Female athletes in Iran are determined to carry on training and keeping fit despite the restrictions imposed by anti-coronavirus measures. Life for female athletes in the strict Muslim nation was already complicated by the regulations on clothing and the virus outbreak added to their problems.

Iran's sportswomen fight to keep fit despite coronavirus curbs

An Islamic course in Indonesia that usually runs during Ramadan has moved online this year due to social distancing measures designed to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.

Islamic Ramadan school switches to virtual classroom in Indonesia

Canada's Quebec had introduced a law to ban the display of religious symbols. The law has forced Muslim families to leave the province. This report tells you more.

Gravitas: Why Muslim Families are leaving Canada's Quebec

International war crimes judges ruled on Thursday that a probe into wartime abuses in Afghanistan must go ahead, including looking into possible atrocities committed by US forces, as they overturned a previous court ruling.

The move was immediately hailed by human rights organisations as a "pivotal moment" for victims of the central Asian country's 18-year-war since the 2001 US invasion.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged India on Thursday to "confront extremist Hindus" and "stop the massacre of Muslims", adding to the international fallout over deadly Hindu-Muslim violence in New Delhi.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-iran-officials-reported-with-sincerity-and-transparency-since-day-one-says-khamenei-284045">Coronavirus: Iran officials reported with sincerity and transparency since day one, says Khamenei</a>

At least 44 people were killed and hundreds injured in the worst communal riots in the Indian capital in decades, triggered by clashes between supporters of a new citizenship law and those against it.

"The hearts of Muslims all over the world are grieving over the massacre of Muslims in India," Khamenei said in a tweet in English, just days after New Delhi rebuked Iran's foreign minister for commenting on the same issue.

"Iran condemns the wave of organized violence against Indian Muslims," Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted on Monday, in response to which New Delhi summoned the Islamic Republic's ambassador and lodged a protest.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-future-has-been-burnt-here-rahul-gandhi-on-gutted-school-in-riot-hit-northeast-delhi-284307">Our future has been burnt here: Rahul Gandhi on gutted school in riot-hit northeast Delhi&nbsp;</a>

"We do not expect such comments from a country like Iran," ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said in a statement later.

The citizenship law provides non-Muslims from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan a fast track to Indian citizenship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government says this is required to help minorities from those mainly Muslim countries.

Watch: 

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Critics argue the law discriminates against Muslims and violates the spirit of India's secular constitution.

Hundreds of thousands of people have taken part in protests since December.

Earlier this week, the office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights said it intended to approach India's Supreme Court about the citizenship law.

International war crimes judges ruled on Thursday that a probe into wartime abuses in Afghanistan must go ahead, including looking into possible atrocities committed by US forces, as they overturned a previous court ruling.

International war crimes judges ruled on Thursday that a probe into wartime abuses in Afghanistan must go ahead, including looking into possible atrocities committed by US forces, as they overturned a previous court ruling. The move was immediately hailed by human rights organisations as a "pivotal moment" for victims of the central Asian country's 18-year-war since the 2001 US invasion. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged India on Thursday to "confront extremist Hindus" and "stop the massacre of Muslims", adding to the international fallout over deadly Hindu-Muslim violence in New Delhi. Also read: Coronavirus: Iran officials reported with sincerity and transparency since day one, says Khamenei At least 44 people were killed and hundreds injured in the worst communal riots in the Indian capital in decades, triggered by clashes between supporters of a new citizenship law and those against it. "The hearts of Muslims all over the world are grieving over the massacre of Muslims in India," Khamenei said in a tweet in English, just days after New Delhi rebuked Iran's foreign minister for commenting on the same issue. "Iran condemns the wave of organized violence against Indian Muslims," Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted on Monday, in response to which New Delhi summoned the Islamic Republic's ambassador and lodged a protest. Also see: Our future has been burnt here: Rahul Gandhi on gutted school in riot-hit northeast Delhi "We do not expect such comments from a country like Iran," ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said in a statement later. The citizenship law provides non-Muslims from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan a fast track to Indian citizenship. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government says this is required to help minorities from those mainly Muslim countries. Watch: × Critics argue the law discriminates against Muslims and violates the spirit of India's secular constitution. Hundreds of thousands of people have taken part in protests since December. Earlier this week, the office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights said it intended to approach India's Supreme Court about the citizenship law.

Iran's Khamenei asks India to stop attacks on Muslims after deadly riots

The death toll in violence in the Indian capital Delhi has risen to 32. The Anti-CAA protests have now turned into violent riots. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to maintain harmony and peace.

India: Death toll in Delhi violence rises to 32

Race For Supremacy In Muslim World In Light Of The Kuala Lumpur Summit. #Gravitas

Gravitas: Kuala Lumpur Summit & The Race For Supremacy In Muslim World

Dozens of Rohingya Muslims appeared in a Myanmar court on Wednesday (December 11) to face charges of travelling illegally after they were arrested while fleeing persecution, as leader Aung San Suu Kyi defended the country against accusations of genocide against the minority at The Hague.

Fleeing Rohingya on trial in Myanmar for 'illegal travel'

In India, the citizenship amendment bill 2019 passed by Lok sabha at midnight.

India: CITIZENSHIP AMENDMENT BILL 2019 PASSED IN LOK SABHA

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who tabled the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 in the Lok Sabha on Monday, said that Muslims from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh won`t get the benefit of this amendment as they have not faced religious persecution.

"If any Muslim from these three (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh) nations applies for citizenship according to our law, then we will consider it, but the person won`t get the benefit of this amendment as the person has not faced religious persecution," said Shah in the Lower House.

"In Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians, Parsis and Jains have been discriminated against. So, this bill will give these persecuted people citizenship. Also, the allegation that this Bill will take away the rights of Muslims is wrong," he said.

"Why do we need this Bill today? After independence, if the Congress had not done the partition on the basis of religion, then today we would have not needed this Bill," he said.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.

Through this Bill, Indian citizenship will be provided to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities, who have come from the three countries to India till December 31, 2014, to put an end to them being treated as illegal immigrants in the country.

It is important to note that the Bill was passed by the Lower House of Parliament earlier this year but lapsed with the term of the previous Lok Sabha during the first term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi government at the Centre.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who tabled the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 in the Lok Sabha on Monday, said that Muslims from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh won`t get the benefit of this amendment as they have not faced religious persecution.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who tabled the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 in the Lok Sabha on Monday, said that Muslims from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh won`t get the benefit of this amendment as they have not faced religious persecution. "If any Muslim from these three (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh) nations applies for citizenship according to our law, then we will consider it, but the person won`t get the benefit of this amendment as the person has not faced religious persecution," said Shah in the Lower House. "In Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians, Parsis and Jains have been discriminated against. So, this bill will give these persecuted people citizenship. Also, the allegation that this Bill will take away the rights of Muslims is wrong," he said. "Why do we need this Bill today? After independence, if the Congress had not done the partition on the basis of religion, then today we would have not needed this Bill," he said. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Through this Bill, Indian citizenship will be provided to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities, who have come from the three countries to India till December 31, 2014, to put an end to them being treated as illegal immigrants in the country. It is important to note that the Bill was passed by the Lower House of Parliament earlier this year but lapsed with the term of the previous Lok Sabha during the first term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi government at the Centre.

Muslims from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh won't get benefits of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill: Amit Shah

A petition has been filed against Pakistan Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, for serving despite being an Ahmadi Muslim. 
 
The petition, filed by former Major Khalid Shah in Peshawar High Court, claims that Bajwa ought not to serve as he belongs to Qadiani community.&nbsp;

Qadianis, also known as Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan have been perceived and declared ''non-Muslims'' by the heads of all sects.

As per Pakistan's Constitution, a non-Muslim officer cannot be appointed as the army chief.

The plea also named the former DG ISI Rizwan Akhtar for failing to fulfil his duty as a Muslim by not informing the government that Bajwa is a ''non-Muslim''.

The petitioner used to study with Akhtar.&nbsp;

In August, Pakistan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-imran-khan-asks-party-not-to-worry-about-foreign-funding-case-263744">Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government</a> extended Bajwa's term by another three years.

The plea, filed by Shah, termed the army chief's extension as "illegal and invalid''.

Bajwa was appointed by erstwhile Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in November 2016.

Fifty-eight-year-old Bajwa previously served as the Commander of Rawalpindi Corps. He was also employed as the Inspector General, Training and Evaluation, at GHQ, a position earlier held by his predecessor Raheel Sharif.

As a brigadier, he served as the Chief of Staff at X Corps and commanded formation division in Northern Areas as the Formation Commander (FCNA).

(With inputs from agencies)

A petition has been filed against Pakistan Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, for serving despite being an Ahmadi Muslim. The petition, filed by former Major Khalid Shah in Peshawar High Court, claims that Bajwa ought not to serve as he belongs to Qadiani community.

