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Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Indian Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday responded strongly over former US President Barack Obama's remarks about the rights of Indian Muslims.

Nirmala Sitharaman hits back at Obama for remarks on Indian Muslims | WION Speed News

<p>Indian Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday responded strongly over former US President Barack Obama's remarks about the rights of Indian Muslims. Sitharaman, during a press conference held at the party headquarters in New Delhi, expressed her disagreement with Obama's comments and pointed out military actions in Muslim-majority nations during his presidency.&nbsp;The minister criticised Obama's controversial interview with a media outlet, in which he stated his intention to discuss the situation of Indian Muslims with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The finance minister said, "I was shocked. When PM Modi was campaigning in the US - and by campaigning I mean speaking about India - a former president of the US is speaking about Indian Muslims."</p>

<p>"And I am saying this with restraint because it involves another country. We want friendship with the US but there too we get remarks about religious freedom in India. A former president - under whose rule seven Muslim-majority countries were bombed with more than 26,000 bombs - how will people trust his allegations?" she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/bamboo-could-be-a-game-changer-in-renewable-energy-heres-how-608532">Bamboo could be a game changer in renewable energy. Here's how</a></p>

<p>"I find this deliberate attempt to vitiate the atmosphere in this country because they think they cannot win against the developmental policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the minister claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the news conference, Sitharaman highlighted Prime Minister Modi's commitment to the "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" (Together with All, Development for All) principle and stated that his government does not discriminate against any community.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sitharaman also criticised the Congress and other opposition parties for raising unsubstantiated issues after facing electoral defeats.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The debate on human rights&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The United States has a history of intervening in the affairs of other countries often and the country itself has faced scrutiny. It has often received a befitting reply from India that the United States should focus on addressing its own human rights challenges before attempting to instruct or impose its views on other nations.</p>

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<p>On 22 June, former US president Barack Obama expressed his concerns about India, suggesting that the country risks "pulling apart" if the rights of its Muslim minority are not respected. He specifically mentioned the need to address this matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a visit to the United States at the time.</p>

<p>Obama spoke of his willingness to discuss with PM Modi the concerns surrounding the protection of the rights of ethnic minorities in India if given the opportunity.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | PM Modi conferred with Egypt's highest state honour in Cairo</strong></p>

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<p>PM Modi was questioned in a presser about free speech and religious freedom in India. The US reporter also asked the prime minister about discrimination against minority communities and the measures his government was taking to improve the rights of minorities in the country.</p>

<p>"We are a democracy...India &amp; America both have democracy in our DNA. Democracy is in our spirit &amp; we live it and it's written in our Constitution...So no question of discrimination on the grounds of caste, creed or religion arises. That is why, India believes in sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas, sabka prayaas and walks ahead with it..," PM Modi said.&nbsp;</p>

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Indian Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday responded strongly over former US President Barack Obama's remarks about the rights of Indian Muslims.

Indian Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday responded strongly over former US President Barack Obama's remarks about the rights of Indian Muslims. Sitharaman, during a press conference held at the party headquarters in New Delhi, expressed her disagreement with Obama's comments and pointed out military actions in Muslim-majority nations during his presidency. The minister criticised Obama's controversial interview with a media outlet, in which he stated his intention to discuss the situation of Indian Muslims with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The finance minister said, "I was shocked. When PM Modi was campaigning in the US - and by campaigning I mean speaking about India - a former president of the US is speaking about Indian Muslims." "And I am saying this with restraint because it involves another country. We want friendship with the US but there too we get remarks about religious freedom in India. A former president - under whose rule seven Muslim-majority countries were bombed with more than 26,000 bombs - how will people trust his allegations?" she added. Also Read | Bamboo could be a game changer in renewable energy. Here's how "I find this deliberate attempt to vitiate the atmosphere in this country because they think they cannot win against the developmental policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the minister claimed. During the news conference, Sitharaman highlighted Prime Minister Modi's commitment to the "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" (Together with All, Development for All) principle and stated that his government does not discriminate against any community. Sitharaman also criticised the Congress and other opposition parties for raising unsubstantiated issues after facing electoral defeats. The debate on human rights The United States has a history of intervening in the affairs of other countries often and the country itself has faced scrutiny. It has often received a befitting reply from India that the United States should focus on addressing its own human rights challenges before attempting to instruct or impose its views on other nations. Also Read | Porn platform owner: Society proud of sexual expression, adult content to become 'boring' On 22 June, former US president Barack Obama expressed his concerns about India, suggesting that the country risks "pulling apart" if the rights of its Muslim minority are not respected. He specifically mentioned the need to address this matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a visit to the United States at the time. Obama spoke of his willingness to discuss with PM Modi the concerns surrounding the protection of the rights of ethnic minorities in India if given the opportunity. Watch | PM Modi conferred with Egypt's highest state honour in Cairo × PM Modi was questioned in a presser about free speech and religious freedom in India. The US reporter also asked the prime minister about discrimination against minority communities and the measures his government was taking to improve the rights of minorities in the country. "We are a democracy...India & America both have democracy in our DNA. Democracy is in our spirit & we live it and it's written in our Constitution...So no question of discrimination on the grounds of caste, creed or religion arises. That is why, India believes in sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas, sabka prayaas and walks ahead with it..," PM Modi said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

