari, Executive director of Sindhi Foundation said, "The difficulty in Sindh is the fear,&nbsp;The most difficult challenge is to overcome that fear. This cannot be overcome inside the Sindh, so the only hope is outside. And my emphasis is that the UN and other countries like the US. I am suggesting that Prime Minister Modi is coming to the United Nations, he must mention about the Sindh because India has also got one of its name from the Sindh and lot of Sindhis are living in India and outside".

"At least he (Modi) can talk about human rights, he can talk about religious freedom as what America talks about. Recently, a conference on religious freedom was held in Washington DC," Laghari said.

Activists and experts from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), Balochistan and Afghanistan also participated in the event.

Taj Baloch, Head of Human Rights Council of Balochistan said, "The situation has become worse because the international community has been silent on atrocities in Balochistan. In the beginning, it was enforced disappearances, then the "kill and dump" began, then the burning of the villages. Now, technically, it shall be called genocide and ethnic cleansing. People are deprived of 'right to life'.They are picked up, killed and dumped. And, it has gone to the mass level".

Taj added, "International human rights bodies and United Nations should visit Balochistan and investigate the situation. They should stop Pakistan military from committing such war crimes and crimes against humanity".

Pakistan is not only blamed for human rights violations in its own country, but its engagement of promoting&nbsp;'jihad'&nbsp;in neighbouring Afghanistan is also condemned.

Bilal Sarwary, a journalist from Kabul, who participated at the event said, "Pakistan's role and the image have been extremely destructive. If we look to 2001, when the Taliban was removed from power, this was a new journey for Afghanistan - a fight for peace, a fight for better tomorrow.&nbsp;And unfortunately, Pakistan`s image in Afghanistan is often associated with roadside bombs, suicide attacks. It is not a secret that there are public gatherings, funds are being collected in the name of a holy war called `jihad`".

Political activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) who took part in the event also condemned Pakistan`s duplicity over handling of the Kashmir issue.

Political activists from Pakistan have requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak about the human rights violations in Sindh and other provinces during the upcoming UN General Assembly session.

Political activists from Pakistan have requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak about the human rights violations in Sindh and other provinces during the upcoming UN General Assembly session. Speaking at "Conference on minorities and democratic process in Pakistan" during the 42nd Session of Human Rights Council, Munawar Sufi Laghari, Executive director of Sindhi Foundation said, "The difficulty in Sindh is the fear, The most difficult challenge is to overcome that fear. This cannot be overcome inside the Sindh, so the only hope is outside. And my emphasis is that the UN and other countries like the US. I am suggesting that Prime Minister Modi is coming to the United Nations, he must mention about the Sindh because India has also got one of its name from the Sindh and lot of Sindhis are living in India and outside". "At least he (Modi) can talk about human rights, he can talk about religious freedom as what America talks about. Recently, a conference on religious freedom was held in Washington DC," Laghari said. Activists and experts from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), Balochistan and Afghanistan also participated in the event. Taj Baloch, Head of Human Rights Council of Balochistan said, "The situation has become worse because the international community has been silent on atrocities in Balochistan. In the beginning, it was enforced disappearances, then the "kill and dump" began, then the burning of the villages. Now, technically, it shall be called genocide and ethnic cleansing. People are deprived of 'right to life'.They are picked up, killed and dumped. And, it has gone to the mass level". Taj added, "International human rights bodies and United Nations should visit Balochistan and investigate the situation. They should stop Pakistan military from committing such war crimes and crimes against humanity". Pakistan is not only blamed for human rights violations in its own country, but its engagement of promoting 'jihad' in neighbouring Afghanistan is also condemned. Bilal Sarwary, a journalist from Kabul, who participated at the event said, "Pakistan's role and the image have been extremely destructive. If we look to 2001, when the Taliban was removed from power, this was a new journey for Afghanistan - a fight for peace, a fight for better tomorrow. And unfortunately, Pakistan`s image in Afghanistan is often associated with roadside bombs, suicide attacks. It is not a secret that there are public gatherings, funds are being collected in the name of a holy war called `jihad`". Political activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) who took part in the event also condemned Pakistan`s duplicity over handling of the Kashmir issue.

PM Modi must raise issue of human rights violation in Pakistan at UNGA: Activists

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that reservation should be given to the "oppressed, Dalit, socially and economically backward sections," however thinking that a community will progress by reservation alone is not true.

Gadkari was addressing an event in Nagpur to mark the 60th Foundation Day of Mahatma Phule Education Society.