A petition has been filed against Pakistan Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, for serving despite being an Ahmadi Muslim. The petition, filed by former Major Khalid Shah in Peshawar High Court, claims that Bajwa ought not to serve as he belongs to Qadiani community. Qadianis, also known as Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan have been perceived and declared ''non-Muslims'' by the heads of all sects. As per Pakistan's Constitution, a non-Muslim officer cannot be appointed as the army chief. The plea also named the former DG ISI Rizwan Akhtar for failing to fulfil his duty as a Muslim by not informing the government that Bajwa is a ''non-Muslim''. The petitioner used to study with Akhtar. In August, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government extended Bajwa's term by another three years. The plea, filed by Shah, termed the army chief's extension as "illegal and invalid''. Bajwa was appointed by erstwhile Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in November 2016. Fifty-eight-year-old Bajwa previously served as the Commander of Rawalpindi Corps. He was also employed as the Inspector General, Training and Evaluation, at GHQ, a position earlier held by his predecessor Raheel Sharif. As a brigadier, he served as the Chief of Staff at X Corps and commanded formation division in Northern Areas as the Formation Commander (FCNA). (With inputs from agencies)

Plea filed against Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff for being 'non-muslim'

The National Assembly has rejected a bill that proposed to allow a non-Muslim to become the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

The bill was tabled by lawmaker Naveed Aamir Jeeva, a Christian belonging to the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), The News International reported.

The National Assembly, with majority voice, blocked the bill on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The lawmaker wanted an amendment to Article 41 and Article 91 of the Constitution to allow non-Muslims to become Prime Minister and President of Pakistan.

Pak National Assembly rejects Bill, non-Muslim can't be country's PM or President, where only a Muslim can be elevated to the posts of President and Prime Minister.Khan also said that the minorities in Pakistan are enjoying complete freedom, security, and their rights are being protected.

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) member Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali appreciated the stance taken by the minister, saying that no law against Islamic values and teachings can be passed, introduced or even debated in the parliament.&nbsp;

The National Assembly has rejected a bill that proposed to allow a non-Muslim to become the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The bill was tabled by lawmaker Naveed Aamir Jeeva, a Christian belonging to the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), The News International reported.

The National Assembly has rejected a bill that proposed to allow a non-Muslim to become the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The bill was tabled by lawmaker Naveed Aamir Jeeva, a Christian belonging to the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), The News International reported. The National Assembly, with majority voice, blocked the bill on Tuesday. The lawmaker wanted an amendment to Article 41 and Article 91 of the Constitution to allow non-Muslims to become Prime Minister and President of Pakistan. Pak National Assembly rejects Bill, non-Muslim can't be country's PM or President, where only a Muslim can be elevated to the posts of President and Prime Minister.Khan also said that the minorities in Pakistan are enjoying complete freedom, security, and their rights are being protected. Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) member Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali appreciated the stance taken by the minister, saying that no law against Islamic values and teachings can be passed, introduced or even debated in the parliament.

Pakistan National Assembly rejects Bill, non-Muslim can't be prime minister or president

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-raises-the-minimum-age-for-brides-to-end-child-marriage-250308">Indonesian</a> President Joko Widodo's decision to&nbsp;delay&nbsp;a planned vote in parliament on a new penal code that would&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-president-delays-law-criminalising-sex-outside-of-marriage-250820">criminalise&nbsp;sex&nbsp;outside&nbsp;marriage&nbsp;and gay&nbsp;sex</a>&nbsp;was met by relief from some but sparked criticism from conservative Muslims who back the new&nbsp;bill.

The president said earlier on Friday that 14 articles needed further review by parliament and ordered the vote&nbsp;delayed.

Critics warn the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;violates free speech rights and discriminates against religious minorities, women and LGBT people.

The&nbsp;bill&nbsp;also includes penalties for insulting the president's dignity and a four-year jail term for abortions in the absence of a medical emergency or rape.

However, the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;still has significant support in the world's biggest Muslim-majority country, which has seen a growth in conservative interpretations of Islam.

"Indonesia is not a liberal country," Nasir Djamil, a politician for the Prosperous Justice Party, an Islamic opposition party, said by telephone.

He accused the president of coming under the influence of foreign governments, noting Australia's travel advice warning its citizens of risks they could face from&nbsp;sex&nbsp;outside&nbsp;marriage&nbsp;or same-sex&nbsp;relations in Indonesia if the rules take effect.

Australians are a significant tourist market for Indonesia.

The proposals were described by Indonesia's biggest Muslim group, Nahdlatul Ulama, as a reflection of "the character and the personality of the Indonesian people and the nation".

Conservative groups have emerged as a growing force in secular Indonesia, promoting stricter interpretations of Islam that sometimes make their way into lawmaking.

Euis Sunarti, who advocates for conservative family values, even pressed for the new draft to go further and outlaw all expressions of homosexuality, not just&nbsp;sex.

Rights groups welcomed the&nbsp;delay&nbsp;and urged the president to block the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;altogether.

An online petition started by gender rights activist Tunggal Pawestri calling for the president to veto the "absurd"&nbsp;bill&nbsp;had been signed by over 560,000 people as of Friday evening.

Amnesty International Indonesia campaigner Puri Kencana Putri urged the president to review articles that call for the death penalty for treason and to review the law on blasphemy while demanding greater public participation during the deliberation.

Arus Pelangi, an advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, said it would fight to strike down articles containing "the potential for gross human rights violation, especially against the LGBT community", the head of its legal division Riska Carolina said.

"Regardless of the morality of the majority, the minority has the right to live as citizens in this country and we just want to live quietly," she said.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo's decision to delay a planned vote in parliament on a new penal code that would criminalise sex outside marriage and gay sex was met by relief from some but sparked criticism from conservative Muslims who back the new bill.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo's decision to delay a planned vote in parliament on a new penal code that would criminalise sex outside marriage and gay sex was met by relief from some but sparked criticism from conservative Muslims who back the new bill. The president said earlier on Friday that 14 articles needed further review by parliament and ordered the vote delayed. Critics warn the bill violates free speech rights and discriminates against religious minorities, women and LGBT people. The bill also includes penalties for insulting the president's dignity and a four-year jail term for abortions in the absence of a medical emergency or rape. However, the bill still has significant support in the world's biggest Muslim-majority country, which has seen a growth in conservative interpretations of Islam. "Indonesia is not a liberal country," Nasir Djamil, a politician for the Prosperous Justice Party, an Islamic opposition party, said by telephone. He accused the president of coming under the influence of foreign governments, noting Australia's travel advice warning its citizens of risks they could face from sex outside marriage or same-sex relations in Indonesia if the rules take effect. Australians are a significant tourist market for Indonesia. The proposals were described by Indonesia's biggest Muslim group, Nahdlatul Ulama, as a reflection of "the character and the personality of the Indonesian people and the nation". Conservative groups have emerged as a growing force in secular Indonesia, promoting stricter interpretations of Islam that sometimes make their way into lawmaking. Euis Sunarti, who advocates for conservative family values, even pressed for the new draft to go further and outlaw all expressions of homosexuality, not just sex. Rights groups welcomed the delay and urged the president to block the bill altogether. An online petition started by gender rights activist Tunggal Pawestri calling for the president to veto the "absurd" bill had been signed by over 560,000 people as of Friday evening. Amnesty International Indonesia campaigner Puri Kencana Putri urged the president to review articles that call for the death penalty for treason and to review the law on blasphemy while demanding greater public participation during the deliberation. Arus Pelangi, an advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, said it would fight to strike down articles containing "the potential for gross human rights violation, especially against the LGBT community", the head of its legal division Riska Carolina said. "Regardless of the morality of the majority, the minority has the right to live as citizens in this country and we just want to live quietly," she said.

Delay in bill criminalising sex outside marriage divides Indonesians

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

In this segment of The West Asia Post, watch how Shia Muslims worldwide honoured the day Ashura.

The West Asia Post: Shia Muslims observe Ashura worldwide

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan urged the Sikhs and Muslims communities to work together in unison to defeat extremism and intolerance in the world.

Addressing the International Sikh Convention in Islamabad at the Governor`s House on Saturday, she said the Sikh religion had many ideals in common with Islam, The News International reported.

Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, was influenced by Islam`s philosophy of ``Tauheed`` (Oneness of God), she added.

The Convention is being held from August 31 to Sept 2 on the initiative of Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar to invite suggestions regarding preparations for the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of the Sikhism founder Baba Guru Nanak Dev in November this year.

Indian Sikh pilgrims along with thousand others from across the world will visit the gurdwara in Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan`s Punjab province, where the Sikh Guru spent his final days, as part of the celebrations.

"Let`s eliminate forces of hatred and intolerance from the world, may they be genocide of Sikhs in Golden Temple, persecution of Muslims in Kashmir, brutality in Palestine or other parts of the world," Awan stated during the Convention attended by hundreds of Sikh pilgrims from across the world.

Firdous termed Kartarpur Corridor a historic project, saying it would prove to be a long-lasting bond between Pakistan and Sikh community.

She said the Prime Minister`s decision to build Kartarpur Corridor was indicative of his enlightened vision regarding minorities`` rights and religious freedom in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan urged the Sikhs and Muslims communities to work together in unison to defeat extremism and intolerance in the world.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan urged the Sikhs and Muslims communities to work together in unison to defeat extremism and intolerance in the world. Addressing the International Sikh Convention in Islamabad at the Governor`s House on Saturday, she said the Sikh religion had many ideals in common with Islam, The News International reported. Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, was influenced by Islam`s philosophy of ``Tauheed`` (Oneness of God), she added. The Convention is being held from August 31 to Sept 2 on the initiative of Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar to invite suggestions regarding preparations for the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of the Sikhism founder Baba Guru Nanak Dev in November this year. Indian Sikh pilgrims along with thousand others from across the world will visit the gurdwara in Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan`s Punjab province, where the Sikh Guru spent his final days, as part of the celebrations. "Let`s eliminate forces of hatred and intolerance from the world, may they be genocide of Sikhs in Golden Temple, persecution of Muslims in Kashmir, brutality in Palestine or other parts of the world," Awan stated during the Convention attended by hundreds of Sikh pilgrims from across the world. Firdous termed Kartarpur Corridor a historic project, saying it would prove to be a long-lasting bond between Pakistan and Sikh community. She said the Prime Minister`s decision to build Kartarpur Corridor was indicative of his enlightened vision regarding minorities`` rights and religious freedom in Pakistan.

