Equity indices continued to slip during early hours on Friday in line with their Asian peers as investors remained cautious amid corporate results season.

At 10:15 am, the BSE S&amp;P Sensex was down 101 points at 37,730 while the Nifty 50 slipped 19 points to 11,234.

At the National Stock Exchange, sectoral indices were mixed with Nifty IT, media and metal in the red while PSU banks gained 1.7 per cent.

Among stocks, Indian Oil Corporation dropped by 2.6 per cent and traded at Rs 142.75 per share. Vedanta dropped by over 2 per cent, UPL by 1.8 per cent, Bharti Airtel by 1.5 per cent and ONGC by over 1 per cent.

However, Mahindra &amp; Mahindra and Bharti Infratel edged higher by 2 per cent. The other prominent gainers were Bajaj Finserv, Indiabulls Housing Finance and Zee Entertainment.

Meanwhile, Asian stocks retreated after their US counterparts fell from record highs amid mixed corporate earning results.

Stocks fell in Japan and South Korea while China and Hong Kong opened lower as the European Central Bank unexpectedly held interest rates steady.

Uncertainties over whether Washington and Beijing will be able to settle differences over trade kept many investors on guard. Negotiators from the two sides will meet in Shanghai next week.

Equity indices continued to slip during early hours on Friday in line with their Asian peers as investors remained cautious amid corporate results season. At 10:15 am, the BSE S&P Sensex was down 101 points at 37,730 while the Nifty 50 slipped 19 points to 11,234.

Equity indices continued to slip during early hours on Friday in line with their Asian peers as investors remained cautious amid corporate results season. At 10:15 am, the BSE S&P Sensex was down 101 points at 37,730 while the Nifty 50 slipped 19 points to 11,234. At the National Stock Exchange, sectoral indices were mixed with Nifty IT, media and metal in the red while PSU banks gained 1.7 per cent. Among stocks, Indian Oil Corporation dropped by 2.6 per cent and traded at Rs 142.75 per share. Vedanta dropped by over 2 per cent, UPL by 1.8 per cent, Bharti Airtel by 1.5 per cent and ONGC by over 1 per cent. However, Mahindra & Mahindra and Bharti Infratel edged higher by 2 per cent. The other prominent gainers were Bajaj Finserv, Indiabulls Housing Finance and Zee Entertainment. Meanwhile, Asian stocks retreated after their US counterparts fell from record highs amid mixed corporate earning results. Stocks fell in Japan and South Korea while China and Hong Kong opened lower as the European Central Bank unexpectedly held interest rates steady. Uncertainties over whether Washington and Beijing will be able to settle differences over trade kept many investors on guard. Negotiators from the two sides will meet in Shanghai next week.

Sensex down over 100 points in early trade, PSU banks gain

MPs from the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Friday gave Zero Hour notices in the Rajya Sabha over several issues.

SP MP Jaya Bachchan has given notice over 'plight of the entertainment industry in India' while another SP MP Ravi Prakash Verma gave the notice over 'need for legislation to prevent mob violence.'

TMC MP Dola Sen has submitted Zero Hour notice in the Upper House over 'demand to review the decision to privatise Indian ordnance factories.'

The Zero Hour refers to the time immediately following the Question Hour in both the Houses of Parliament. During this hour, parliamentarians can raise matters of great importance without the mandatory ten days advance notice.

On Thursday, the current session of Parliament was extended by two weeks up to August seven to enable passage of pending government legislations.&nbsp;

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi placed a proposal regarding this before the House and Speaker Om Birla then announced that the session has been extended up to August 7.

Under the original schedule, the session was to adjourn on July 25.

MPs from the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Friday gave Zero Hour notices in the Rajya Sabha over several issues. SP MP Jaya Bachchan has given notice over 'plight of the entertainment industry in India' while another SP MP Ravi Prakash Verma gave the notice over 'need for legislation to prevent mob violence.

MPs from the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Friday gave Zero Hour notices in the Rajya Sabha over several issues. SP MP Jaya Bachchan has given notice over 'plight of the entertainment industry in India' while another SP MP Ravi Prakash Verma gave the notice over 'need for legislation to prevent mob violence.' TMC MP Dola Sen has submitted Zero Hour notice in the Upper House over 'demand to review the decision to privatise Indian ordnance factories.' The Zero Hour refers to the time immediately following the Question Hour in both the Houses of Parliament. During this hour, parliamentarians can raise matters of great importance without the mandatory ten days advance notice. On Thursday, the current session of Parliament was extended by two weeks up to August seven to enable passage of pending government legislations. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi placed a proposal regarding this before the House and Speaker Om Birla then announced that the session has been extended up to August 7. Under the original schedule, the session was to adjourn on July 25.

MPs from Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress give Zero Hour notices in Rajya Sabha

President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday saluted the ''grit and valour of those who defended India on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shell-shocked-20-years-on-a-witness-recall-bloody-kargil-war-238138">20th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil War</a>.

''On Kargil Vijay Diwas, a grateful nation acknowledges the gallantry of our Armed Forces on the heights of Kargil in 1999. We salute the grit and valour of those who defended India, and record our everlasting debt to those who never returned,'' President tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
On Kargil Vijay Diwas, a grateful nation acknowledges the gallantry of our Armed Forces on the heights of Kargil in 1999. 
 
We salute the grit and valour of those who defended India, and record our everlasting debt to those who never returned. 
 
Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1154564701700755456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi also remembers his time during the Kargil War in 1999.

''During the Kargil War in 1999, I had the opportunity to go to Kargil and show solidarity with our brave soldiers. This was the time when I was working for my Party in J&amp;K as well as Himachal Pradesh. The visit to Kargil and interactions with soldiers are unforgettable,'' PM Modi tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
During the Kargil War in 1999, I had the opportunity to go to Kargil and show solidarity with our brave soldiers. 
 
This was the time when I was working for my Party in J&amp;K as well as Himachal Pradesh. 
 
The visit to Kargil and interactions with soldiers are unforgettable. <a href="https://t.co/E5QUgHlTDS">pic.twitter.com/E5QUgHlTDS</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1154581533098795008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The 20th-anniversary celebrations are being held at Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Jammu and Kashmir.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa and Ex-Army Chief General VP Malik participated in Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Kargil war victory at Kargil War Memorial.