At the event, a few leaders of the Mali community demanded tickets and more representation for themselves ahead of the State Assembly elections. Later, Gadkari urged them to look beyond the demand for reservation.

"When people fail to get a ticket on the basis of their works (kartutva), then they bring forward the caste card," Gadkari said.

"George Fernandes belonged to which caste? He did not belong to any caste...He was a Christian. Indira Gandhi did not come to power because of her caste...Ashok Gehlot became the Chief Minister of Rajasthan after people from other caste groups supported him," he claimed.

Gadkari went on to say that earlier people told him that women should get reservation.

"I said yes they should definitely get it. But I immediately asked them, did Indira Gandhi get reservation? For several years she ruled the country and became popular...I asked whether Vasundhara Raje and Sushma Swaraj got reservation?" asked Gadkari.

Gadkari also added that reservation should be given to those "Who are oppressed, Dalit, socially and economically backward sections of the society."

"However, it is not true if someone says that just by giving reservation the community will progress. This is also not true that the communities which got maximum reservation progressed due to it," he stated.&nbsp;

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that reservation should be given to the "oppressed, Dalit, socially and economically backward sections," however thinking that a community will progress by reservation alone is not true.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that reservation should be given to the "oppressed, Dalit, socially and economically backward sections," however thinking that a community will progress by reservation alone is not true. Gadkari was addressing an event in Nagpur to mark the 60th Foundation Day of Mahatma Phule Education Society. At the event, a few leaders of the Mali community demanded tickets and more representation for themselves ahead of the State Assembly elections. Later, Gadkari urged them to look beyond the demand for reservation. "When people fail to get a ticket on the basis of their works (kartutva), then they bring forward the caste card," Gadkari said. "George Fernandes belonged to which caste? He did not belong to any caste...He was a Christian. Indira Gandhi did not come to power because of her caste...Ashok Gehlot became the Chief Minister of Rajasthan after people from other caste groups supported him," he claimed. Gadkari went on to say that earlier people told him that women should get reservation. "I said yes they should definitely get it. But I immediately asked them, did Indira Gandhi get reservation? For several years she ruled the country and became popular...I asked whether Vasundhara Raje and Sushma Swaraj got reservation?" asked Gadkari. Gadkari also added that reservation should be given to those "Who are oppressed, Dalit, socially and economically backward sections of the society." "However, it is not true if someone says that just by giving reservation the community will progress. This is also not true that the communities which got maximum reservation progressed due to it," he stated.

Not true that just by giving reservation, community will progress: Nitin Gadkari

When more than 730,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/600000-rohingyas-in-myanmar-still-at-serious-risk-of-genocide-united-nations-249971">Rohingya fled into Bangladesh from Myanmar </a>in 2017, Bangladeshi journalist Sharif Azad was sympathetic to the plight of his fellow Muslims, survivors of a military-led crackdown the United Nations has branded genocide.

The reporter, from the southern corner of Bangladesh that has become home to the world’s largest refugee settlement, said he wrote accounts of the traumatized, exhausted Rohingya and did what he could to help. 
“All the people did it,” said Azad, in his office near a bustling market outside the town of Cox`s Bazar.

"We provided the food. We provided land.”

Two years on, Azad runs a campaign against the Rohingya, aiming to see them confined to their camps behind barbed wire until they can be sent back to Myanmar.

“We will continue our movement until repatriation happens,” said Azad, who said his group now has 1,000 members, and is one of several that have sprung up with the same aims.

Most Rohingya Muslims are denied citizenship in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, where they are regarded as interlopers, illegal immigrants from South Asia.

Rohingya were driven from their villages in Myanmar into Bangladesh in the 1970s and again in the 1990s, fleeing what they said was persecution at the hands of the Myanmar military.

But the latest influx has been the biggest.

Myanmar denies accusations of genocide. It says its armed forces have carried out legitimate operations against Rohingya militants who attacked security forces.

In Bangladesh, the deterioration of relations between the "host" community and the newcomers has been so precipitous some now fear serious violence.

"I`ve lived to see three influxes and this is the worst,” said Bangladeshi labourer Khadir Hussein, 60, in a tea shop in the border town of Teknaf. 
“We feel if they attack us, how will we survive? We`re a minority in our land.”

'Taking measures'

Many Bangladeshis accuse the Rohingya of crime, taking jobs and pushing down wages.

Once-lush forests have been cleared for the camps and the road to Cox`s Bazar, the nearest major town, is clogged with aid trucks. A trip that used to take an hour can now take four on rutted, broken roads.

Recently, a hundreds-strong mob blocked roads and destroyed shops frequented by Rohingya as well as some UN offices, in a protest against the killing of a Bangladeshi ruling party youth leader.