'Bombed 7 Muslim-majority countries': Finance minister Sitharaman hits back at Barack Obama

<p>Muslims across the world are observing the holy month of Ramadan and the people from Jammu and Kashmir are commemorating the holy month too. The huge number of devotees praying across various mosques in the Kashmir valley is witness to the increased devotion among people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shab-e-Qadr or Laylat-al-Qadr or the Night of Power falls between the nights of 26-27 of Ramadan and is considered as one of the holiest nights in Islam. According to Islam, The Holy Quran was first sent down from heaven during this night and the first verse of the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was after a gap of three years, prayers were allowed in Jamia Masjid of Srinagar during the Shab-e-Qadr. Thousands of people from across various districts of Kashmir Valley converged at the Jamia Masjid to offer Taraweeh Prayers and pray till the wee hours of morning.</p>

<p>Jamia Masjid had been closed on most of the important occasions of the Islamic Calendar. This year the authorities allowed the devotees to pray during the Shab-e-Qadr. The Jammu and Kashmir Police had tweeted along with a video during the Shab-e-Qadr.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coastal-security-exercise-sagar-kavach-underway-along-kerala-coastline-584051">Coastal security exercise 'Sagar Kavach' underway along Kerala coastline</a></p>

<p>'''Shab-e-Qadr' prayers are going on smoothly in all the Mosques in Srinagar. The clip below is from Jamia Masjid, Nowhatta,'' said Jammu and Kashmir Police.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH | Heatwave alert for several Indian states&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The political leaders of the regional parties had criticised governments move of shutting the mosque during important occasions of Islamic calendar earlier. Former Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti had time and again criticised the government over shutting the mosque during important Islamic occasions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''We are constantly treated to claims of normalcy in J&amp;K and yet the administration betrays its own claims when it resorts to locking up one of our holiest mosques thus denying people the chance to offer prayers on the last Friday of Ramzan,'' was tweeted by Omar Abdullah last Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jamia Masjid Srinagar holds an extremely important place with regard to the religious as well as political centre of Kashmir valley.</p>

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Muslims across the world are observing the holy month of Ramadan and the people from Jammu and Kashmir are commemorating the holy month too. The huge number of devotees praying across various mosques in the Kashmir valley is witness to the increased devotion among people.

Muslims across the world are observing the holy month of Ramadan and the people from Jammu and Kashmir are commemorating the holy month too. The huge number of devotees praying across various mosques in the Kashmir valley is witness to the increased devotion among people. Shab-e-Qadr or Laylat-al-Qadr or the Night of Power falls between the nights of 26-27 of Ramadan and is considered as one of the holiest nights in Islam. According to Islam, The Holy Quran was first sent down from heaven during this night and the first verse of the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammad. It was after a gap of three years, prayers were allowed in Jamia Masjid of Srinagar during the Shab-e-Qadr. Thousands of people from across various districts of Kashmir Valley converged at the Jamia Masjid to offer Taraweeh Prayers and pray till the wee hours of morning. Jamia Masjid had been closed on most of the important occasions of the Islamic Calendar. This year the authorities allowed the devotees to pray during the Shab-e-Qadr. The Jammu and Kashmir Police had tweeted along with a video during the Shab-e-Qadr. ALSO READ | Coastal security exercise 'Sagar Kavach' underway along Kerala coastline '''Shab-e-Qadr' prayers are going on smoothly in all the Mosques in Srinagar. The clip below is from Jamia Masjid, Nowhatta,'' said Jammu and Kashmir Police. ALSO WATCH | Heatwave alert for several Indian states The political leaders of the regional parties had criticised governments move of shutting the mosque during important occasions of Islamic calendar earlier. Former Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti had time and again criticised the government over shutting the mosque during important Islamic occasions. ''We are constantly treated to claims of normalcy in J&K and yet the administration betrays its own claims when it resorts to locking up one of our holiest mosques thus denying people the chance to offer prayers on the last Friday of Ramzan,'' was tweeted by Omar Abdullah last Friday. Jamia Masjid Srinagar holds an extremely important place with regard to the religious as well as political centre of Kashmir valley. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Shab-E-Qadr prayers held in Srinagar's Jamia Masjid, thousands  in attendance