Naik Deepchand from 1889 Missile regiment in Kargil War said, ''My battalion had fired 10,000 rounds during the war. I am proud of this fact. We had only one target in mind that is to defeat the enemy. I have come here to pay tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in Kargil War.''

The war memorial has around 500 tombstones with the name of soldiers inscribed in them.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;20 years of Kargil war

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-watch-20-years-of-kargil-war-230138/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Indian armed forces had defeated Pakistan on July 26, 1999. Since then, the day is celebrated as ''Kargil Vijay Diwas''.

Air Chief on Thursday said that Indian Air Force has changed a lot since Kargil War and the biggest change is in its ability for reconnaissance and surveillance.

''Air Force has changed a lot in the last 20 years and the biggest change that I think had taken place is in our ability for reconnaissance and surveillance. We could not pick up the intrusion before the Kargil operation," said Dhanoa.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday saluted the ''grit and valour of those who defended India on 20th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil War. ''On Kargil Vijay Diwas, a grateful nation acknowledges the gallantry of our Armed Forces on the heights of Kargil in 1999.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday saluted the ''grit and valour of those who defended India on 20th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil War. ''On Kargil Vijay Diwas, a grateful nation acknowledges the gallantry of our Armed Forces on the heights of Kargil in 1999. We salute the grit and valour of those who defended India, and record our everlasting debt to those who never returned,'' President tweeted. On Kargil Vijay Diwas, a grateful nation acknowledges the gallantry of our Armed Forces on the heights of Kargil in 1999. We salute the grit and valour of those who defended India, and record our everlasting debt to those who never returned. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 #PresidentKovind — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 26, 2019 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi also remembers his time during the Kargil War in 1999. ''During the Kargil War in 1999, I had the opportunity to go to Kargil and show solidarity with our brave soldiers. This was the time when I was working for my Party in J&K as well as Himachal Pradesh. The visit to Kargil and interactions with soldiers are unforgettable,'' PM Modi tweeted. During the Kargil War in 1999, I had the opportunity to go to Kargil and show solidarity with our brave soldiers. This was the time when I was working for my Party in J&K as well as Himachal Pradesh. The visit to Kargil and interactions with soldiers are unforgettable. pic.twitter.com/E5QUgHlTDS — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2019 × The 20th-anniversary celebrations are being held at Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Jammu and Kashmir. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa and Ex-Army Chief General VP Malik participated in Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Kargil war victory at Kargil War Memorial. Naik Deepchand from 1889 Missile regiment in Kargil War said, ''My battalion had fired 10,000 rounds during the war. I am proud of this fact. We had only one target in mind that is to defeat the enemy. I have come here to pay tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in Kargil War.'' The war memorial has around 500 tombstones with the name of soldiers inscribed in them. Watch: 20 years of Kargil war The Indian armed forces had defeated Pakistan on July 26, 1999. Since then, the day is celebrated as ''Kargil Vijay Diwas''. Air Chief on Thursday said that Indian Air Force has changed a lot since Kargil War and the biggest change is in its ability for reconnaissance and surveillance. ''Air Force has changed a lot in the last 20 years and the biggest change that I think had taken place is in our ability for reconnaissance and surveillance. We could not pick up the intrusion before the Kargil operation," said Dhanoa.

President Ram Nath Kovind hails soldiers on 20th anniversary of India's victory in Kargil War

Asian share prices opened a tad lower on Friday on mixed US earnings reports and the euro held above two-year lows struck overnight after the European Central Bank held interest rates steady, though officials said a cut was certain in September.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was down 0.15% while Japan's Nikkei dipped 0.3%.

Wall Street shares fell from record highs on Thursday, with the S&amp;P 500 losing 0.53%, following a flurry of downbeat quarterly results from Ford Motor and other companies.

But several companies that announced their results after the market had closed on Thursday generally beat market expectations, and their shares rose in after-hours trade.

Google parent Alphabet rose 8.4%, Intel Corp 5.6% and Starbucks 6.4%. Amazon, however, dipped 1.7% on its first profit miss in two years.

US stock futures were little changed in Asia.

"Some capital goods makers have reported soft earnings but otherwise US earnings have been generally good, partly because investors had already lowered their expectations," said Hitoshi Asaoka, senior strategist at Asset Management One.

"Still, with US share prices already at record levels, further gains are likely to be limited unless we see clearer signs of recovery in global demand," he said.

A rally in global bonds ran out of steam after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi cautioned about pulling the trigger too quickly even though he signalled another round of monetary easing.

ECB Officials told Reuters after the meeting that an interest rate cut in September appeared certain, while government bond purchases and a revamped policy message were also likely.

The euro's overnight index swaps are pricing in a cut of more than 10 basis points in September.

The 10-year German government bond yield initially hit a record low of minus 0.463 per cent but ended the day up slightly at minus 0.407 per cent.

The US 10-year Treasuries yield also rose 3 basis points to 2.079 per cent on Thursday and traded at 2.107 per cent in the following Asian session.

Also helping to stem falls in bond yields, new orders for key US-made capital goods surged in June, suggesting some improvement in business investment.

In the currency market, the euro bounced back to at $1.11465 in Asian trade, after sinking to $1.1101 on Thursday, its lowest since May 2017.

The yen was little changed against the dollar at 108.67 yen per dollar.

Oil prices held firm on rising tensions between the West and Iran and a big decline in US crude stockpiles, though gains were held in check by worries about slowing growth in major economies.

Asian share prices opened a tad lower on Friday on mixed US earnings reports and the euro held above two-year lows struck overnight after the European Central Bank held interest rates steady, though officials said a cut was certain in September.