Several Rohingya accused of involvement in the murder were later shot dead in what the police said were gunfights.

Senior Cox’s Bazar police official Iqbal Hossain said there had been a rise in crime, though the rate among refugees was no higher than that among Bangladeshis.

He acknowledged the growing animosity towards the refugees. 
"This is going to be tough to control so many people,” he said. “The government is taking measures to prevent any untoward situation.”

In a bamboo camp shelter, four refugees who asked not to be identified said they had fled from their homes after the recent mob attack, scrambling to gather children and belongings, in a state of terror they likened to their panicked flight from Myanmar.

"When we came here, we came to save our lives,” said one refugee, his voice shaking,

"But here, we`re not safe. We`re very afraid.”

Bangladesh has said all of the Rohingya must go home but not one agreed to last month in a second bid to get a repatriation process going.&nbsp; 
Refugees cite fears of violence and persecution back in Myanmar.

'Bad elements'

With tension between the communities rising, authorities have clamped down, cutting the internet in the camps and trying to confiscate phones, citing security concerns.

The sale of phone SIM cards to refugees has been forbidden.

H.T. Imam, an adviser to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accused "foreign forces" of mobilising the Rohingya against Bangladesh`s interests. He called the role of international aid agencies "mysterious".

"It is becoming clear there are unwanted people and bad elements among the Rohingyas, and they have been used by foreign forces,” he said.

"The camps should be surrounded by barbed wire to stop all ... criminal activities.”

UNHCR spokeswoman Caroline Gluck said in an email the agency "would recommend the adoption of security measures that do not impact upon the ability of refugees to access basic services and rights and live safely".

Regarding the communication restrictions, she said: "Technology has been an important way for the refugees to communicate with family and friends, and humanitarian agencies to disseminate and access information.”

But technology has also been used to fuel fear and suspicion. 
A flurry of rumours about Rohingya and international aid groups has appeared on Facebook and in newspapers.

In August, Azad posted a photo on Facebook showing piles of sharp objects and accused a non-governmental group of hiring the shop making them to arm refugees. The post was shared hundreds of times.

But staff at the shop told Reuters the tools were not weapons and the Bangladeshi NGO caught up in the affair said they were weeding tools for villagers.

The febrile atmosphere is contributing to a sense of despair. 
“They have the pen, they have the gun, they have a country. I have nothing,” one Rohingya man told Reuters.

“Please pray for us,” he said.

When more than 730,000 Rohingya fled into Bangladesh from Myanmar in 2017, Bangladeshi journalist Sharif Azad was sympathetic to the plight of his fellow Muslims, survivors of a military-led crackdown the United Nations has branded genocide.