China has hired spies to arrest Uighur Muslims who are trying to fast during Ramadan. The country has also made a law that prohibits fasting. How far will China go to oppress the Uighurs? Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: China hires spies to target Uighur Muslims

Thousands of Muslims in Burkina Faso broke their fast together with their Christian brothers observing the lent period of fasting. They shared fresh food and prayers in a symbolic act against militant forces seeking to exploit ethnic and religious divides. Here's a report from Ouagadougou about this rare sight.

Setting example of religious harmony | Muslims, & Christians feast together | World of Africa

The holy month of Ramzan is set to begin this week and volunteers in Palestine have started its preparations at the Al-Aqsa mosque amid the ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine. Tens of thousands of Muslims are flocking to Jerusalem.

Ramzan preparations begin at Al-Aqsa mosque; Palestinians hope for safety during prayers

A 22-member delegation from Myanmar arrived in Bangladesh on Wednesday to discuss a project to repatriate Rohingya Muslims, according to official sources.

Myanmar delegation to meet Rohingya's

<p>The hijab ban in schools and colleges of the southern state of Karnataka will continue&nbsp;as the Supreme Court of India on Thursday delivered a split verdict on the appeals against a high court decision upholding the state government's order prohibiting the wearing of&nbsp;headscarves in classes, and referred the matter to the Chief Justice of India for constituting a larger bench.</p>

<p>The two-judge bench differed on whether to uphold the ban on hijab in educational institutions or not.&nbsp;While Justice Hemant Gupta dismissed the appeals against the March 15 verdict of the Karnataka High Court that had refused to lift the ban and held that hijab is not part of "essential religious practice" in Islamic faith, Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia allowed the pleas and observed that it is ultimately a "matter of choice".<br />
<br />
"There is divergence of opinion," Justice Gupta, who was heading the bench, said at the outset while pronouncing the verdict on a batch of 26 petitions, reported the news agency PTI.<br />
<br />
On March 15, the Karnataka high court had dismissed the petitions filed by a section of Muslim students of the Government Pre-University Girls College in Karnataka's Udupi seeking permission to wear the hijab inside classrooms, ruling it is not a part of the essential religious practice in Islamic faith.<br />
<br />
The apex court had reserved its verdict on the pleas on September 22 after hearing arguments in the matter for 10 days.<br />
<br />
During the arguments in the top court, a number of counsel appearing for the petitioners had insisted that preventing Muslim girls from wearing the hijab in the classroom will put their education in jeopardy as they might stop attending classes.</p>

<p>The state government's order of February 5, 2022 was challenged by some Muslim girls in the high court.</p>

<p>Karnataka's&nbsp;education minister, BC Nagesh, said that the ban will continue until the Supreme Court makes a final decision.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">K'taka | Precautionary measures like police picketing in important areas &amp; continued patrolling taken;also keeping close watch on social media to make sure no attempts made to harm existing peace in the society: SP Udupi, Akshay Hakay after split verdict by SC in hijab ban case <a href="https://t.co/f0vsHwV0oi">pic.twitter.com/f0vsHwV0oi</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1580438630820372481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/quran-says-hijab-ideal-not-essential-karantaka-govt-to-supreme-court-over-ban-order-518057"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Quran says hijab ideal, ‘not essential’: Karnataka govt to Supreme Court over ban order</strong></a></p>

<p>The court was also contesting the Karnataka High Court's verdict upholding the state government's directive to educational institutions to assign uniforms to students. One of the petitions in the Supreme Court stated, "the step-motherly behaviour of government authorities has prevented students from practising their faith and resulted in an unwanted law and order situation."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Amid protest against hijab in Iran, India’s apex court says 'Hijab may promote diversity among kids'</strong></p>

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<p>The appeal stated, "had vehemently failed to apply its mind and was unable to understand the gravity of the situation as well as the core aspect of the Essential Religious Practices enshrined under Article 25 of the Constitution of India."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hijab-row-reaches-kashmir-politicians-react-to-school-order-asking-teachers-to-remove-hijab-474324"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Hijab row reaches Kashmir: Politicians react to school order asking teachers to remove hijab</strong></a></p>

<p>The hijab row in Karnataka began in January this year when a government college forbade six females wearing hijabs from attending class. After this incident, several girls protested outside the entry over being denied entry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following this, several male students from numerous colleges in the region showed up wearing saffron scarves. With these many protests and agitations, the state government mandated all students to wear uniforms and banned both hijab and scarves until a permanent decision is made.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The hijab ban in schools and colleges of the southern state of Karnataka will continue as the Supreme Court of India on Thursday delivered a split verdict on the appeals against a high court decision upholding the state government's order prohibiting the wearing of headscarves in classes, and referred the matter to the Chief Justice of India for constituting a larger bench.