Asian share prices opened a tad lower on Friday on mixed US earnings reports and the euro held above two-year lows struck overnight after the European Central Bank held interest rates steady, though officials said a cut was certain in September. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was down 0.15% while Japan's Nikkei dipped 0.3%. Wall Street shares fell from record highs on Thursday, with the S&P 500 losing 0.53%, following a flurry of downbeat quarterly results from Ford Motor and other companies. But several companies that announced their results after the market had closed on Thursday generally beat market expectations, and their shares rose in after-hours trade. Google parent Alphabet rose 8.4%, Intel Corp 5.6% and Starbucks 6.4%. Amazon, however, dipped 1.7% on its first profit miss in two years. US stock futures were little changed in Asia. "Some capital goods makers have reported soft earnings but otherwise US earnings have been generally good, partly because investors had already lowered their expectations," said Hitoshi Asaoka, senior strategist at Asset Management One. "Still, with US share prices already at record levels, further gains are likely to be limited unless we see clearer signs of recovery in global demand," he said. A rally in global bonds ran out of steam after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi cautioned about pulling the trigger too quickly even though he signalled another round of monetary easing. ECB Officials told Reuters after the meeting that an interest rate cut in September appeared certain, while government bond purchases and a revamped policy message were also likely. The euro's overnight index swaps are pricing in a cut of more than 10 basis points in September. The 10-year German government bond yield initially hit a record low of minus 0.463 per cent but ended the day up slightly at minus 0.407 per cent. The US 10-year Treasuries yield also rose 3 basis points to 2.079 per cent on Thursday and traded at 2.107 per cent in the following Asian session. Also helping to stem falls in bond yields, new orders for key US-made capital goods surged in June, suggesting some improvement in business investment. In the currency market, the euro bounced back to at $1.11465 in Asian trade, after sinking to $1.1101 on Thursday, its lowest since May 2017. The yen was little changed against the dollar at 108.67 yen per dollar. Oil prices held firm on rising tensions between the West and Iran and a big decline in US crude stockpiles, though gains were held in check by worries about slowing growth in major economies.

Asian shares dip on mixed US earnings, euro off 2-year low as ECB holds

A Sri Lankan court granted bail on Thursday to a Muslim doctor accused of having sterilised over 4,000 women from the Sinhalese Buddhist majority, his lawyer said, a deeply sensitive case in a country long dogged by communal bloodshed.

Shegu Shihabdeen Mohamed Shafi, who has denied the allegations, was given bail of 2.75 million rupees, defence lawyer Faris Saly told Reuters after a five-hour hearing in Kurunagala magistrates court in northwestern Sri Lanka.

"He was arrested (in May) under a bailable offence and the judge found no reason to refuse bail today," Saly said.

Police stood guard at the court and surrounding area in the South Asian country's Buddhist heartland, 105 km (65 miles) north of the capital Colombo, where Buddhist monks and other local residents had sought Shafi's continued detention.

The allegations are incendiary on an island where hardliners within the Buddhist majority have accused Muslims of seeking to use a higher birth rate to spread their influence.

Sri Lanka has a long history of communal violence. A decades-long, devastating civil war between the Sinhalese and the mainly Hindu Tamil minority ended in 2009.

Shafi’s supporters have said he is innocent and the charges were whipped up to stoke inter-communal tensions in the wake of bombings of churches and hotels on Easter Sunday that killed more than 250 people, blamed on Islamist militants.

He was arrested two days after a front-page story appeared in a nationalist newspaper alleging that an unidentified doctor had sterilized as many as 4,000 women after performing caesarean deliveries.

“All the charges are baseless and fabricated,” Shafi’s lawyer Anura Bhandara Mattegoda told an earlier court hearing.

Shafi’s supporters have said he is innocent and the charges were whipped up to stoke inter-communal tensions in the wake of bombings of churches and hotels on Easter Sunday that killed more than 250 people, blamed on Islamist militants.

A Sri Lankan court granted bail on Thursday to a Muslim doctor accused of having sterilised over 4,000 women from the Sinhalese Buddhist majority, his lawyer said, a deeply sensitive case in a country long dogged by communal bloodshed.

A Sri Lankan court granted bail on Thursday to a Muslim doctor accused of having sterilised over 4,000 women from the Sinhalese Buddhist majority, his lawyer said, a deeply sensitive case in a country long dogged by communal bloodshed. Shegu Shihabdeen Mohamed Shafi, who has denied the allegations, was given bail of 2.75 million rupees, defence lawyer Faris Saly told Reuters after a five-hour hearing in Kurunagala magistrates court in northwestern Sri Lanka. "He was arrested (in May) under a bailable offence and the judge found no reason to refuse bail today," Saly said. Police stood guard at the court and surrounding area in the South Asian country's Buddhist heartland, 105 km (65 miles) north of the capital Colombo, where Buddhist monks and other local residents had sought Shafi's continued detention. The allegations are incendiary on an island where hardliners within the Buddhist majority have accused Muslims of seeking to use a higher birth rate to spread their influence. Sri Lanka has a long history of communal violence. A decades-long, devastating civil war between the Sinhalese and the mainly Hindu Tamil minority ended in 2009. Shafi’s supporters have said he is innocent and the charges were whipped up to stoke inter-communal tensions in the wake of bombings of churches and hotels on Easter Sunday that killed more than 250 people, blamed on Islamist militants. He was arrested two days after a front-page story appeared in a nationalist newspaper alleging that an unidentified doctor had sterilized as many as 4,000 women after performing caesarean deliveries. “All the charges are baseless and fabricated,” Shafi’s lawyer Anura Bhandara Mattegoda told an earlier court hearing. Shafi’s supporters have said he is innocent and the charges were whipped up to stoke inter-communal tensions in the wake of bombings of churches and hotels on Easter Sunday that killed more than 250 people, blamed on Islamist militants.

Sri Lanka court grants bail for doctor accused of sterilising Buddhist women

Three rebel Congress MLAs in Karnataka were on Thursday disqualified by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/still-going-through-resignations-karnataka-speaker-on-rebel-mlas-238406">Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar</a> in a significant development as the BJP deliberates at the highest level on staking claim to form the government in the state.

Announcing the decisions on the disqualification, he said the decision on 14 other rebel legislators would be taken in a couple of days after going through their resignations and the complaints for disqualification against them in detail.

Those disqualified were R Shankar, Ramesh Jharkiholi and Mahesh Kumathalli.

They have incurred disqualification as member of the 15th State Legislative Assembly under Para 2(1) (a) of the tenth Schedule of the Constitution and under 191(a) of the Constitution of India. They cease to be members of the Assembly till the expiry of the term that is May 23, 2023, the order by the Speaker said.