Pakistan official asks Sikhs, Muslims to work together

Abolition of Triple Talaq will ensure dignity and equality to crores of Muslim women, said Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah here on Sunday.

Speaking on "Abolition of Triple Talaq - Correction of a historic wrong" at the Constitution Club of India here, Shah traced the journey of the Act, saying that he had spoken on the issue of Triple Talaq when it was in the ordinance format and when it was a bill.

He said that it was a proud moment for him to speak of the issue of Triple Talaq when it had finally been enacted by the Parliament.

Blaming the policy of appeasement for the opposition to the removal of Triple Talaq, he said that while removal of social evils is generally welcomed by society, it was appeasement that led to some opposition to the move.

Shah said that social unity and holistic development are hampered because of appeasement.

He said that the development of an entire society takes hard work and rigorous planning, and requires dedication, commitment, and empathy.

Calling appeasement a "shortcut", he said that appeasement never leads to development.

Shah said that those who are left behind in the journey of development must be empowered, and that holistic, all-encompassing, last-mile development is the philosophy of the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Giving the examples of nations that had abolished Triple Talaq, Shah said that several Islamic nations had already taken the step decades ago, and this proves that such a barbaric practice is not part of Islamic culture.

Praising the tenacity and decisiveness of the government, Shah said that the road to ending Triple Talaq was not easy, as the Bill was not able to pass through the Rajya Sabha multiple times.

However, the government persisted with the passage of the Bill and was ultimately successful.

Commenting on the Constitutional Status of the issue, Shah said that a five-judge Constitution Bench had pronounced with a majority of 3-2 that the practice of Triple Talaq violates Article 14 of the Constitution -- equality before the law and equal protection of the law.

Thus, the Supreme Court itself has declared the practice of Triple Talaq to be illegal, unconstitutional, arbitrary and void. Shah said that the society must progress with time, otherwise, it becomes stale.

He also said that the abolition of Triple Talaq would ensure dignity and equality for crores of Muslim women.

Commenting on the aspect of imprisonment for the violation of the Act, Shri Shah remarked that the correction of many social evils required the application of criminal laws - from Sati Pratha and child marriages to polygamy and dowry.

Regarding the maintenance of the aggrieved wife and children, Shah said that the husband will be required to provide for the wife he divorces through Triple Talaq, as well as their children.

Shah said that the law stipulates three years of imprisonment for violators, and bail is possible only after the aggrieved woman has had a chance to present her side to the court.

Thus, this law empowers Muslim women in the truest sense of the word. Commenting on the results of a survey, Shah said that 92.1 per cent Muslim women wanted Triple Talaq gone.

He said that he was proud of having voted against ending the social evil of Triple Talaq.

Shah observed that nepotism, casteism, and appeasement have collectively damaged the nation's polity, and emphasised that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government had taken steps to remove all three from India`s polity.

Shah stated that with the passage of the Act, the Prime Minister's promise to the nation stands fulfilled.

He also said that the world looks up to India with respect because of this move. He remarked that great social reformers like Raja Rammohan Roy, Jyotiba Phule, Kavi Narmad Mahatma Gandhi, Veer Savarkar, and Dr Ambedkar have all contributed to uplifting our society and removing social evils.

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s name would find a place in the list of great social reformers because of his leadership in the quest for abolishing the practice of Triple Talaq.

Hailing the Prime Minister for the decision, Shah said that the journey of the nation towards development must not stop here. He emphasised that the nation must function not on nepotism, casteism or appeasement, but on merit.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Abolition of Triple Talaq will ensure dignity and equality to crores of Muslim women, said Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah here on Sunday. Speaking on "Abolition of Triple Talaq - Correction of a historic wrong" at the Constitution Club of India here, Shah traced the journey of the Act, saying that he had spoken on the issue of Triple Talaq when it was in the ordinance format and when it was a bill.

Abolition of Triple Talaq will ensure dignity and equality to crores of Muslim women, said Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah here on Sunday. Speaking on "Abolition of Triple Talaq - Correction of a historic wrong" at the Constitution Club of India here, Shah traced the journey of the Act, saying that he had spoken on the issue of Triple Talaq when it was in the ordinance format and when it was a bill. He said that it was a proud moment for him to speak of the issue of Triple Talaq when it had finally been enacted by the Parliament. Blaming the policy of appeasement for the opposition to the removal of Triple Talaq, he said that while removal of social evils is generally welcomed by society, it was appeasement that led to some opposition to the move. Shah said that social unity and holistic development are hampered because of appeasement. He said that the development of an entire society takes hard work and rigorous planning, and requires dedication, commitment, and empathy. Calling appeasement a "shortcut", he said that appeasement never leads to development. Shah said that those who are left behind in the journey of development must be empowered, and that holistic, all-encompassing, last-mile development is the philosophy of the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Giving the examples of nations that had abolished Triple Talaq, Shah said that several Islamic nations had already taken the step decades ago, and this proves that such a barbaric practice is not part of Islamic culture. Praising the tenacity and decisiveness of the government, Shah said that the road to ending Triple Talaq was not easy, as the Bill was not able to pass through the Rajya Sabha multiple times. However, the government persisted with the passage of the Bill and was ultimately successful. Commenting on the Constitutional Status of the issue, Shah said that a five-judge Constitution Bench had pronounced with a majority of 3-2 that the practice of Triple Talaq violates Article 14 of the Constitution -- equality before the law and equal protection of the law. Thus, the Supreme Court itself has declared the practice of Triple Talaq to be illegal, unconstitutional, arbitrary and void. Shah said that the society must progress with time, otherwise, it becomes stale. He also said that the abolition of Triple Talaq would ensure dignity and equality for crores of Muslim women. Commenting on the aspect of imprisonment for the violation of the Act, Shri Shah remarked that the correction of many social evils required the application of criminal laws - from Sati Pratha and child marriages to polygamy and dowry. Regarding the maintenance of the aggrieved wife and children, Shah said that the husband will be required to provide for the wife he divorces through Triple Talaq, as well as their children. Shah said that the law stipulates three years of imprisonment for violators, and bail is possible only after the aggrieved woman has had a chance to present her side to the court. Thus, this law empowers Muslim women in the truest sense of the word. Commenting on the results of a survey, Shah said that 92.1 per cent Muslim women wanted Triple Talaq gone. He said that he was proud of having voted against ending the social evil of Triple Talaq. Shah observed that nepotism, casteism, and appeasement have collectively damaged the nation's polity, and emphasised that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government had taken steps to remove all three from India`s polity. Shah stated that with the passage of the Act, the Prime Minister's promise to the nation stands fulfilled. He also said that the world looks up to India with respect because of this move. He remarked that great social reformers like Raja Rammohan Roy, Jyotiba Phule, Kavi Narmad Mahatma Gandhi, Veer Savarkar, and Dr Ambedkar have all contributed to uplifting our society and removing social evils. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s name would find a place in the list of great social reformers because of his leadership in the quest for abolishing the practice of Triple Talaq. Hailing the Prime Minister for the decision, Shah said that the journey of the nation towards development must not stop here. He emphasised that the nation must function not on nepotism, casteism or appeasement, but on merit.

Abolition of Triple Talaq will ensure dignity, equality to crores of Muslim women: Amit Shah

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-faces-worst-ever-dengue-fever-outbreak-239918">At least 40 people have died in Bangladesh</a>'s worst-ever outbreak of dengue, officials said Tuesday, as overburdened hospitals struggled to treat thousands of patients.

Outbreaks of the mosquito-borne viral infection, which causes flu-like symptoms but can be deadly if it develops into a hemorrhagic fever, usually occur in the South Asian nation during the monsoon season between June and September but this year the disease has reached epidemic proportions.

More than 44,000 people have been admitted to hospitals with the illness since January, including some 2,100 on Monday alone, said health ministry official Ayesha Akhter.&nbsp;

"We have confirmed 40 dengue-related casualties so far to Monday," she told AFP.

Local media put the number much higher, reporting that the death toll passed 100 last week.

The week-long holiday marking the Muslim festival of Eid-al-Adha has seen hundreds of thousands of people leaving Bangladeshi cities to return to their family homes in the countryside, raising concerns that the disease will spread further.&nbsp;

The country's health minister said the outbreak was "gradually reducing" while inaugurating an emergency dengue ward at a public hospital in Dhaka this week.

For the first time on record, holidays for all public health workers have been cancelled to help respond to the crisis, said health ministry director-general Abul Kalam Azad.

"It is getting very tough to cope up with the amount of work pressure," one medical officer told AFP.

At least 40 people have died in Bangladesh's worst-ever outbreak of dengue, officials said Tuesday, as overburdened hospitals struggled to treat thousands of patients.