The hijab ban in schools and colleges of the southern state of Karnataka will continue as the Supreme Court of India on Thursday delivered a split verdict on the appeals against a high court decision upholding the state government's order prohibiting the wearing of headscarves in classes, and referred the matter to the Chief Justice of India for constituting a larger bench. The two-judge bench differed on whether to uphold the ban on hijab in educational institutions or not. While Justice Hemant Gupta dismissed the appeals against the March 15 verdict of the Karnataka High Court that had refused to lift the ban and held that hijab is not part of "essential religious practice" in Islamic faith, Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia allowed the pleas and observed that it is ultimately a "matter of choice". "There is divergence of opinion," Justice Gupta, who was heading the bench, said at the outset while pronouncing the verdict on a batch of 26 petitions, reported the news agency PTI. On March 15, the Karnataka high court had dismissed the petitions filed by a section of Muslim students of the Government Pre-University Girls College in Karnataka's Udupi seeking permission to wear the hijab inside classrooms, ruling it is not a part of the essential religious practice in Islamic faith. The apex court had reserved its verdict on the pleas on September 22 after hearing arguments in the matter for 10 days. During the arguments in the top court, a number of counsel appearing for the petitioners had insisted that preventing Muslim girls from wearing the hijab in the classroom will put their education in jeopardy as they might stop attending classes. The state government's order of February 5, 2022 was challenged by some Muslim girls in the high court. Karnataka's education minister, BC Nagesh, said that the ban will continue until the Supreme Court makes a final decision. K'taka | Precautionary measures like police picketing in important areas & continued patrolling taken;also keeping close watch on social media to make sure no attempts made to harm existing peace in the society: SP Udupi, Akshay Hakay after split verdict by SC in hijab ban case pic.twitter.com/f0vsHwV0oi — ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2022 × Also read | Quran says hijab ideal, ‘not essential’: Karnataka govt to Supreme Court over ban order The court was also contesting the Karnataka High Court's verdict upholding the state government's directive to educational institutions to assign uniforms to students. One of the petitions in the Supreme Court stated, "the step-motherly behaviour of government authorities has prevented students from practising their faith and resulted in an unwanted law and order situation." Watch | Amid protest against hijab in Iran, India’s apex court says 'Hijab may promote diversity among kids' The appeal stated, "had vehemently failed to apply its mind and was unable to understand the gravity of the situation as well as the core aspect of the Essential Religious Practices enshrined under Article 25 of the Constitution of India." Also read | Hijab row reaches Kashmir: Politicians react to school order asking teachers to remove hijab The hijab row in Karnataka began in January this year when a government college forbade six females wearing hijabs from attending class. After this incident, several girls protested outside the entry over being denied entry. Following this, several male students from numerous colleges in the region showed up wearing saffron scarves. With these many protests and agitations, the state government mandated all students to wear uniforms and banned both hijab and scarves until a permanent decision is made. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Supreme Court gives a split verdict on Karnataka hijab row, ban to continue in schools, colleges

<p>A woman pilgrim no longer needs to be accompanied by a male guardian or 'mahram' to perform Hajj or Umrah in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This announcement was made by Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, that women travelling to the country can now do the pilgrimage without a mahram.</p>

<p>The minister's comments during a press conference held at the kingdom's embassy in Cairo brought an end to the controversy about whether a mahram is required to accompany a woman or not.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-yemeni-man-arrested-after-claiming-mecca-pilgrimage-for-queen-elizabeth-ii-515758"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Saudi Arabia: Yemeni man arrested after claiming Mecca pilgrimage for Queen Elizabeth II</strong></a></p>

<p>He said there is no quota or ceiling for Umrah visas for Muslims all across the world. He said that Muslims coming to the kingdom with any visas will be allowed to perform Umrah.</p>