Addressing a press conference, Kumar said the three MLAs--R Shankar (Ranibennur), Ramesh Jharkiholi (Gokak) and Mahesh Kumathalli (Athani)--have incurred disqualification under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution (anti-defection law) and the disqualification would last till the end of the term of the Assembly May 23, 2023.

They cannot contest the by-election too, he added.

Kumar said the cases of the three MLAs were taken up first because there were petitions for their disqualification already pending much before the recent political developments that led to the trial of strength the government had lost.

"I had considered both the issues of their resignations and disqualification. I rejected their resignations because they were not in order and took up their disqualification and passed my order as I have enough evidence before me," he said.

The Speaker said the MLAs were free to approach the Supreme Court or the High Court for their legal remedies.

Speaking about Jarkiholi and Kumtahalli, he said, "a complaint of anti-party activities was given in February against them and they resigned in July. Their resignations were not in the prescribed format. I asked for it to be resubmitted.

"They approached the Supreme Court and claimed that the speaker was not available. They falsely submitted sworn affidavit to SC. The MLAs were instructed to appear to me by the apex court. When they met me, I asked them about when they sought my time upon which, they admitted that they did not."

Elaborating his decision taken regarding MLA R Shankar, the Speaker said, "Shankar had in June this year merged his KPJP party with Congress. On June 20, I had notified that he be considered as Congress MLA. On July 8 he gave his resignation after which he wrote to me and the governor that he will support BJP unequivocally. CLP leader Siddaramaiah had filed a complaint against him and he is being disqualified. R Shankar is disqualified up to May 2023, till the end of 15th State Legislative Assembly."

Replying to a spate of questions, he said the case of the other rebel MLAs fell into a different category and he would go through them in detail and give a decision in a couple of days. "I know the decisions will be challenged and so I will be correct in my decisions."

He said he was neither guided by any party interests nor was he partisan. Since the Supreme Court respected his authority and wanted his decisions to be put up before it, he was making the decisions after a lot of deliberations.

Justifying his action, the speaker also said that he was setting a precedent to uphold the basic tenants of democracy. He pointed to a number of inconsistencies in the statements made by the MLAs to him and to the Supreme Court in sworn affidavits.

"Once the voter casts his votes, MLAs can't change their minds as per their whims and fancies, shouldn't the voter have a say? I am setting precedence here. They seize to be a member till 2023 and cannot contest further elections", Kumar said.

He also stated that the rebel MLAs were reported to be staying at a resort in Lonavala, near Pune.

The Congress-JD(S) coalition government fell on Tuesday as it lost the trust vote in the Assembly. Following the defeat, Kumaraswamy submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan, along with his cabinet ministers.

The defeat marked the end of an uneasy coalition that was formed after the assembly polls on May 23, 2018, which returned a hung verdict after three main parties in the state- Congress, BJP and the JD (S) contested against each other in the polls.

Replying to a question, he said he was constitutionally bound to cooperate with the new government that may be formed in the state. 
He also said the new government would have to get the Finance Bill passed.

Three rebel Congress MLAs in Karnataka were on Thursday disqualified by Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar in a significant development as the BJP deliberates at the highest level on staking claim to form the government in the state.

Three rebel Congress MLAs in Karnataka were on Thursday disqualified by Assembly Speaker K R Ramesh Kumar in a significant development as the BJP deliberates at the highest level on staking claim to form the government in the state. Announcing the decisions on the disqualification, he said the decision on 14 other rebel legislators would be taken in a couple of days after going through their resignations and the complaints for disqualification against them in detail. Those disqualified were R Shankar, Ramesh Jharkiholi and Mahesh Kumathalli. They have incurred disqualification as member of the 15th State Legislative Assembly under Para 2(1) (a) of the tenth Schedule of the Constitution and under 191(a) of the Constitution of India. They cease to be members of the Assembly till the expiry of the term that is May 23, 2023, the order by the Speaker said. Addressing a press conference, Kumar said the three MLAs--R Shankar (Ranibennur), Ramesh Jharkiholi (Gokak) and Mahesh Kumathalli (Athani)--have incurred disqualification under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution (anti-defection law) and the disqualification would last till the end of the term of the Assembly May 23, 2023. They cannot contest the by-election too, he added. Kumar said the cases of the three MLAs were taken up first because there were petitions for their disqualification already pending much before the recent political developments that led to the trial of strength the government had lost. "I had considered both the issues of their resignations and disqualification. I rejected their resignations because they were not in order and took up their disqualification and passed my order as I have enough evidence before me," he said. The Speaker said the MLAs were free to approach the Supreme Court or the High Court for their legal remedies. Speaking about Jarkiholi and Kumtahalli, he said, "a complaint of anti-party activities was given in February against them and they resigned in July. Their resignations were not in the prescribed format. I asked for it to be resubmitted. "They approached the Supreme Court and claimed that the speaker was not available. They falsely submitted sworn affidavit to SC. The MLAs were instructed to appear to me by the apex court. When they met me, I asked them about when they sought my time upon which, they admitted that they did not." Elaborating his decision taken regarding MLA R Shankar, the Speaker said, "Shankar had in June this year merged his KPJP party with Congress. On June 20, I had notified that he be considered as Congress MLA. On July 8 he gave his resignation after which he wrote to me and the governor that he will support BJP unequivocally. CLP leader Siddaramaiah had filed a complaint against him and he is being disqualified. R Shankar is disqualified up to May 2023, till the end of 15th State Legislative Assembly." Replying to a spate of questions, he said the case of the other rebel MLAs fell into a different category and he would go through them in detail and give a decision in a couple of days. "I know the decisions will be challenged and so I will be correct in my decisions." He said he was neither guided by any party interests nor was he partisan. Since the Supreme Court respected his authority and wanted his decisions to be put up before it, he was making the decisions after a lot of deliberations. Justifying his action, the speaker also said that he was setting a precedent to uphold the basic tenants of democracy. He pointed to a number of inconsistencies in the statements made by the MLAs to him and to the Supreme Court in sworn affidavits. "Once the voter casts his votes, MLAs can't change their minds as per their whims and fancies, shouldn't the voter have a say? I am setting precedence here. They seize to be a member till 2023 and cannot contest further elections", Kumar said. He also stated that the rebel MLAs were reported to be staying at a resort in Lonavala, near Pune. The Congress-JD(S) coalition government fell on Tuesday as it lost the trust vote in the Assembly. Following the defeat, Kumaraswamy submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan, along with his cabinet ministers. The defeat marked the end of an uneasy coalition that was formed after the assembly polls on May 23, 2018, which returned a hung verdict after three main parties in the state- Congress, BJP and the JD (S) contested against each other in the polls. Replying to a question, he said he was constitutionally bound to cooperate with the new government that may be formed in the state. He also said the new government would have to get the Finance Bill passed.