At least 40 people have died in Bangladesh's worst-ever outbreak of dengue, officials said Tuesday, as overburdened hospitals struggled to treat thousands of patients. Outbreaks of the mosquito-borne viral infection, which causes flu-like symptoms but can be deadly if it develops into a hemorrhagic fever, usually occur in the South Asian nation during the monsoon season between June and September but this year the disease has reached epidemic proportions. More than 44,000 people have been admitted to hospitals with the illness since January, including some 2,100 on Monday alone, said health ministry official Ayesha Akhter. "We have confirmed 40 dengue-related casualties so far to Monday," she told AFP. Local media put the number much higher, reporting that the death toll passed 100 last week. The week-long holiday marking the Muslim festival of Eid-al-Adha has seen hundreds of thousands of people leaving Bangladeshi cities to return to their family homes in the countryside, raising concerns that the disease will spread further. The country's health minister said the outbreak was "gradually reducing" while inaugurating an emergency dengue ward at a public hospital in Dhaka this week. For the first time on record, holidays for all public health workers have been cancelled to help respond to the crisis, said health ministry director-general Abul Kalam Azad. "It is getting very tough to cope up with the amount of work pressure," one medical officer told AFP.

At least 40 dead in Bangladesh's worst-ever dengue outbreak

Sri Lankans, angered by the government's inability to prevent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attackers-of-sri-lanka-easter-sunday-bombings-were-inspire-by-isis-238342">the Easter Sunday terror attacks that killed more than 250 people</a>, want a strongman back in power who can guarantee their safety and bring back economic growth.

Many are rooting for Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who despite fighting allegations of war crimes, is expected to be announced as the presidential candidate of the opposition nationalist Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party, as early as Sunday.

The Rajapaksa brothers, Gotabaya and Mahinda, were credited with bringing peace to Sri Lanka in 2009 by defeating the Tamil Tigers in a brutal end to the 26-year-long civil war between the Sinhalese Buddhist majority and minority Tamil groups. Gotabaya was the defence secretary at the time and Mahinda the nation's president.

'The people have requested a leader who can ensure their security,' Basil Rajapaksa, founder of the SLPP and youngest brother of Gotabaya and Mahinda told reporters on Thursday.

Gotabaya is facing lawsuits in the United States for instigating and authorising the extrajudicial killing of a journalist and of war crimes against the Tamils during his time as defence secretary.

He has denied the allegations and said the lawsuits, brought by torture survivors and the daughter of the slain journalist, were timed to thwart his possible presidential run. The final date for the presidential elections has not been decided but must be held before Dec 9.

Ignored warnings

Sri Lanka's constitution is modelled on the French system of government where the president has executive powers while the prime minister heads the parliament.

The current government is headed by President Maithripala Sirisena, the leader of centre-left Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) while Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is from the centre-right United National Party (UNP), which has a majority in the parliament.

Sirisena and Wickremesinghe, who have been at loggerheads since last October, have blamed one another for ignoring warnings from India and failing to stop the attacks.

Calls for a nationalist leader like Gotabaya, who has strong support from within Sri Lanka's majority Sinhalese Buddhist community, echo similar choices made by voters in other Asian nations including India and Bangladesh.

In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was elected for a second term in May in a landslide victory, rallied his Hindu nationalist base and turned the campaign into a fight for national security and an aggressive stance against Pakistan.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who won a third straight term in an election last December, has been criticised for suppressing dissent and jailing critics.

Echoes of Duterte

Reuters spoke to about 60 people, many of whom were victims of the terror attacks or affected by communal violence over the past year, and while some plan to abstain from voting, many of those who will vote to say they want a more authoritarian figure.

Many Sri Lankan Catholics will not vote for Sirisena if he stands, said a senior Sri Lankan priest.

He is looking at Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs as an example of the kind of behaviour that is required despite evidence that it involved extrajudicial killings by police.

"A third world country like us needs a tough leader like Duterte - he is doing whatever is needed to rid his country of evils," said the priest who did not want to be named because of the sensitivity of the subject.

"Gotabaya is accused of crimes but he is tough and that is what we need right now to bring back some order," he said.

Father Jude Chrysantha Fernando, director of social communication at the Archdiocese of Colombo, said the church did not take political sides and would not ask people to vote for one candidate over another.

“What the cardinal said was that the political leaders and some security officials had prior information about attacks, but they have not taken any action," he said. "That’s why the cardinal expressed his displeasure. But he did not take any political side. What he is asking is justice for the victims.”

Minorities divided&nbsp;

A country of 21 million, Sri Lanka has been a tinder box of sectarian and ethnic tensions, first between the majority Sinhalese Buddhist population and Tamil groups, and in recent years between the Sinhalese Buddhists and the Muslim minority.

While most Tamils are unlikely to vote for Gotabaya, the Muslim community may be divided.

SHM Thameem, a government employee who is a Muslim, said he will vote for Gotabaya because the current government has failed to deliver.

"When there were anti-Muslim riots when he was the defence secretary, they were controlled within a day or two but Sirisena and Wickremesinghe have failed to control it. That adversely impacted the Muslim businesses and overall economy," said Thameem who lives in the north-central district of Anuradhapura.

JM Faleel, a Muslim autorickshaw driver in Colombo feels differently.

"We need a dictator, but I will not vote for Gotabaya as he is partially responsible for most of the suffering we see today," said Faleel, referring to anti-Muslim riots and alleged abuses against the Tamils.

Keheliya Rambukwella, a spokesman for SLPP, said Gotabaya was out of the country when the worst violence against Muslims took place.

"But still he was able to prevent it within a day. This government could not control the spreading of anti-Muslim riots for a week last," he told Reuters.

The lawsuit allegations in the United States may not hurt Gotabaya's chances of winning because he has the overwhelming support of the Sinhalese Buddhist majority, said Kusal Perera, a political columnist in Sri Lanka.

"This election will be decided by the large majority of Sinhalese Buddhists who believe they need a hardline president to put things right. The Tamils and Muslims will be left out in deciding the president," said Perera.

Sri Lankans, angered by the government's inability to prevent the Easter Sunday terror attacks that killed more than 250 people, want a strongman back in power who can guarantee their safety and bring back economic growth.

Sri Lankans, angered by the government's inability to prevent the Easter Sunday terror attacks that killed more than 250 people, want a strongman back in power who can guarantee their safety and bring back economic growth. Many are rooting for Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who despite fighting allegations of war crimes, is expected to be announced as the presidential candidate of the opposition nationalist Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party, as early as Sunday. The Rajapaksa brothers, Gotabaya and Mahinda, were credited with bringing peace to Sri Lanka in 2009 by defeating the Tamil Tigers in a brutal end to the 26-year-long civil war between the Sinhalese Buddhist majority and minority Tamil groups. Gotabaya was the defence secretary at the time and Mahinda the nation's president. 'The people have requested a leader who can ensure their security,' Basil Rajapaksa, founder of the SLPP and youngest brother of Gotabaya and Mahinda told reporters on Thursday. Gotabaya is facing lawsuits in the United States for instigating and authorising the extrajudicial killing of a journalist and of war crimes against the Tamils during his time as defence secretary. He has denied the allegations and said the lawsuits, brought by torture survivors and the daughter of the slain journalist, were timed to thwart his possible presidential run. The final date for the presidential elections has not been decided but must be held before Dec 9. Ignored warnings Sri Lanka's constitution is modelled on the French system of government where the president has executive powers while the prime minister heads the parliament. The current government is headed by President Maithripala Sirisena, the leader of centre-left Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) while Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is from the centre-right United National Party (UNP), which has a majority in the parliament. Sirisena and Wickremesinghe, who have been at loggerheads since last October, have blamed one another for ignoring warnings from India and failing to stop the attacks. Calls for a nationalist leader like Gotabaya, who has strong support from within Sri Lanka's majority Sinhalese Buddhist community, echo similar choices made by voters in other Asian nations including India and Bangladesh. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was elected for a second term in May in a landslide victory, rallied his Hindu nationalist base and turned the campaign into a fight for national security and an aggressive stance against Pakistan. Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who won a third straight term in an election last December, has been criticised for suppressing dissent and jailing critics. Echoes of Duterte Reuters spoke to about 60 people, many of whom were victims of the terror attacks or affected by communal violence over the past year, and while some plan to abstain from voting, many of those who will vote to say they want a more authoritarian figure. Many Sri Lankan Catholics will not vote for Sirisena if he stands, said a senior Sri Lankan priest. He is looking at Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs as an example of the kind of behaviour that is required despite evidence that it involved extrajudicial killings by police. "A third world country like us needs a tough leader like Duterte - he is doing whatever is needed to rid his country of evils," said the priest who did not want to be named because of the sensitivity of the subject. "Gotabaya is accused of crimes but he is tough and that is what we need right now to bring back some order," he said. Father Jude Chrysantha Fernando, director of social communication at the Archdiocese of Colombo, said the church did not take political sides and would not ask people to vote for one candidate over another. “What the cardinal said was that the political leaders and some security officials had prior information about attacks, but they have not taken any action," he said. "That’s why the cardinal expressed his displeasure. But he did not take any political side. What he is asking is justice for the victims.” Minorities divided A country of 21 million, Sri Lanka has been a tinder box of sectarian and ethnic tensions, first between the majority Sinhalese Buddhist population and Tamil groups, and in recent years between the Sinhalese Buddhists and the Muslim minority. While most Tamils are unlikely to vote for Gotabaya, the Muslim community may be divided. SHM Thameem, a government employee who is a Muslim, said he will vote for Gotabaya because the current government has failed to deliver. "When there were anti-Muslim riots when he was the defence secretary, they were controlled within a day or two but Sirisena and Wickremesinghe have failed to control it. That adversely impacted the Muslim businesses and overall economy," said Thameem who lives in the north-central district of Anuradhapura. JM Faleel, a Muslim autorickshaw driver in Colombo feels differently. "We need a dictator, but I will not vote for Gotabaya as he is partially responsible for most of the suffering we see today," said Faleel, referring to anti-Muslim riots and alleged abuses against the Tamils. Keheliya Rambukwella, a spokesman for SLPP, said Gotabaya was out of the country when the worst violence against Muslims took place. "But still he was able to prevent it within a day. This government could not control the spreading of anti-Muslim riots for a week last," he told Reuters. The lawsuit allegations in the United States may not hurt Gotabaya's chances of winning because he has the overwhelming support of the Sinhalese Buddhist majority, said Kusal Perera, a political columnist in Sri Lanka. "This election will be decided by the large majority of Sinhalese Buddhists who believe they need a hardline president to put things right. The Tamils and Muslims will be left out in deciding the president," said Perera.