<p>Al-Rabiah added that the cost of expanding the Great Mosque in Mecca has already reached nearly 200 billion Saudi Riyals or over $53 billion. This is by far the biggest and most expensive expansion in history.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-woman-recently-sentenced-to-45-year-prison-was-charged-for-tweeting-against-king-prince-report-513583"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Saudi woman recently sentenced to 45-year prison was charged for tweeting against King, Prince: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>The minister stated that the ministry is working towards reducing the cost of performing Hajj, in an effort to make it feasible for everyone.</p>

<p>As per a former adviser to the Minister of Hajj, writer Faten Ibrahim Hussein said that the facilities are provided to achieve Saudi's 2030 vision.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She further added that the security in the kingdom has expanded with all means of transportation and facilities making it easier for visitors. &nbsp;She said, "There are many women who come to the Kingdom to work without a mahram, and there are no significant incidents, thanks to the security we live in…There is no fear for women to come without a mahram because the reason for that no longer exists," Arab News reported.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A woman pilgrim no longer needs to be accompanied by a male guardian or 'mahram' to perform Hajj or Umrah in Saudi Arabia. This announcement was made by Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, that women travelling to the country can now do the pilgrimage without a mahram.

A woman pilgrim no longer needs to be accompanied by a male guardian or 'mahram' to perform Hajj or Umrah in Saudi Arabia. This announcement was made by Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, that women travelling to the country can now do the pilgrimage without a mahram. The minister's comments during a press conference held at the kingdom's embassy in Cairo brought an end to the controversy about whether a mahram is required to accompany a woman or not. Also read | Saudi Arabia: Yemeni man arrested after claiming Mecca pilgrimage for Queen Elizabeth II He said there is no quota or ceiling for Umrah visas for Muslims all across the world. He said that Muslims coming to the kingdom with any visas will be allowed to perform Umrah. Al-Rabiah added that the cost of expanding the Great Mosque in Mecca has already reached nearly 200 billion Saudi Riyals or over $53 billion. This is by far the biggest and most expensive expansion in history. Also read | Saudi woman recently sentenced to 45-year prison was charged for tweeting against King, Prince: Report The minister stated that the ministry is working towards reducing the cost of performing Hajj, in an effort to make it feasible for everyone. As per a former adviser to the Minister of Hajj, writer Faten Ibrahim Hussein said that the facilities are provided to achieve Saudi's 2030 vision. She further added that the security in the kingdom has expanded with all means of transportation and facilities making it easier for visitors. She said, "There are many women who come to the Kingdom to work without a mahram, and there are no significant incidents, thanks to the security we live in…There is no fear for women to come without a mahram because the reason for that no longer exists," Arab News reported. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Saudi Arabia: Women Hajj pilgrims no longer need to be accompanied by male guardian

The UN human rights council voted down a motion to hold a debate about alleged human rights abuses by China against Uighurs and other Muslims in Xinjiang in a victory for Beijing as it seeks to avoid further scrutiny. 11 countries including India abstained from voting in UNHRC on Uighurs.

UN body rejects debate on China's treatment of Uighur Muslims

In a major blow to weaker Muslims, the UNHRC has turned down a debate on China’s crack down in Xinjiang. Among the 47 member council, 17 voted in favour, 19 members voted against and 11 abstained.

WION Dispatch: UN body rejects debate on China's treatment of Uighur Muslims

<p>The Indian High Commission in London on Monday strongly condemned the violence in Leicester city that erupted after India was defeated by Pakistan in the Asia Cup match on August 28.</p>

<p>In a strongly worded press release, the commission said it has expressed its outrage against the violence against the Indian community and vandalising of Hindu religious premises in Leicester.</p>

<p>It said that it has taken up the matter with the British authorities and sought serious action against the perpetrators.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Press Release: High Commission of India, London condemns the violence in Leicester. <a href="https://twitter.com/MIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MIB_India</a> <a href="https://t.co/acrW3kHsTl">pic.twitter.com/acrW3kHsTl</a></p>
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<p>So far, 15 people have been arrested following a special operation by the police to "deter further disorder" in Leicester, reports BBC.</p>

<p>The arrests followed large-scale protests on Saturday and Sunday as tensions ran high between young men from sections of the Muslim and Hindu communities.</p>

<p>According to BBC, people during Sunday's protest congregated on Belgrave Road, with members of the crowd saying that they were on the streets as a result of the recent unrest.</p>

<p>Allegations and counter-allegations continued between the members of the two community, both accusing each other of targeted attacks.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to the Guardian, a 42-year-old community leader named Rukhsana Hussain claimed that a group of men marched through the city’s Green Lane Road area on Saturday, where there are a number of Muslim-owned businesses and a Hindu temple.</p>