Karnataka: Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar disqualifies three Congress MLAs

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iran-releases-12-indians-on-board-mt-riah-that-was-detained-in-july-238522">Iran releases 12 Indians on board MT Riah that was detained in July&nbsp;</a>

Iran has released nine out of 12 Indians who were on board the ship MT Riah that was detained in early July.&nbsp;

However, 21 Indians are still in detention in Iran -- three from MT Riah and 18 from British oil tanker Stena Impero.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-new-missile-a-solemn-warning-to-south-korean-warmongers-238512">North Korea says new missile a solemn warning to South Korean 'warmongers'</a>

North Korea said Friday that two missiles fired under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un were newly designed tactical weapons that sent a "solemn warning" to the South over plans to hold military drills with the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-stars-ozil-kolasinac-escape-unhurt-attempted-carjacking-by-knife-wielding-attackers-238508">Arsenal stars Ozil, Kolasinac escape unhurt attempted carjacking by knife-wielding attackers</a>

Mesut Ozil and Arsenal team mate Sead Kolasinac escaped unhurt after an attempted carjacking by knife-wielding attackers in North London on Thursday, British media reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-happily-go-to-iran-to-address-tensions-with-us-over-sanctions-pompeo-238507">Will happily go to Iran to address tensions with US over sanctions: Pompeo</a>

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday he would "happily" go to Tehran to address tensions between the two countries over US sanctions on the &nbsp;Gulf nation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-ram-nath-kovind-hails-soldiers-on-20th-anniversary-of-indias-victory-in-kargil-war-238526">President Ram Nath Kovind hails soldiers on 20th anniversary of India's victory in Kargil War</a>

President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday saluted the ''grit and valour of those who defended India on 20th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil War.

Iran releases 12 Indians on board MT Riah that was detained in July Iran has released nine out of 12 Indians who were on board the ship MT Riah that was detained in early July.

Iran releases 12 Indians on board MT Riah that was detained in July Iran has released nine out of 12 Indians who were on board the ship MT Riah that was detained in early July. However, 21 Indians are still in detention in Iran -- three from MT Riah and 18 from British oil tanker Stena Impero. North Korea says new missile a solemn warning to South Korean 'warmongers' North Korea said Friday that two missiles fired under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un were newly designed tactical weapons that sent a "solemn warning" to the South over plans to hold military drills with the United States. Arsenal stars Ozil, Kolasinac escape unhurt attempted carjacking by knife-wielding attackers Mesut Ozil and Arsenal team mate Sead Kolasinac escaped unhurt after an attempted carjacking by knife-wielding attackers in North London on Thursday, British media reported. Will happily go to Iran to address tensions with US over sanctions: Pompeo US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday he would "happily" go to Tehran to address tensions between the two countries over US sanctions on the Gulf nation. President Ram Nath Kovind hails soldiers on 20th anniversary of India's victory in Kargil War President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday saluted the ''grit and valour of those who defended India on 20th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil War.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The second <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-earth-bound-orbit-raising-maneuver-for-chandrayaan-2-successfully-performed-238256">earthbound orbit-raising manoeuvre</a> for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-will-happen-during-the-48-day-journey-of-chandrayaan-2-237679">Chandryaan-2 spacecraft</a> has been performed successfully on Friday, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

''Second earth bound orbit raising maneuver for #Chandrayaan2 spacecraft has been performed today (July 26, 2019) at 0108 hrs (IST) as planned,'' ISRO tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Second earth bound orbit raising maneuver for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayaan2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayaan2</a> spacecraft has been performed today (July 26, 2019) at 0108 hrs (IST) as planned. 
For details please check <a href="https://t.co/raXNQB76O6">https://t.co/raXNQB76O6</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1154485040119574529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The manoeuvre was performed at 1:08 am as planned, using the onboard propulsion system for a firing duration of 883 seconds.

ISRO also informed that all spacecraft parameters are normal.

The third orbit raising maneuver is scheduled to take place on July 29.

Watch:&nbsp;Chandrayaan-2 lifts off: India's most ambitious space mission

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chandrayaan-2-lifts-off-indias-most-ambitious-space-mission-237777/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">India made history on July 22 when its low-cost moon mission, the Chandrayaan-2, lifted off successfully from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota.</div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-chandrayaan-2-will-accomplish-and-why-the-mission-is-significant-for-india-237667">Chandrayaan-2 will explore a region</a> of the moon where no mission has ever set foot.&nbsp;

The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, a lander and a rover together referred to as "composite body".&nbsp;

The landing on the moon`s south polar region is expected on September 7 this year.

The second earthbound orbit-raising manoeuvre for Chandryaan-2 spacecraft has been performed successfully on Friday, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The second earthbound orbit-raising manoeuvre for Chandryaan-2 spacecraft has been performed successfully on Friday, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). ''Second earth bound orbit raising maneuver for #Chandrayaan2 spacecraft has been performed today (July 26, 2019) at 0108 hrs (IST) as planned,'' ISRO tweeted. Second earth bound orbit raising maneuver for #Chandrayaan2 spacecraft has been performed today (July 26, 2019) at 0108 hrs (IST) as planned. For details please check https://t.co/raXNQB76O6#ISRO — ISRO (@isro) July 25, 2019 × The manoeuvre was performed at 1:08 am as planned, using the onboard propulsion system for a firing duration of 883 seconds. ISRO also informed that all spacecraft parameters are normal. The third orbit raising maneuver is scheduled to take place on July 29. Watch: Chandrayaan-2 lifts off: India's most ambitious space mission India made history on July 22 when its low-cost moon mission, the Chandrayaan-2, lifted off successfully from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota. Chandrayaan-2 will explore a region of the moon where no mission has ever set foot. The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, a lander and a rover together referred to as "composite body". The landing on the moon`s south polar region is expected on September 7 this year.