Many Sri Lankans want a strongman leader, and that favours Gotabaya Rajapaksa

A hunt for a Franco-Irish teen who disappeared from a Malaysian resort stretched into a second week Sunday, with hundreds of people scouring the jungle despite it being a major Muslim holiday.

Nora Quoirin, a 15-year-old with learning difficulties, disappeared on August 4, a day after checking into the resort with her London-based family.

They believe she was abducted, but police have classified it as a missing person case.&nbsp;

Even as millions celebrated the Eid al-Adha festival in the Muslim-majority country, a search team almost 300 strong trekked through the dense jungle near the resort<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-king-of-malaysia-divorces-ex-miss-moscow-by-triple-talaq-238265"> in southwest Malaysia</a> in an increasingly desperate hunt.

The search team includes helicopters, sniffer dogs and drones, but no trace of the teenager has been found so far.&nbsp;

Officials narrowed the search area over the weekend as they believe that the teen cannot have strayed far from the resort, and have also been playing a recording of her mother's voice through megaphones.

On Sunday police launched a new hotline number for the public to report any information about her.&nbsp;

The schoolgirl went missing from the 12-acre (five-hectare) Dusun Resort, which lies near a forest reserve not far from Kuala Lumpur, in the foothills of a mountain range.

Her family says it would be extremely unusual for the reserved youngster to have wandered off on her own.

While officially treating it as a missing person case, police say they have not ruled out other possibilities.

An open window was found in the cottage where the family was staying at the resort.&nbsp;

Police have questioned several people, are examining fingerprints found on a window, and looking into reports that villagers heard a truck early on the morning that the girl disappeared.&nbsp;

A hunt for a Franco-Irish teen who disappeared from a Malaysian resort stretched into a second week Sunday, with hundreds of people scouring the jungle despite it being a major Muslim holiday.

A hunt for a Franco-Irish teen who disappeared from a Malaysian resort stretched into a second week Sunday, with hundreds of people scouring the jungle despite it being a major Muslim holiday. Nora Quoirin, a 15-year-old with learning difficulties, disappeared on August 4, a day after checking into the resort with her London-based family. They believe she was abducted, but police have classified it as a missing person case. Even as millions celebrated the Eid al-Adha festival in the Muslim-majority country, a search team almost 300 strong trekked through the dense jungle near the resort in southwest Malaysia in an increasingly desperate hunt. The search team includes helicopters, sniffer dogs and drones, but no trace of the teenager has been found so far. Officials narrowed the search area over the weekend as they believe that the teen cannot have strayed far from the resort, and have also been playing a recording of her mother's voice through megaphones. On Sunday police launched a new hotline number for the public to report any information about her. The schoolgirl went missing from the 12-acre (five-hectare) Dusun Resort, which lies near a forest reserve not far from Kuala Lumpur, in the foothills of a mountain range. Her family says it would be extremely unusual for the reserved youngster to have wandered off on her own. While officially treating it as a missing person case, police say they have not ruled out other possibilities. An open window was found in the cottage where the family was staying at the resort. Police have questioned several people, are examining fingerprints found on a window, and looking into reports that villagers heard a truck early on the morning that the girl disappeared.

Hundreds search in Malaysia for missing teen despite the major holiday

Muslim worshippers and Israeli police clashed on Sunday at a major Jerusalem holy site during prayers marking the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha.

Muslims clash with Israeli police at Jerusalem holy site

Israeli police and Palestinian worshippers clashed at a flashpoint Jerusalem holy site on Sunday as overlapping Jewish and Muslim holidays led to tensions there, an AFP journalist reported.

Police fired sound grenades as Palestinian protests intensified at the highly sensitive Al-Aqsa mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount.

The Palestinian Red Crescent reported injuries without specifying a number.

Sunday marked the start of the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-condemns-attacks-on-saudi-guest-237916"> thousands of Palestinians prayed at the Al-Aqsa mosque.</a>

It coincided with the Jewish Tisha B'av holiday, which typically sees an increase in Jewish visits to the holy site.

In a bid to ease tensions, police barred Jewish visits to the site on Sunday but Muslim worshippers still feared they would be allowed in and protested there. The clashes with police broke out afterwards.

The compound, which includes the Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock, is one of the most sensitive sites in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

It is the third-holiest site in Islam and the most sacred for Jews, who revere it as the location of the two biblical-era temples.

It is located in east Jerusalem, occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed in a move never recognised by the international community.

Jews are allowed to visit but not pray there to avoid provoking tensions.

Israeli police and Palestinian worshippers clashed at a flashpoint Jerusalem holy site on Sunday as overlapping Jewish and Muslim holidays led to tensions there, an AFP journalist reported.

Israeli police and Palestinian worshippers clashed at a flashpoint Jerusalem holy site on Sunday as overlapping Jewish and Muslim holidays led to tensions there, an AFP journalist reported. Police fired sound grenades as Palestinian protests intensified at the highly sensitive Al-Aqsa mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported injuries without specifying a number. Sunday marked the start of the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday and thousands of Palestinians prayed at the Al-Aqsa mosque. It coincided with the Jewish Tisha B'av holiday, which typically sees an increase in Jewish visits to the holy site. In a bid to ease tensions, police barred Jewish visits to the site on Sunday but Muslim worshippers still feared they would be allowed in and protested there. The clashes with police broke out afterwards. The compound, which includes the Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock, is one of the most sensitive sites in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is the third-holiest site in Islam and the most sacred for Jews, who revere it as the location of the two biblical-era temples. It is located in east Jerusalem, occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed in a move never recognised by the international community. Jews are allowed to visit but not pray there to avoid provoking tensions.

Israel police, Palestinians clash at flashpoint Jerusalem holy site

People are flocking to makeshift cattle markets in Karachi to purchase sacrificial animals ahead of the upcoming Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, which begins on 12 August in Pakistan.

Eid preparations begin in Pakistan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/southeast-asian-leaders-meet-expected-to-discuss-rohingyas-south-china-sea-229680">Myanmar's foreign ministry</a> on Tuesday denounced a United Nations report that urged world leaders to cut ties with military-linked companies and impose an arms embargo over the Rohingya crisis, saying it was intended to harm the country.

A panel of UN experts urged world leaders on Monday to impose targeted financial sanctions on companies linked to the military and said foreign firms doing business with them could be complicit in international crimes.&nbsp;

More than 730,000<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-crisis-japan-offers-to-play-mediator-between-bangladesh-and-myanmar-239627"> Rohingya, members of a persecuted Muslim minority</a>, fled Myanmar's Rakhine state into neighbouring Bangladesh amid a military-led crackdown in August 2017 that the UN and Western countries have said included mass killings and gang-rapes.

The investigators identified at least 59 foreign companies with commercial ties to the Myanmar military and 14 companies that have sold weapons and related equipment to security forces since 2016, including state-owned entities in Israel, India, North Korea, and China.

Any foreign business activity involving the army and its conglomerates 'posts a high risk of contributing to, or being linked to, violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law', the report said.

Myanmar's foreign ministry said on Tuesday the UN had exceeded its mandate in setting up the Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, which produced the report.&nbsp;

The same panel in 2018 determined the crackdown on Rohingya was carried out with 'genocidal intent'.

'The Government of Myanmar categorically rejects the latest report and its conclusions,' the ministry said in a statement, calling the report an 'action intended to harm the interests of Myanmar and its people'.

'We adhere firmly to the position that cooperation should be the basis for the resolution of international issues, including that of human rights,' the ministry said.

'We do not believe that economic sanctions will resolve the challenges that need to be overcome,' it added.

Myanmar's foreign ministry on Tuesday denounced a United Nations report that urged world leaders to cut ties with military-linked companies and impose an arms embargo over the Rohingya crisis, saying it was intended to harm the country.