<p>According to the report, the men were heard chanting “Jai Shri Ram”, in which a video substantiating&nbsp;this claim was shared on Twitter purportedly showing&nbsp;men from the Hindu community throwing glass bottles on Belgrave Road.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We've seen reports on social media that a mosque is being attacked. Officers on the ground have confirmed this is not true. Please only share information on social media you know to be true.</p>
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<p>On the other hand, Indian-origin Drishti Mae, a resident of Leicester who used to head a national Hindu organisation, told the Guardian that the Hindu community was being targeted and attacked and added that she had never seen such unrest in the city.</p>

<p>“It’s the Hindu community that’s being targeted, a first-generation migrant community…They feel threatened, and attacked,” she told The Guardian.</p>

<p>She claimed that the police were failing to protect property, people and places of worship, according to the report, and said “We do have a right to protect ourselves.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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The Indian High Commission in London on Monday strongly condemned the violence in Leicester city that erupted after India was defeated by Pakistan in the Asia Cup match on August 28.

The Indian High Commission in London on Monday strongly condemned the violence in Leicester city that erupted after India was defeated by Pakistan in the Asia Cup match on August 28. In a strongly worded press release, the commission said it has expressed its outrage against the violence against the Indian community and vandalising of Hindu religious premises in Leicester. It said that it has taken up the matter with the British authorities and sought serious action against the perpetrators. Press Release: High Commission of India, London condemns the violence in Leicester. @MIB_India pic.twitter.com/acrW3kHsTl — India in the UK (@HCI_London) September 19, 2022 × So far, 15 people have been arrested following a special operation by the police to "deter further disorder" in Leicester, reports BBC. The arrests followed large-scale protests on Saturday and Sunday as tensions ran high between young men from sections of the Muslim and Hindu communities. According to BBC, people during Sunday's protest congregated on Belgrave Road, with members of the crowd saying that they were on the streets as a result of the recent unrest. Allegations and counter-allegations continued between the members of the two community, both accusing each other of targeted attacks. Speaking to the Guardian, a 42-year-old community leader named Rukhsana Hussain claimed that a group of men marched through the city’s Green Lane Road area on Saturday, where there are a number of Muslim-owned businesses and a Hindu temple. According to the report, the men were heard chanting “Jai Shri Ram”, in which a video substantiating this claim was shared on Twitter purportedly showing men from the Hindu community throwing glass bottles on Belgrave Road. We've seen reports on social media that a mosque is being attacked. Officers on the ground have confirmed this is not true. Please only share information on social media you know to be true. — Leicestershire Police (@leicspolice) September 17, 2022 × On the other hand, Indian-origin Drishti Mae, a resident of Leicester who used to head a national Hindu organisation, told the Guardian that the Hindu community was being targeted and attacked and added that she had never seen such unrest in the city. “It’s the Hindu community that’s being targeted, a first-generation migrant community…They feel threatened, and attacked,” she told The Guardian. She claimed that the police were failing to protect property, people and places of worship, according to the report, and said “We do have a right to protect ourselves.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India condemns Leicester violence and vandalism of Hindu religious premises

Indian PM Nadrendra Modi reportedly asked the BJP national executive in Hyderabad to focus on groups such as Pasmanda Muslims in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. But who are they? Watch this report.

Who are Pasmanda Muslims and why is India's ruling party interested in them ahead of elections?

From Sri Lanka’s crisis to Hajj Muslims performing the symbolic ‘stoning of the devil’, here are some impactful images from around the world.

World in Pictures: Sri Lanka in crisis; Hajj Muslims perform ‘stoning of devil’

Hundreds of thousands of mostly maskless worshippers circled Islam's holiest site in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, on the first day of the biggest hajj pilgrimage since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

The West Asia Post | 1 million Muslims mark largest Hajj since pandemic

Al-Qaeda threatened to attack India as revenge for the comments made against Prophet Muhammad. The same Muslim nations who criticised the comments are silent on Al-Qaeda's threats. Palki Sharma calls out their hypocrisy.

Gravitas: Al-Qaeda threatens India, Muslim nations silent

UNHRC chief Michelle Bachelet concluded her six-day visit to the Asian nation. After her support to China, she was highly criticized by the West as Beijing is facing global backlash of alleged human rights abuses of Uyghur Muslims.

'China visit not an investigation,' UNHRC chief Michelle Bachelet backs dragon

UNHRC chief Michelle Bachelet holds a news briefing at the end of her six-day trip to China. A contentious and highly criticized visit by the West comes at a time when Beijing is facing global backlash of alleged human rights abuses of Uyghur Muslims.