Second earth bound orbit raising maneuver for Chandrayaan-2 successfully performed

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-passes-triple-talaq-bill-congress-stages-walkout-238448">Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla</a> on Thursday rejected a demand by Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy to adjourn the House over remarks made by Samajwadi Party member Azam Khan, asserting that there will be no forced adjournments in the lower house of Parliament.

The Speaker made the remarks after Reddy said that the country had witnessed Azam Khan's remarks and urged the Speaker to go inside (his chamber), scrutinise the record and then return to the House and listen to its members.

"Honourable member, please listen, the House is not going to be adjourned. It will be the history of this Lok Sabha that the House is not to be adjourned. Is it alright," he said.

Following this, the Speaker asked Samajwadi Party member Akhilesh Yadav to speak.

Earlier, when the bill to repeal obsolete laws was being introduced in the House the Speaker had agreed with Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee that new laws should be brought to replace British-era laws.

"I agree with you. The House should try that the British era laws are made into laws in a new form," he said.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday rejected a demand by Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy to adjourn the House over remarks made by Samajwadi Party member Azam Khan, asserting that there will be no forced adjournments in the lower house of Parliament.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday rejected a demand by Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy to adjourn the House over remarks made by Samajwadi Party member Azam Khan, asserting that there will be no forced adjournments in the lower house of Parliament. The Speaker made the remarks after Reddy said that the country had witnessed Azam Khan's remarks and urged the Speaker to go inside (his chamber), scrutinise the record and then return to the House and listen to its members. "Honourable member, please listen, the House is not going to be adjourned. It will be the history of this Lok Sabha that the House is not to be adjourned. Is it alright," he said. Following this, the Speaker asked Samajwadi Party member Akhilesh Yadav to speak. Earlier, when the bill to repeal obsolete laws was being introduced in the House the Speaker had agreed with Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee that new laws should be brought to replace British-era laws. "I agree with you. The House should try that the British era laws are made into laws in a new form," he said.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla rejects minister's demand, says there will be no adjournments

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday he would "happily" go to Tehran to address <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-may-have-downed-two-iranian-drones-last-week-general-238041">tensions between the two countries</a> over US sanctions on the &nbsp;Gulf nation.

Pompeo explained in an interview with Bloomberg he would willingly appear on Iranian television to explain US reasoning behind the sanctions.

"I would welcome the chance to speak directly to the Iranian people... about what it is their leadership has done and how it has harmed Iran," he said.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have soared since President Donald Trump pulled the US out of a deal with Iran last year that was aimed at curbing its nuclear program, and imposed punishing sanctions.

The US has said it brought down one and possibly two Iranian drones last week, and has blamed Iran for a series of mysterious attacks on tanker ships in strategic Gulf waters.

Tehran shot down an unmanned US aircraft in June, after which Trump announced that he had called off retaliatory airstrikes at the last minute because the resulting death toll would have been too high.

Iran's top diplomat renewed accusations during a visit to the United Nations last week that the US was using the sanctions to wage "economic terrorism."

Iranians are "subjected to the most brutal form of 'economic terrorism' -- deliberately targeting innocent civilians to achieve illegitimate political objectives," said Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Pompeo brushed the accusations aside Thursday, saying Zarif was no more in charge of the Iranian government than "the man in the moon."

"At the end of the day, this is driven by the ayatollah," said Pompeo.

Watch:&nbsp;US should provide evidence, says Iran Ministry

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-ministry-us-should-provide-evidence-238295/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He said the US goal is to "create as much stability in the Middle East as we could."

"So we broke out of the deal, we stopped giving them money, we put pressure on the Iranian regime, and we're forcing them to make tough decisions about how they're going to behave," Pompeo said.&nbsp;

"We want change in behaviour from the Iranian leadership so that the Iranian people can ultimately get what it is they deserve."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday he would "happily" go to Tehran to address tensions between the two countries over US sanctions on the Gulf nation.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday he would "happily" go to Tehran to address tensions between the two countries over US sanctions on the Gulf nation. Pompeo explained in an interview with Bloomberg he would willingly appear on Iranian television to explain US reasoning behind the sanctions. "I would welcome the chance to speak directly to the Iranian people... about what it is their leadership has done and how it has harmed Iran," he said. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have soared since President Donald Trump pulled the US out of a deal with Iran last year that was aimed at curbing its nuclear program, and imposed punishing sanctions. The US has said it brought down one and possibly two Iranian drones last week, and has blamed Iran for a series of mysterious attacks on tanker ships in strategic Gulf waters. Tehran shot down an unmanned US aircraft in June, after which Trump announced that he had called off retaliatory airstrikes at the last minute because the resulting death toll would have been too high. Iran's top diplomat renewed accusations during a visit to the United Nations last week that the US was using the sanctions to wage "economic terrorism." Iranians are "subjected to the most brutal form of 'economic terrorism' -- deliberately targeting innocent civilians to achieve illegitimate political objectives," said Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Pompeo brushed the accusations aside Thursday, saying Zarif was no more in charge of the Iranian government than "the man in the moon." "At the end of the day, this is driven by the ayatollah," said Pompeo. Watch: US should provide evidence, says Iran Ministry He said the US goal is to "create as much stability in the Middle East as we could." "So we broke out of the deal, we stopped giving them money, we put pressure on the Iranian regime, and we're forcing them to make tough decisions about how they're going to behave," Pompeo said. "We want change in behaviour from the Iranian leadership so that the Iranian people can ultimately get what it is they deserve."

Will happily go to Iran to address tensions with US over sanctions: Pompeo

Ireland moved tantalisingly within sight of a historic test win over England as they reduced the hosts to 303-9 in their second innings to trail by 181 at a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/leach-and-roy-get-england-back-on-level-terms-against-ireland-238439">sweltering Lord's</a> on Thursday.

For the second day running, William Porterfield's modest team made a mockery of reputations to give World Cup champions England a torrid time at the home of cricket.