Myanmar's foreign ministry on Tuesday denounced a United Nations report that urged world leaders to cut ties with military-linked companies and impose an arms embargo over the Rohingya crisis, saying it was intended to harm the country. A panel of UN experts urged world leaders on Monday to impose targeted financial sanctions on companies linked to the military and said foreign firms doing business with them could be complicit in international crimes. More than 730,000 Rohingya, members of a persecuted Muslim minority, fled Myanmar's Rakhine state into neighbouring Bangladesh amid a military-led crackdown in August 2017 that the UN and Western countries have said included mass killings and gang-rapes. The investigators identified at least 59 foreign companies with commercial ties to the Myanmar military and 14 companies that have sold weapons and related equipment to security forces since 2016, including state-owned entities in Israel, India, North Korea, and China. Any foreign business activity involving the army and its conglomerates 'posts a high risk of contributing to, or being linked to, violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law', the report said. Myanmar's foreign ministry said on Tuesday the UN had exceeded its mandate in setting up the Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, which produced the report. The same panel in 2018 determined the crackdown on Rohingya was carried out with 'genocidal intent'. 'The Government of Myanmar categorically rejects the latest report and its conclusions,' the ministry said in a statement, calling the report an 'action intended to harm the interests of Myanmar and its people'. 'We adhere firmly to the position that cooperation should be the basis for the resolution of international issues, including that of human rights,' the ministry said. 'We do not believe that economic sanctions will resolve the challenges that need to be overcome,' it added.

Myanmar says UN calls for sanctions, arms embargo a bid to harm country

The Triple Talaq Bill was cleared from the Lok Sabha on Thursday with 303 votes in favour and 82 against the bill.

The Bill will now be tabled in Rajya Sabha, where the opposition is numerically higher than the ruling side.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019, seeks to replace an ordinance by the government in February and to make instant Triple Talaq a penal offence.

It was passed in the Lok Sabha on December 27 last year with 245 votes in favour and 11 against the bill. However, it was lapsed after&nbsp;the dissolution of previous Lok Sabha.

The opposition parties had demanded the bill for further examining by a&nbsp;Select Committee of Parliament. The Centre, however, rejected the demand.

The bill was passed following a heated debate by the opposition.

Congress, TMC and JD(U) also walked out of parliament after the bill was passed.

BJP ally Janata Dal (United)&nbsp;opposed the bill saying it will create distrust among a particular community.

"We do not support this bill as our party believes that if this bill is passed, it will create distrust among a particular community." party member Rajiv Ranjan Singh said during the debate on the Triple Talaq Bill.

"Nobody wants to see a husband and wife getting separated but if such a situation occurs, a couple takes the decision after due consent and trust. You cannot take decisions on their behalf by imposing such a law." Singh added.

He said instead of imposing such a law, the government should spread awareness among that particular community. The government should think of some other solution.

The Triple Talaq Bill was taken up for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha after Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad urged&nbsp;the House to pass it unanimously as it was a matter of "justice, respect and dignity of women" and not of politics and religion.

Prasad said that twenty Muslim countries had laws to regulate instant triple talaq and why should a secular country like India not have it.

(With inputs from ANI)

&nbsp;

The Triple Talaq Bill was cleared from the Lok Sabha on Thursday with 303 votes in favour and 82 against the bill. The Bill will now be tabled in Rajya Sabha, where the opposition is numerically higher than the ruling side.

The Triple Talaq Bill was cleared from the Lok Sabha on Thursday with 303 votes in favour and 82 against the bill. The Bill will now be tabled in Rajya Sabha, where the opposition is numerically higher than the ruling side. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019, seeks to replace an ordinance by the government in February and to make instant Triple Talaq a penal offence. It was passed in the Lok Sabha on December 27 last year with 245 votes in favour and 11 against the bill. However, it was lapsed after the dissolution of previous Lok Sabha. The opposition parties had demanded the bill for further examining by a Select Committee of Parliament. The Centre, however, rejected the demand. The bill was passed following a heated debate by the opposition. Congress, TMC and JD(U) also walked out of parliament after the bill was passed. BJP ally Janata Dal (United) opposed the bill saying it will create distrust among a particular community. "We do not support this bill as our party believes that if this bill is passed, it will create distrust among a particular community." party member Rajiv Ranjan Singh said during the debate on the Triple Talaq Bill. "Nobody wants to see a husband and wife getting separated but if such a situation occurs, a couple takes the decision after due consent and trust. You cannot take decisions on their behalf by imposing such a law." Singh added. He said instead of imposing such a law, the government should spread awareness among that particular community. The government should think of some other solution. The Triple Talaq Bill was taken up for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha after Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad urged the House to pass it unanimously as it was a matter of "justice, respect and dignity of women" and not of politics and religion. Prasad said that twenty Muslim countries had laws to regulate instant triple talaq and why should a secular country like India not have it. (With inputs from ANI)

Lok Sabha passes Triple Talaq Bill; Congress, JD(U), TMC stage walkout

The United States should reject "prejudice" and respect facts instead of vilifying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-rights-watch-report-on-uighurs-full-of-prejudice-says-china-164872">China's record on religious rights</a>, the Communist Party newspaper People's Daily said on Saturday after fresh criticism of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uighur-wives-forced-to-drink-alcohol-and-eat-pork-in-chinas-re-education-camps-214757">China's treatment of ethnic Muslims</a>.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo branded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-government-has-destroyed-graveyard-of-uighur-community-historian-226704">China's treatment of its Uighur minority</a> in the far northwestern region of Xinjiang the "stain of the century" on Thursday. He also accused Beijing of pressuring countries not to attend a US-hosted conference on religious freedom.

Beijing has been accused of persecuting Uighurs, with at least a million believed to be detained in what China insists are vocational centres aimed at reducing the spread of extremism.&nbsp;

But the People`s Daily said China respected religious rights and accused some in the United States of having "ulterior motives" and using religion as a pretext to vilify China.&nbsp;

"They even use so-called freedom of religious belief as an excuse to undermine China`s national harmony and interfere in China`s internal affairs," the editorial said.&nbsp;

It said the critics "know nothing about the real situation" in Xinjiang, and the vocational training system had already become an effective way of protecting the region`s population from terrorism and extremism.

An open letter signed by dozens of scholars and religious officials from the region has accused Pompeo of making "false accusations" about the treatment of Uighur Muslims.

The letter, published by the Xinjiang government`s official website late on Friday, said there was "no evidence" to show China was trying to destroy Uighur culture or religion, and urged Pompeo to "stop fabricating lies and slanders about Xinjiang".&nbsp;

Earlier this month, nearly two dozen countries called on China to halt its mass detention of Uighurs in Xinjiang, the first such joint move on the issue at the UN&nbsp;Human Rights Council.&nbsp;

The United States should reject "prejudice" and respect facts instead of vilifying China's record on religious rights, the Communist Party newspaper People's Daily said on Saturday after fresh criticism of China's treatment of ethnic Muslims.

The United States should reject "prejudice" and respect facts instead of vilifying China's record on religious rights, the Communist Party newspaper People's Daily said on Saturday after fresh criticism of China's treatment of ethnic Muslims. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo branded China's treatment of its Uighur minority in the far northwestern region of Xinjiang the "stain of the century" on Thursday. He also accused Beijing of pressuring countries not to attend a US-hosted conference on religious freedom. Beijing has been accused of persecuting Uighurs, with at least a million believed to be detained in what China insists are vocational centres aimed at reducing the spread of extremism. But the People`s Daily said China respected religious rights and accused some in the United States of having "ulterior motives" and using religion as a pretext to vilify China. "They even use so-called freedom of religious belief as an excuse to undermine China`s national harmony and interfere in China`s internal affairs," the editorial said. It said the critics "know nothing about the real situation" in Xinjiang, and the vocational training system had already become an effective way of protecting the region`s population from terrorism and extremism. An open letter signed by dozens of scholars and religious officials from the region has accused Pompeo of making "false accusations" about the treatment of Uighur Muslims. The letter, published by the Xinjiang government`s official website late on Friday, said there was "no evidence" to show China was trying to destroy Uighur culture or religion, and urged Pompeo to "stop fabricating lies and slanders about Xinjiang". Earlier this month, nearly two dozen countries called on China to halt its mass detention of Uighurs in Xinjiang, the first such joint move on the issue at the UN Human Rights Council.

US should reject 'prejudice' on China religious rights: State media

A hijab-wearing, diminutive Malaysian wrestler known as "Phoenix" cuts an unusual figure in the ring, a female Muslim fighter taking on hulking opponents in a male-dominated world.

Dressed in flame-patterned trousers, a black and orange hijab and top, Nor Diana uses sophisticated moves to throw and pin down her larger rivals in front of hundreds of cheering spectators.&nbsp;

Standing just 155 centimetres (five foot, one inch) tall and weighing 43 kilograms (six stone, 10 pounds), her speed and agility make her a match for almost any opponent.

And far from being criticised by conservatives for throwing herself into <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/wrestler-babita-phogat-to-get-married-to-vivek-suhag-shares-photo-224858&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiavcyJpbvjAhWO4nMBHeMXACwQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0O5yVvqmqn7F1LTH1YTGjh">wrestling</a>, the 19-year-old has become a hit on social media and spurred the interest of other headscarf-wearing women.

"Even though I am Muslim, and I wear the hijab, nothing can stop me from doing what I love," she said in the ring after winning a recent fight.

She takes part in local outfit Malaysia Pro Wrestling (MyPW), which has similarities with hugely popular World Wrestling Entertainment from the United States.&nbsp;

Like WWE, the Malaysian version is as much theatre as sport, as participants compete against one another with matches ending in a pre-determined outcome.&nbsp;

Nor Diana, a pseudonym as she prefers not to reveal her true identity, seems an unlikely <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/bajrang-punia-first-indian-wrestler-to-fight-at-new-yorks-iconic-madison-square-213876&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiavcyJpbvjAhWO4nMBHeMXACwQFjACegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1EJpP0vLpradme08_eWgXn">wrestler </a>- outside the ring, she is shy and soft-spoken, and her day job is working in a hospital.