UNHRC Commissioner's briefing: 'Raised concerns about Uyghurs,' says Bachelet

UNHRC chief Michelle Bachelet is all set to conclude her six-day visit to the Asian nation. A contentious and highly criticized visit by the West comes at a time when Beijing is facing global backlash of alleged human rights abuses of Uyghur Muslims.

UNHRC Chief Michelle Bachelet to conclude 6-day China visit

Beijing is yet again facing the heat over its alleged human rights violations of Uighur Muslims, a minority community in China which is said to have been facing incarceration in the Xinjiang region of the country.

New leaked reports on Uighurs Muslims in China shocks the world

Explained: What is Eid al-Fitr? Meaning behind the end of Ramadan 2022

Muslims across the world have begun Eid preparations. Thousand of believers offered prayers at the Mecca ahead of Eid.

Muslims across the world begin Eid preparations, thousand of believers offer prayers at the Mecca

Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year in the Islamic culture. From Karachi to Tumair this is how the world is preparing for the holy month of Ramadan.

Ramadan is here!

Thousands of Rohingya refugees in the United Kingdom and the United States have filed a $150 billion lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc, formerly known as Facebook, for enabling hate speech against them that led to violence against the persecuted minority.

Rohingya Muslims sue social media giant Facebook for $150 billion for allowing hate speech

For several years China has denied brutal crackdown of the Uyghur minority Muslims in the Xinjiang province. But, a series of leaked secret documents ha snow linked China's leadership to human rights violations of the minorities that Beijing has been trying to cover up.

China: Leaked papers link top Chinese leaders to Uyghur crackdown

<p>An Australian think tank has said in its report that Chinese authorities in the country's Xinjiang region are using predictive policing to gather 'micro clues' about Uyghurs. This is aimed at empowering neighbourhood informants in order to ensure compliance at every level of society.</p>

<p>The research has been carrried out by Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). The think tank's report has explained China's extensive use of technology to keep track of Uyghurs' movements and even their emotions.</p>

<p>In addition to reliance on technology, China is also relying on grassroot committees to keep an eye on Uyghur Muslims. Experts say that these committees resemble Mao-era “revolutionary neighbourhood committees”. These committees meet regularly, often daily to assess whether any member of the community needs 're-education'</p>

<p>However, a major difference for these modern-era committees is the 'micro-clues' it is getting from technology-based solutions.</p>

<p>An Uyghur may get a house inspection in case of an unexpected visitor or an overseas phone call.</p>

<p>“Xinjiang’s community-based control mechanisms are part of a national push to enhance grassroots governance, which seeks to mobilise the masses to help stamp out dissent and instability and to increase the party’s domination in the lowest reaches of society,” says the report, excerpts of which have been mentioned by various news outlets.</p>

<p>The report mentioned the case of an 18-year-old in Urumqi who used a filesharing app that is used widely in China to share music, movies and other content. He was sentenced to three years in a re-education camp.</p>


An Australian think tank has said in its report that Chinese authorities in the country's Xinjiang region are using predictive policing to gather 'micro clues' about Uyghurs.

An Australian think tank has said in its report that Chinese authorities in the country's Xinjiang region are using predictive policing to gather 'micro clues' about Uyghurs. This is aimed at empowering neighbourhood informants in order to ensure compliance at every level of society. The research has been carrried out by Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). The think tank's report has explained China's extensive use of technology to keep track of Uyghurs' movements and even their emotions. In addition to reliance on technology, China is also relying on grassroot committees to keep an eye on Uyghur Muslims. Experts say that these committees resemble Mao-era “revolutionary neighbourhood committees”. These committees meet regularly, often daily to assess whether any member of the community needs 're-education' However, a major difference for these modern-era committees is the 'micro-clues' it is getting from technology-based solutions. An Uyghur may get a house inspection in case of an unexpected visitor or an overseas phone call. “Xinjiang’s community-based control mechanisms are part of a national push to enhance grassroots governance, which seeks to mobilise the masses to help stamp out dissent and instability and to increase the party’s domination in the lowest reaches of society,” says the report, excerpts of which have been mentioned by various news outlets. The report mentioned the case of an 18-year-old in Urumqi who used a filesharing app that is used widely in China to share music, movies and other content. He was sentenced to three years in a re-education camp.

China using predictive policing on Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang: Report

The organisation, which has no state backing, plans to use the London hearings to issue a verdict on whether Beijing has perpetrated genocide or crimes against humanity against Uyghurs.