When more than 730,000 Rohingya fled into Bangladesh from Myanmar in 2017, Bangladeshi journalist Sharif Azad was sympathetic to the plight of his fellow Muslims, survivors of a military-led crackdown the United Nations has branded genocide. The reporter, from the southern corner of Bangladesh that has become home to the world’s largest refugee settlement, said he wrote accounts of the traumatized, exhausted Rohingya and did what he could to help. “All the people did it,” said Azad, in his office near a bustling market outside the town of Cox`s Bazar. "We provided the food. We provided land.” Two years on, Azad runs a campaign against the Rohingya, aiming to see them confined to their camps behind barbed wire until they can be sent back to Myanmar. “We will continue our movement until repatriation happens,” said Azad, who said his group now has 1,000 members, and is one of several that have sprung up with the same aims. Most Rohingya Muslims are denied citizenship in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, where they are regarded as interlopers, illegal immigrants from South Asia. Rohingya were driven from their villages in Myanmar into Bangladesh in the 1970s and again in the 1990s, fleeing what they said was persecution at the hands of the Myanmar military. But the latest influx has been the biggest. Myanmar denies accusations of genocide. It says its armed forces have carried out legitimate operations against Rohingya militants who attacked security forces. In Bangladesh, the deterioration of relations between the "host" community and the newcomers has been so precipitous some now fear serious violence. "I`ve lived to see three influxes and this is the worst,” said Bangladeshi labourer Khadir Hussein, 60, in a tea shop in the border town of Teknaf. “We feel if they attack us, how will we survive? We`re a minority in our land.” 'Taking measures' Many Bangladeshis accuse the Rohingya of crime, taking jobs and pushing down wages. Once-lush forests have been cleared for the camps and the road to Cox`s Bazar, the nearest major town, is clogged with aid trucks. A trip that used to take an hour can now take four on rutted, broken roads. Recently, a hundreds-strong mob blocked roads and destroyed shops frequented by Rohingya as well as some UN offices, in a protest against the killing of a Bangladeshi ruling party youth leader. Several Rohingya accused of involvement in the murder were later shot dead in what the police said were gunfights. Senior Cox’s Bazar police official Iqbal Hossain said there had been a rise in crime, though the rate among refugees was no higher than that among Bangladeshis. He acknowledged the growing animosity towards the refugees. "This is going to be tough to control so many people,” he said. “The government is taking measures to prevent any untoward situation.” In a bamboo camp shelter, four refugees who asked not to be identified said they had fled from their homes after the recent mob attack, scrambling to gather children and belongings, in a state of terror they likened to their panicked flight from Myanmar. "When we came here, we came to save our lives,” said one refugee, his voice shaking, "But here, we`re not safe. We`re very afraid.” Bangladesh has said all of the Rohingya must go home but not one agreed to last month in a second bid to get a repatriation process going. Refugees cite fears of violence and persecution back in Myanmar. 'Bad elements' With tension between the communities rising, authorities have clamped down, cutting the internet in the camps and trying to confiscate phones, citing security concerns. The sale of phone SIM cards to refugees has been forbidden. H.T. Imam, an adviser to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accused "foreign forces" of mobilising the Rohingya against Bangladesh`s interests. He called the role of international aid agencies "mysterious". "It is becoming clear there are unwanted people and bad elements among the Rohingyas, and they have been used by foreign forces,” he said. "The camps should be surrounded by barbed wire to stop all ... criminal activities.” UNHCR spokeswoman Caroline Gluck said in an email the agency "would recommend the adoption of security measures that do not impact upon the ability of refugees to access basic services and rights and live safely". Regarding the communication restrictions, she said: "Technology has been an important way for the refugees to communicate with family and friends, and humanitarian agencies to disseminate and access information.” But technology has also been used to fuel fear and suspicion. A flurry of rumours about Rohingya and international aid groups has appeared on Facebook and in newspapers. In August, Azad posted a photo on Facebook showing piles of sharp objects and accused a non-governmental group of hiring the shop making them to arm refugees. The post was shared hundreds of times. But staff at the shop told Reuters the tools were not weapons and the Bangladeshi NGO caught up in the affair said they were weeding tools for villagers. The febrile atmosphere is contributing to a sense of despair. “They have the pen, they have the gun, they have a country. I have nothing,” one Rohingya man told Reuters. “Please pray for us,” he said.

Rohingya in Bangladesh face tide of hostility as welcome turns to fear

A Pakistani pop star Rabi Pirzada, whose video of threatening Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Kashmir issue with snakes and crocodiles went viral, has been fined for keeping exotic animals at her beauty salon.

Pakistan`s Punjab Wildlife Protection and Parks Department has initiated legal action against Pirzada for keeping exotic animals including an alligator, four pythons and snakes as pets at her beauty salon, The News International reported.

In a video that went viral, Pirzada was seen cradling a python while several other reptiles including snakes and an alligator were seen slithering on the floor.&nbsp;

She berated India for revoking special status of Jammu and Kashmir and lashed out at Modi.

"As a Kashmiri girl, I am ready with all these snakes to gift it to PM Narendra Modi. All my friends are however peace friendly," she said in the video, before breaking into a song to show her solidarity towards the people of Kashmir.

On August 17, Pirzada released a song on Kashmir issue on her Twitter handle.&nbsp;

In another tweet, she said, "We Kashmiri`s love Pakistan, always have, always will."

DG Wildlife Protection Sohail Ashraf told media that keeping exotic animals including alligators, pythons, snakes and other reptiles as pets was a violation of the Wildlife Act.

The officer said Rabi Pirzada had regularly been uploading videos and photographs of these animals, which prompted action against her. Rabi would have to hand over all these animals to the Wildlife Protection Department, he further added.

While talking to a Pakistani news channel, Pirzada chided the department for taking action against her while citing the video in which she was threatening Modi.

"What will India say, that she is facing the law for carrying out a video against Modi, I would`ve respected Wildlife if they would`ve done this before the video," she said.

A Pakistani pop star Rabi Pirzada, whose video of threatening Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Kashmir issue with snakes and crocodiles went viral, has been fined for keeping exotic animals at her beauty salon.