But when she puts on her wrestling gear, she transforms into the fearsome Phoenix.

"As Phoenix, I'm a totally different person. She may be small, but she can do things that people can't imagine," Nor Diana told AFP at a wrestling gym in Puchong, outside Kuala Lumpur.&nbsp;

"When she's in the ring, she's fast and always wants to win," she explained.

Growing popularity 
 
Nor Diana first started training as a wrestler in late 2015, following her teenage dream of becoming a fighter and made her debut a few months later.

More than 60 per cent of Malaysia's 32 million people are ethnic Malay Muslims and, while the form of Islam followed is generally moderate and tolerant, society can still be conservative.

Many Muslim women in the country wear the traditional headscarf and loose-fitting clothing in line with Islamic requirements for females to dress modestly.

"In the beginning, it was always hard for me, because a lot of people said I can't wrestle because I'm a Muslim and I wear the hijab," she said.&nbsp;

But she has soldiered on, with her family’s full support, and enjoyed her greatest success so far in early July, defeating four men to be crowned Malaysian wrestling champion.

Initially, she competed wearing a mask, to reduce the chances people would recognise her. But after losing a match last year she removed it and has been competing without one ever since.

She remembered being fearful about the reaction - but her popularity has only increased since, with thousands now following her on social media, helping to boost wrestling's profile in Malaysia.

While it is growing in popularity, wrestling remains relatively small in the Southeast Asian country. There are about 30 fighters and matches take place every two to three months in front of a few hundred supporters.

Nor Diana is one of just two women wrestlers.&nbsp;

"As soon as she became popular, we received a lot of messages from fellow hijabis who inquired about joining wrestling as well," &nbsp;Ayez Shaukat Fonseka, her coach and fellow fighter, told AFP.

"She kind of broke the barrier and just proved to them that if she can do it, they can do it too,"&nbsp;Fonseka said.

A hijab-wearing, diminutive Malaysian wrestler known as "Phoenix" cuts an unusual figure in the ring, a female Muslim fighter taking on hulking opponents in a male-dominated world.

A hijab-wearing, diminutive Malaysian wrestler known as "Phoenix" cuts an unusual figure in the ring, a female Muslim fighter taking on hulking opponents in a male-dominated world. Dressed in flame-patterned trousers, a black and orange hijab and top, Nor Diana uses sophisticated moves to throw and pin down her larger rivals in front of hundreds of cheering spectators. Standing just 155 centimetres (five foot, one inch) tall and weighing 43 kilograms (six stone, 10 pounds), her speed and agility make her a match for almost any opponent. And far from being criticised by conservatives for throwing herself into wrestling, the 19-year-old has become a hit on social media and spurred the interest of other headscarf-wearing women. "Even though I am Muslim, and I wear the hijab, nothing can stop me from doing what I love," she said in the ring after winning a recent fight. She takes part in local outfit Malaysia Pro Wrestling (MyPW), which has similarities with hugely popular World Wrestling Entertainment from the United States. Like WWE, the Malaysian version is as much theatre as sport, as participants compete against one another with matches ending in a pre-determined outcome. Nor Diana, a pseudonym as she prefers not to reveal her true identity, seems an unlikely wrestler - outside the ring, she is shy and soft-spoken, and her day job is working in a hospital. But when she puts on her wrestling gear, she transforms into the fearsome Phoenix. "As Phoenix, I'm a totally different person. She may be small, but she can do things that people can't imagine," Nor Diana told AFP at a wrestling gym in Puchong, outside Kuala Lumpur. "When she's in the ring, she's fast and always wants to win," she explained. Growing popularity Nor Diana first started training as a wrestler in late 2015, following her teenage dream of becoming a fighter and made her debut a few months later. More than 60 per cent of Malaysia's 32 million people are ethnic Malay Muslims and, while the form of Islam followed is generally moderate and tolerant, society can still be conservative. Many Muslim women in the country wear the traditional headscarf and loose-fitting clothing in line with Islamic requirements for females to dress modestly. "In the beginning, it was always hard for me, because a lot of people said I can't wrestle because I'm a Muslim and I wear the hijab," she said. But she has soldiered on, with her family’s full support, and enjoyed her greatest success so far in early July, defeating four men to be crowned Malaysian wrestling champion. Initially, she competed wearing a mask, to reduce the chances people would recognise her. But after losing a match last year she removed it and has been competing without one ever since. She remembered being fearful about the reaction - but her popularity has only increased since, with thousands now following her on social media, helping to boost wrestling's profile in Malaysia. While it is growing in popularity, wrestling remains relatively small in the Southeast Asian country. There are about 30 fighters and matches take place every two to three months in front of a few hundred supporters. Nor Diana is one of just two women wrestlers. "As soon as she became popular, we received a lot of messages from fellow hijabis who inquired about joining wrestling as well," Ayez Shaukat Fonseka, her coach and fellow fighter, told AFP. "She kind of broke the barrier and just proved to them that if she can do it, they can do it too," Fonseka said.

Malaysia's hijab-wearing wrestler Nor 'Phoenix' Diana breaking barriers

Thousands of protesters marched to a police office in the north of Myanmar's largest city, Yangon, on Saturday (July 6), demanding speedy and transparent justice in a child-rape case that has sparked national outrage. Police said this week they had arrested a suspect in the rape of a toddler - nicknamed Victoria - at a private nursery school in the administrative capital, Naypyitaw, in May. Social media users have criticised the speed and professionalism of the police response after the girl's family filed a complaint more than a month ago, underscoring a lack of trust in authorities in a country still emerging from decades of military rule.

Thousands protest amid outcry over Myanmar child-rape case

Pakistan's top judge has vowed to set up more than 100 gender-based violence courts in the patriarchal country regularly ranked as among the most dangerous in the world for women.

Chief Justice <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/justice-asif-khosa-takes-oath-as-new-chief-justice-of-pakistan-191188">Asif Saeed Khosa</a> said the Supreme Court is "in the offing to set up 116 gender-based violence courts and also child courts in every district in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-issues-death-warrant-to-mentally-ill-prisoner-227543">Pakistan</a>".

The courts "will be designed to look entirely different both in their infrastructure and working than other courts," he told judges in the capital Islamabad on Wednesday.

He offered no further details, and Supreme Court officials told AFP the plan is still being discussed.

Women have long fought for their rights in deeply conservative Muslim Pakistan, where activists say men commit "pervasive" violence against them, often with impunity.&nbsp;

Justice is elusive in a sluggish court system advocates say is slanted against female victims.

Many cases of violence against women in rural areas are not reported to authorities and instead mediated by village councils, often in a manner that is punitive for women.

Setting up gender-based violence courts is a "first step", said lawyer Benazir Jatoi -- though she warned that without clear mechanisms and effective implementation it was too soon to celebrate.

Jatoi cited violence against women centre that was briefly set up in the central city of Multan.

"The present government in its shortsighted understanding of the continuity of effective programmes stopped the funding for the centre," she told AFP.&nbsp;

"The newly-promised ... courts should not meet the same fate."

Pakistan's top judge has vowed to set up more than 100 gender-based violence courts in the patriarchal country regularly ranked as among the most dangerous in the world for women.

Pakistan's top judge has vowed to set up more than 100 gender-based violence courts in the patriarchal country regularly ranked as among the most dangerous in the world for women. Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said the Supreme Court is "in the offing to set up 116 gender-based violence courts and also child courts in every district in Pakistan". The courts "will be designed to look entirely different both in their infrastructure and working than other courts," he told judges in the capital Islamabad on Wednesday. He offered no further details, and Supreme Court officials told AFP the plan is still being discussed. Women have long fought for their rights in deeply conservative Muslim Pakistan, where activists say men commit "pervasive" violence against them, often with impunity. Justice is elusive in a sluggish court system advocates say is slanted against female victims. Many cases of violence against women in rural areas are not reported to authorities and instead mediated by village councils, often in a manner that is punitive for women. Setting up gender-based violence courts is a "first step", said lawyer Benazir Jatoi -- though she warned that without clear mechanisms and effective implementation it was too soon to celebrate. Jatoi cited violence against women centre that was briefly set up in the central city of Multan. "The present government in its shortsighted understanding of the continuity of effective programmes stopped the funding for the centre," she told AFP. "The newly-promised ... courts should not meet the same fate."

Will create gender-based violence courts: Pakistan Chief Justice Khosa

The Chinese government has destroyed a graveyard which belonged to Uighur community in Khotan town of Xinjiang Province, claimed historian Rian Thum on Wednesday.

"The Chinese government has now destroyed the central Uyghur graveyard in Khotan. It was also the site of several sacred shrines," tweeted Thum, along with two images taken from satellite: First showing a land filled with structure and the second of barren land.

People Liberation Army has long been blamed for the suppression of the largest ethnic community of the province.

Referring to a notice which appeared near the graveyard, the author of `The Sacred Routes of Uyghur History`, explained that the document was placed to warn the community to remove the corpses of their relatives in six days."

The document refers to this graveyard as the "property of the city" of Khotan. Bodies will be moved to Imam Musa Kazim graveyard.&nbsp;

Relatives have a six-day window to ID graves for the gov, after which it will be "their own responsibility" if ancestors become "unclaimed corpses" he said in the series of tweet. He underlined that this notice was "smuggled" out of China.