China: Uyghur's people tribunal begins in UK

<p>A shadow government in Myanmar called on Rohingya minority on Thursday and urged them to join the fight to overthrow the military junta. It has promised citizenship and repatriation for the persecuted Muslim community in a future democratic Myanmar. Myanmar is currently in turmoil due to military rule.</p>

<p>The military junta overthrew the civilian government run by Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1. The country has since been on the boil with pro-democracy protests and clashes with military.</p>

<p>A group of ousted lawmakers -- mostly from the National League for Democracy (NLD) -- later set up a shadow "National Unity Government" (NUG) which has sought to bring anti-coup dissidents together.</p>

<p>Military junta has classified the NUG as "terrorists". It means that anyone speaking to them, even journalists, may be slapped with charges under counter-terrorism laws.</p>

<p>"We invite Rohingyas to join hands with us and with others to participate in this Spring Revolution against the military dictatorship," the group said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lawyer-for-myanmars-suu-kyi-worried-over-representation-for-secrets-case-389389">Lawyer for Myanmar's Suu Kyi worried over representation for secrets case</a></strong></p>

<p>Suu Kyi's NLD government had avoided the term "Rohingya" because of sensitivity among ethnic groups in the majority-Buddhist country, referring to the minority as "Muslims living in Rakhine."</p>

<p>In Myanmar, the Rohingya are widely seen as interlopers from Bangladesh and have been denied citizenship, rights and access to services for decades under what Amnesty International calls apartheid-like conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The NUG has also promised to end a 1982 citizenship law that discriminates against the Rohingya. The NUG has promised that all those born in Myanmar or to a Myanmar citizen would be granted citizenship.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The group also said it was committed to repatriating all Rohingya languishing in camps in Bangladesh "as soon as repatriation can be accomplished voluntarily, safely and with dignity."</p>

<p>IN 2017, more than 740,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh after a bloody military campaign that the United Nations has termed as ethnic cleansing.</p>

<p>The military claimed its operations were justified to root out Rohingya insurgents following a series of deadly attacks on police posts and has denied all allegations of wrongdoing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Suu Kyi defended the army's conduct and even travelled to The Hague to rebut charges of genocide at the UN's top court.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from&nbsp;agencies)</em></p>


A shadow government in Myanmar called on Rohingya minority on Thursday and urged them to join the fight to overthrow the military junta. It has promised citizenship and repatriation for the persecuted Muslim community in a future democratic Myanmar.

A shadow government in Myanmar called on Rohingya minority on Thursday and urged them to join the fight to overthrow the military junta. It has promised citizenship and repatriation for the persecuted Muslim community in a future democratic Myanmar. Myanmar is currently in turmoil due to military rule. The military junta overthrew the civilian government run by Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1. The country has since been on the boil with pro-democracy protests and clashes with military. A group of ousted lawmakers -- mostly from the National League for Democracy (NLD) -- later set up a shadow "National Unity Government" (NUG) which has sought to bring anti-coup dissidents together. Military junta has classified the NUG as "terrorists". It means that anyone speaking to them, even journalists, may be slapped with charges under counter-terrorism laws. "We invite Rohingyas to join hands with us and with others to participate in this Spring Revolution against the military dictatorship," the group said in a statement. Also Read | Lawyer for Myanmar's Suu Kyi worried over representation for secrets case Suu Kyi's NLD government had avoided the term "Rohingya" because of sensitivity among ethnic groups in the majority-Buddhist country, referring to the minority as "Muslims living in Rakhine." In Myanmar, the Rohingya are widely seen as interlopers from Bangladesh and have been denied citizenship, rights and access to services for decades under what Amnesty International calls apartheid-like conditions. The NUG has also promised to end a 1982 citizenship law that discriminates against the Rohingya. The NUG has promised that all those born in Myanmar or to a Myanmar citizen would be granted citizenship. The group also said it was committed to repatriating all Rohingya languishing in camps in Bangladesh "as soon as repatriation can be accomplished voluntarily, safely and with dignity." IN 2017, more than 740,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh after a bloody military campaign that the United Nations has termed as ethnic cleansing. The military claimed its operations were justified to root out Rohingya insurgents following a series of deadly attacks on police posts and has denied all allegations of wrongdoing. Suu Kyi defended the army's conduct and even travelled to The Hague to rebut charges of genocide at the UN's top court. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar: Shadow government urges Rohingya to fight against military junta

Indonesian Muslims arrived at mosques with face masks to perform Eid Al-Fitr prayers at dawn on Wednesday (May 13) despite concerns that the coronavirus pandemic has yet to subside.

Indonesian Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Fitr with masks and prayers

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