A Pakistani pop star Rabi Pirzada, whose video of threatening Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Kashmir issue with snakes and crocodiles went viral, has been fined for keeping exotic animals at her beauty salon. Pakistan`s Punjab Wildlife Protection and Parks Department has initiated legal action against Pirzada for keeping exotic animals including an alligator, four pythons and snakes as pets at her beauty salon, The News International reported. In a video that went viral, Pirzada was seen cradling a python while several other reptiles including snakes and an alligator were seen slithering on the floor. She berated India for revoking special status of Jammu and Kashmir and lashed out at Modi. "As a Kashmiri girl, I am ready with all these snakes to gift it to PM Narendra Modi. All my friends are however peace friendly," she said in the video, before breaking into a song to show her solidarity towards the people of Kashmir. On August 17, Pirzada released a song on Kashmir issue on her Twitter handle. In another tweet, she said, "We Kashmiri`s love Pakistan, always have, always will." DG Wildlife Protection Sohail Ashraf told media that keeping exotic animals including alligators, pythons, snakes and other reptiles as pets was a violation of the Wildlife Act. The officer said Rabi Pirzada had regularly been uploading videos and photographs of these animals, which prompted action against her. Rabi would have to hand over all these animals to the Wildlife Protection Department, he further added. While talking to a Pakistani news channel, Pirzada chided the department for taking action against her while citing the video in which she was threatening Modi. "What will India say, that she is facing the law for carrying out a video against Modi, I would`ve respected Wildlife if they would`ve done this before the video," she said.

Pakistani pop star lands in legal trouble after threatening PM Modi with snakes, python

<div class="content">
Ahead of the assembly elections in Maharashtra, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-chief-minister-devendra-fadnavis-to-discuss-state-cabinet-expansion-with-uddhav-thackeray-227250">Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis</a> said on Monday that his party was undergoing talks with Shiv Sena regarding seat-sharing.

He further added that a decision for the same will be taken soon.

Meanwhile, several reports speculate that Shiv Sena was thinking on contesting the elections all alone, without the alliance partner BJP.

Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray has reportedly asked his partymen to remain prepared to contest the upcoming assembly election without an alliance with the BJP, a report stated.

The two parties are under tussle over the number of seats for the polls.

Days before, sharing a stage with PM Modi, Thackeray had said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bjp-holds-the-aces-in-maharashtra-as-sena-has-to-play-second-fiddle-248814">alliance between BJP and Shiv Sena</a> for the assembly election was "inevitable".
</div>

Ahead of the assembly elections in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Monday that his party was undergoing talks with Shiv Sena regarding seat-sharing.

Ahead of the assembly elections in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Monday that his party was undergoing talks with Shiv Sena regarding seat-sharing. He further added that a decision for the same will be taken soon. Meanwhile, several reports speculate that Shiv Sena was thinking on contesting the elections all alone, without the alliance partner BJP. Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray has reportedly asked his partymen to remain prepared to contest the upcoming assembly election without an alliance with the BJP, a report stated. The two parties are under tussle over the number of seats for the polls. Days before, sharing a stage with PM Modi, Thackeray had said that the alliance between BJP and Shiv Sena for the assembly election was "inevitable".

We'll soon take decision on seat sharing with Shiv Sena: Devendra Fadnavis

Indian and US Army soldiers were trained jointly on the howitzers and Chinook helicopters during their Yudh Abhyas 2019 exercise at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

The exercise "Yudh Abhyas" started on September 5 and will continue till September 18.&nbsp;

It is a part of the ongoing Indo-US defence cooperation.

Chinook and ultra-light howitzers have been acquired by India also and both would be used during Exercise HimVijay in Arunachal Pradesh near the China border in October.

This is the 15th edition of the joint exercise hosted alternately between the two countries.

Both armies are jointly training, planning and executing a series of well-developed operations for neutralisation of threats of varied nature.ln the end, a joint exercise will be undertaken by both countries in an operational setting under a UN mandate.&nbsp;

Indian and US Army soldiers were trained jointly on the howitzers and Chinook helicopters during their Yudh Abhyas 2019 exercise at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

Indian and US Army soldiers were trained jointly on the howitzers and Chinook helicopters during their Yudh Abhyas 2019 exercise at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. The exercise "Yudh Abhyas" started on September 5 and will continue till September 18. It is a part of the ongoing Indo-US defence cooperation. Chinook and ultra-light howitzers have been acquired by India also and both would be used during Exercise HimVijay in Arunachal Pradesh near the China border in October. This is the 15th edition of the joint exercise hosted alternately between the two countries. Both armies are jointly training, planning and executing a series of well-developed operations for neutralisation of threats of varied nature.ln the end, a joint exercise will be undertaken by both countries in an operational setting under a UN mandate.

Yudh Abhyas 2019: US, India troops train jointly on howitzers, Chinook helicopters

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Punitipandey

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.