Many international human rights organisations have accused China of cracking down on the Uighurs by sending them to mass detention camps, interfering in their religious activities and sending the minority community to undergo some form of forceful re-education or indoctrination.&nbsp;

In 2018, a UN human rights committee publicly stated that they had seen "credible reports" pertaining to the detention of up to two million Uighurs and other Muslim minorities in "political indoctrination camps".&nbsp;

However, China has denied all these claims.&nbsp;

Further claiming that this graveyard is not the first, he said, "Another graveyard recently destroyed, this one on the western outskirts of Khotan. H/t to the Uighur netizen who pointed it out to me,".

Around 10 million Uighur are concentrated in the province. The province has been named as the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR). It spans over 640,000 square miles, representing about one-sixth of the total land area under the control of the People`s Republic of China.&nbsp;

The Chinese government has destroyed a graveyard which belonged to Uighur community in Khotan town of Xinjiang Province, claimed historian Rian Thum on Wednesday.

The Chinese government has destroyed a graveyard which belonged to Uighur community in Khotan town of Xinjiang Province, claimed historian Rian Thum on Wednesday. "The Chinese government has now destroyed the central Uyghur graveyard in Khotan. It was also the site of several sacred shrines," tweeted Thum, along with two images taken from satellite: First showing a land filled with structure and the second of barren land. People Liberation Army has long been blamed for the suppression of the largest ethnic community of the province. Referring to a notice which appeared near the graveyard, the author of `The Sacred Routes of Uyghur History`, explained that the document was placed to warn the community to remove the corpses of their relatives in six days." The document refers to this graveyard as the "property of the city" of Khotan. Bodies will be moved to Imam Musa Kazim graveyard. Relatives have a six-day window to ID graves for the gov, after which it will be "their own responsibility" if ancestors become "unclaimed corpses" he said in the series of tweet. He underlined that this notice was "smuggled" out of China. Many international human rights organisations have accused China of cracking down on the Uighurs by sending them to mass detention camps, interfering in their religious activities and sending the minority community to undergo some form of forceful re-education or indoctrination. In 2018, a UN human rights committee publicly stated that they had seen "credible reports" pertaining to the detention of up to two million Uighurs and other Muslim minorities in "political indoctrination camps". However, China has denied all these claims. Further claiming that this graveyard is not the first, he said, "Another graveyard recently destroyed, this one on the western outskirts of Khotan. H/t to the Uighur netizen who pointed it out to me,". Around 10 million Uighur are concentrated in the province. The province has been named as the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR). It spans over 640,000 square miles, representing about one-sixth of the total land area under the control of the People`s Republic of China.

Chinese government has destroyed graveyard of Uighur community: Historian

Sri&nbsp;Lankan soldiers in armoured vehicles on Tuesday patrolled towns hit by sectarian violence this week as residents recalled how Muslims had hid&nbsp;in paddy fields to escape mobs attacking their homes and shops.

Authorities said the situation in the worst-affected northwestern parts of the Indian Ocean island nation was under control after anti-Muslim mobs appeared to have moved from town to town starting on Sunday.

A man was stabbed to death and crowds attacked mosques and burned Korans in violence targeting Muslims for the Easter bombings that killed more than 250 people in churches and hotels, mostly in Colombo.

"The Muslim community huddled in nearby paddy fields, that's how no one died," said one of a group of men gathered outside a white-and-green mosque with smashed windows and doors in the town of Kottampitiya.

A group of about a dozen people had arrived in taxis and attacked Muslim-owned stores with stones just after midday on Monday, they said, with the mob soon swelling to 200, and then 1,000.

Besides the main mosque, the mob attacked the main mosque, 17 Muslim-owned businesses and 50 homes, witnesses said.

Abdul Bari, 48, told Reuters his small brick shop had been burned down with a petrol bomb. "The attackers were on motorbikes, armed with rods and swords," he added.

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Others blamed the police for failing to disperse the crowd. "The police were watching. They were in the street, they didn't stop anything. They told us to go inside," said Mohamed Faleel, 47, who runs a car paint business.

"We asked the police, we said to stop them. They didn't fire. They had to stop this, but they didn't," he added.

Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera rejected allegations that police had stood by while the violence unfolded. He said the security situation was under control and the perpetrators would be punished.

"All police officers have been instructed to take stern action against the violators, even to use the maximum force. Perpetrators could face up to a 10-year jail term," Gunasekera told Reuters.

Prime Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-pm-wickremesinghe-orders-muslim-religious-and-cultural-affairs-ministry-to-regulate-madrasas-215976"> Ranil Wickremesinghe</a> said late on Monday he had given powers to the security forces to take strong action against those responsible for anti-Muslim violence.

Muslims form nearly 10 per cent of&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's 22 million people who are predominantly Sinhalese Buddhists, with a sprinkling of minority Hindus and Christians. Most Muslims are concentrated in the east, with scattered pockets in the west.

Sri Lankan soldiers in armoured vehicles on Tuesday patrolled towns hit by sectarian violence this week as residents recalled how Muslims had hid in paddy fields to escape mobs attacking their homes and shops.

Sri Lankan soldiers in armoured vehicles on Tuesday patrolled towns hit by sectarian violence this week as residents recalled how Muslims had hid in paddy fields to escape mobs attacking their homes and shops. Authorities said the situation in the worst-affected northwestern parts of the Indian Ocean island nation was under control after anti-Muslim mobs appeared to have moved from town to town starting on Sunday. A man was stabbed to death and crowds attacked mosques and burned Korans in violence targeting Muslims for the Easter bombings that killed more than 250 people in churches and hotels, mostly in Colombo. "The Muslim community huddled in nearby paddy fields, that's how no one died," said one of a group of men gathered outside a white-and-green mosque with smashed windows and doors in the town of Kottampitiya. A group of about a dozen people had arrived in taxis and attacked Muslim-owned stores with stones just after midday on Monday, they said, with the mob soon swelling to 200, and then 1,000. Besides the main mosque, the mob attacked the main mosque, 17 Muslim-owned businesses and 50 homes, witnesses said. Abdul Bari, 48, told Reuters his small brick shop had been burned down with a petrol bomb. "The attackers were on motorbikes, armed with rods and swords," he added. × Others blamed the police for failing to disperse the crowd. "The police were watching. They were in the street, they didn't stop anything. They told us to go inside," said Mohamed Faleel, 47, who runs a car paint business. "We asked the police, we said to stop them. They didn't fire. They had to stop this, but they didn't," he added. Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera rejected allegations that police had stood by while the violence unfolded. He said the security situation was under control and the perpetrators would be punished. "All police officers have been instructed to take stern action against the violators, even to use the maximum force. Perpetrators could face up to a 10-year jail term," Gunasekera told Reuters. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said late on Monday he had given powers to the security forces to take strong action against those responsible for anti-Muslim violence. Muslims form nearly 10 per cent of Sri Lanka's 22 million people who are predominantly Sinhalese Buddhists, with a sprinkling of minority Hindus and Christians. Most Muslims are concentrated in the east, with scattered pockets in the west.

Sri Lanka soldiers patrol areas hit by violence

The Sri Lankan government on Friday ordered mosques to clamp down on extremists and to submit copies of sermons in new fallout from the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-secures-schools-before-reopening-following-easter-suicide-bombings-216119"> Easter suicide bombings </a>that left 258 dead.

The country has been on edge since the April 21 attacks by jihadist bombers who attacked three churches and three Colombo hotels which also left 500 people injured.

The Ministry of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs said mosques must not be used for radicalising congregations.

"In view of the prevailing situation in the country, the ministry directs all trustees of mosques not to engage in or permit any gathering to promote or propagate hatred or extremism in any form," the ministry said.

It said all mosques must submit copies of sermons given within their premises.

Sri Lankan radicals who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group have been blamed for the April 21 bombings against three Christian churches and three luxury hotels.

Since the attacks, the government has carried out raids across the country and killed several suspected radicals. At least 56 suspects are in custody, according to police, while authorities have also expelled 200 foreign clerics who had overstayed their visas.&nbsp;

The government has imposed a state of emergency and ordered police and security forces to crack down on Islamic extremists.

Sri Lanka's police say they have killed or arrested all the jihadists responsible for the bombings but attacks are still possible.

The Sri Lankan government on Friday ordered mosques to clamp down on extremists and to submit copies of sermons in new fallout from the Easter suicide bombings that left 258 dead.

The Sri Lankan government on Friday ordered mosques to clamp down on extremists and to submit copies of sermons in new fallout from the Easter suicide bombings that left 258 dead. The country has been on edge since the April 21 attacks by jihadist bombers who attacked three churches and three Colombo hotels which also left 500 people injured. The Ministry of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs said mosques must not be used for radicalising congregations. "In view of the prevailing situation in the country, the ministry directs all trustees of mosques not to engage in or permit any gathering to promote or propagate hatred or extremism in any form," the ministry said. It said all mosques must submit copies of sermons given within their premises. Sri Lankan radicals who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group have been blamed for the April 21 bombings against three Christian churches and three luxury hotels. Since the attacks, the government has carried out raids across the country and killed several suspected radicals. At least 56 suspects are in custody, according to police, while authorities have also expelled 200 foreign clerics who had overstayed their visas. The government has imposed a state of emergency and ordered police and security forces to crack down on Islamic extremists. Sri Lanka's police say they have killed or arrested all the jihadists responsible for the bombings but attacks are still possible.

Sri Lanka slaps controls on mosques after jihad attacks

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