There was no repeat of Wednesday's mayhem when Ireland marked their first test match at Lord's, and only their third ever, by skittling England for 85 before being dismissed for 207.

Indeed when nightwatchman Jack Leach, who fell eight runs short of his century, and Jason Roy took England to 171 for one in blast furnace heat, having begun it 122 runs behind, it appeared the fun was over for the upstarts.

Ireland's tenacious attack of Tim Murtagh, Mark Adair, Boyd Rankin and Stuart Thompson plugged away, however, and were rewarded as England collapsed for the second day running in a match supposed to be a loosener for next week's Ashes opener.

Seven wickets fell for 77 runs to leave England teetering on the brink at 248-8 -- a mere 126 ahead -- before Sam Curran (37) and Stuart Broad (21 not out) counter-attacked.

Friday promises to be an intriguing finale with Ireland likely to be set a modest, but nervy, victory target.

Should they pull off one of the biggest test shocks ever, it would rival their 2011 World Cup win over England and fully vindicate them being given test status in 2017.

They still have a lot of work to do though.

"We've given ourselves a chance," England's Leach said. "We believe we can definitely win the game. The wicket is still doing bits. We've got to make the most of that tomorrow."

Leach, in the side predominantly for his left-arm spin, showed the specialist batsmen what was possible, playing like a seasoned opener, not a man without a first-class century.

Punished bad balls

After opener Rory Burns (6) nicked one behind off Rankin, the first cricketer since the Nawab of Pataudi in 1946 to both play for and against England in a test match, Leach dug in.

Watchful when needed on a pitch still offering encouragement for the bowlers, Leach punished any bad balls.

He struck three boundaries off one wayward Rankin over to take England's score past 50 -- a mark they staggered past on Wednesday for the loss of seven wickets.

With test debutant Roy showing his one-day panache at the other end, the game was slipping out of Ireland's control as England established parity at 122-1 by lunch.

Roy got off the mark by slapping a boundary back past Adair and then a couple of balls later he leathered a sweet cover drive that flashed to the boundary.

He also launched spinner Andy McBrine over long-on for six and his 50 came up in 47 balls.

Leach was put down on 72 off a thick outside edge before Roy, who looked set for his debut test century, tried to clobber a Thompson inswinger and lost his middle stump.

Leach was spared when Adair fumbled a routine slip catch but three balls later he edged Murtagh, Wednesday's five-wicket hero, and this time Adair pouched it.

It slammed the brakes on England's advance and Joe Denly was run out for 10 after a dreadful mix-up with Root.

Jonny Bairstow was tapped lbw by Adair in the next over for his second duck of the match as England reached tea on 209-5 -- a precarious lead of 87.

Ireland then turned the screws. Moeen Ali (9) feathered a short ball from Rankin behind to Gary Wilson then Root played airily to an Adair ball outside off stump, slicing a diving Wilson.

When Chris Woakes was the eighth man out after falling to Adair for 13, caught by Andy Balbirnie at second slip, Irish eyes were widening with excitement as they trailed the hosts by only 126 runs.

Porterfield almost produced a sensational catch at mid-wicket but Curran survived to lead an England counter-attack that could yet prove decisive -- striking four boundaries and two sixes in a 29-ball 37 splicing a high catch to James McCollum.

Ireland moved tantalisingly within sight of a historic test win over England as they reduced the hosts to 303-9 in their second innings to trail by 181 at a sweltering Lord's on Thursday.

Ireland moved tantalisingly within sight of a historic test win over England as they reduced the hosts to 303-9 in their second innings to trail by 181 at a sweltering Lord's on Thursday. For the second day running, William Porterfield's modest team made a mockery of reputations to give World Cup champions England a torrid time at the home of cricket. There was no repeat of Wednesday's mayhem when Ireland marked their first test match at Lord's, and only their third ever, by skittling England for 85 before being dismissed for 207. Indeed when nightwatchman Jack Leach, who fell eight runs short of his century, and Jason Roy took England to 171 for one in blast furnace heat, having begun it 122 runs behind, it appeared the fun was over for the upstarts. Ireland's tenacious attack of Tim Murtagh, Mark Adair, Boyd Rankin and Stuart Thompson plugged away, however, and were rewarded as England collapsed for the second day running in a match supposed to be a loosener for next week's Ashes opener. Seven wickets fell for 77 runs to leave England teetering on the brink at 248-8 -- a mere 126 ahead -- before Sam Curran (37) and Stuart Broad (21 not out) counter-attacked. Friday promises to be an intriguing finale with Ireland likely to be set a modest, but nervy, victory target. Should they pull off one of the biggest test shocks ever, it would rival their 2011 World Cup win over England and fully vindicate them being given test status in 2017. They still have a lot of work to do though. "We've given ourselves a chance," England's Leach said. "We believe we can definitely win the game. The wicket is still doing bits. We've got to make the most of that tomorrow." Leach, in the side predominantly for his left-arm spin, showed the specialist batsmen what was possible, playing like a seasoned opener, not a man without a first-class century. Punished bad balls After opener Rory Burns (6) nicked one behind off Rankin, the first cricketer since the Nawab of Pataudi in 1946 to both play for and against England in a test match, Leach dug in. Watchful when needed on a pitch still offering encouragement for the bowlers, Leach punished any bad balls. He struck three boundaries off one wayward Rankin over to take England's score past 50 -- a mark they staggered past on Wednesday for the loss of seven wickets. With test debutant Roy showing his one-day panache at the other end, the game was slipping out of Ireland's control as England established parity at 122-1 by lunch. Roy got off the mark by slapping a boundary back past Adair and then a couple of balls later he leathered a sweet cover drive that flashed to the boundary. He also launched spinner Andy McBrine over long-on for six and his 50 came up in 47 balls. Leach was put down on 72 off a thick outside edge before Roy, who looked set for his debut test century, tried to clobber a Thompson inswinger and lost his middle stump. Leach was spared when Adair fumbled a routine slip catch but three balls later he edged Murtagh, Wednesday's five-wicket hero, and this time Adair pouched it. It slammed the brakes on England's advance and Joe Denly was run out for 10 after a dreadful mix-up with Root. Jonny Bairstow was tapped lbw by Adair in the next over for his second duck of the match as England reached tea on 209-5 -- a precarious lead of 87. Ireland then turned the screws. Moeen Ali (9) feathered a short ball from Rankin behind to Gary Wilson then Root played airily to an Adair ball outside off stump, slicing a diving Wilson. When Chris Woakes was the eighth man out after falling to Adair for 13, caught by Andy Balbirnie at second slip, Irish eyes were widening with excitement as they trailed the hosts by only 126 runs. Porterfield almost produced a sensational catch at mid-wicket but Curran survived to lead an England counter-attack that could yet prove decisive -- striking four boundaries and two sixes in a 29-ball 37 splicing a high catch to James McCollum.

Lord's Test: Ireland scent historic win over England

Six Myanmar nationals deported from Singapore over alleged links to an ethnic minority insurgent group were remanded in custody in Yangon on Friday, a court spokesman said, as relatives of the accused said they were being held incommunicado.

"We issued another remand this morning for them," Min Thant, an information officer at the Western District Court in the commercial capital of Yangon, told Reuters by telephone, without giving further details.

The five men and one woman were arrested in Singapore in early July and later deported to Myanmar, where they were arrested shortly after arriving.

They are being held in an undisclosed location along with two other people including a driver, according to relatives and a lawyer.

Authorities in Myanmar have declined to provide details about the case or give the whereabouts of the detainees.

Singapore’s home ministry said the group, members of the Rakhine Buddhist minority, had "organised and mobilised" some members of the Myanmar community in Singapore to support the Arakan Army (AA), an insurgent group fighting for greater autonomy in Rakhine and Chin states, and its political wing, the United League of Arakan.

Rakhine State, also known as Arakan, came to global attention after about 730,000 Rohingya Muslims crossed from there into Bangladesh, fleeing a military crackdown in response to Rohingya militant attacks in 2017.

More recently, civilians there have been caught up in clashes between the military and the AA, which recruits mostly from Rakhine Buddhists, the majority community in Rakhine State.

The latest clashes have displaced more than 35,000 people this year according to the United Nations.

Yanghee Lee, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, said last month that both sides may be committing war crimes during the conflict, citing reports of deaths during interrogations.

'Very sad'

Myo Thu Soe, a spokesman for the Myanmar police, did not answer calls seeking comment about the detained group.

Previously, he told Reuters he did not know why authorities in Singapore had detained them.

Their relatives and the lawyer said they had been unable to meet them since they were taken into custody. On Friday, family members were waiting with journalists at one court, only to hear later the suspects had appeared briefly at another one.

"The accused have rights including the right to prove they are innocent and for a fair trial," said the lawyer, Kyaw Myo Tun.

Ohn Thin, the mother of one of the detained men, said the last she had heard from him was a phone call in which he said, "Mom, I am coming back."

"I didn’t get a chance to meet him, at the airport or up to now," she said. "The officials haven’t told us anything about them. I feel very sad as a mother."

Myanmar nationals demonstrated outside the Singapore embassies in Tokyo and Washington last week protesting against the deportations. Some carried placards accusing Singapore of "selling Arakanese to the Myanmar army".

Singapore said at the time people involved in "activities of security concern" would be deported.

The Myanmar army has battled various autonomy-seeking ethnic minority insurgent groups for decades but several have agreed to peace in recent years.

But fighting has flared in Kachin State in the north and in Rakhine State.

Six Myanmar nationals deported from Singapore over alleged links to an ethnic minority insurgent group were remanded in custody in Yangon on Friday, a court spokesman said, as relatives of the accused said they were being held incommunicado.

Six Myanmar nationals deported from Singapore over alleged links to an ethnic minority insurgent group were remanded in custody in Yangon on Friday, a court spokesman said, as relatives of the accused said they were being held incommunicado. "We issued another remand this morning for them," Min Thant, an information officer at the Western District Court in the commercial capital of Yangon, told Reuters by telephone, without giving further details. The five men and one woman were arrested in Singapore in early July and later deported to Myanmar, where they were arrested shortly after arriving. They are being held in an undisclosed location along with two other people including a driver, according to relatives and a lawyer. Authorities in Myanmar have declined to provide details about the case or give the whereabouts of the detainees. Singapore’s home ministry said the group, members of the Rakhine Buddhist minority, had "organised and mobilised" some members of the Myanmar community in Singapore to support the Arakan Army (AA), an insurgent group fighting for greater autonomy in Rakhine and Chin states, and its political wing, the United League of Arakan. Rakhine State, also known as Arakan, came to global attention after about 730,000 Rohingya Muslims crossed from there into Bangladesh, fleeing a military crackdown in response to Rohingya militant attacks in 2017. More recently, civilians there have been caught up in clashes between the military and the AA, which recruits mostly from Rakhine Buddhists, the majority community in Rakhine State. The latest clashes have displaced more than 35,000 people this year according to the United Nations. Yanghee Lee, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, said last month that both sides may be committing war crimes during the conflict, citing reports of deaths during interrogations. 'Very sad' Myo Thu Soe, a spokesman for the Myanmar police, did not answer calls seeking comment about the detained group. Previously, he told Reuters he did not know why authorities in Singapore had detained them. Their relatives and the lawyer said they had been unable to meet them since they were taken into custody. On Friday, family members were waiting with journalists at one court, only to hear later the suspects had appeared briefly at another one. "The accused have rights including the right to prove they are innocent and for a fair trial," said the lawyer, Kyaw Myo Tun. Ohn Thin, the mother of one of the detained men, said the last she had heard from him was a phone call in which he said, "Mom, I am coming back." "I didn’t get a chance to meet him, at the airport or up to now," she said. "The officials haven’t told us anything about them. I feel very sad as a mother." Myanmar nationals demonstrated outside the Singapore embassies in Tokyo and Washington last week protesting against the deportations. Some carried placards accusing Singapore of "selling Arakanese to the Myanmar army". Singapore said at the time people involved in "activities of security concern" would be deported. The Myanmar army has battled various autonomy-seeking ethnic minority insurgent groups for decades but several have agreed to peace in recent years. But fighting has flared in Kachin State in the north and in Rakhine State.

Myanmar citizens deported from Singapore over alleged insurgent ties remanded in custody

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