French yellow vest protesters marched through Paris and other cities on Saturday in protest against high living costs and the perceived indifference of President Emmanuel Macron, whose government this week hardened its stance against them.

The street protests began peacefully in the French capital but degenerated later in the afternoon as protesters hurled missiles at riot police barricading bridges over the Seine river and torched garbage bins on the glitzy Boulevard Saint Germain.

Officers fired tear gas to prevent hundreds of demonstrators crossing the river and reaching the National Assembly. One riverboat restaurant was set ablaze and a policeman wounded when he was struck by a bicycle hurled from a street above the riverbank.

Driving the unrest is anger among workers and the lower-middle class over the squeeze on household incomes and a belief that Macron is deaf to citizens' needs as he enacts reforms seen as favouring the wealthy.

French yellow vest protesters marched through Paris and other cities on Saturday in protest against high living costs and the perceived indifference of President Emmanuel Macron, whose government this week hardened its stance against them.

French yellow vest protesters marched through Paris and other cities on Saturday in protest against high living costs and the perceived indifference of President Emmanuel Macron, whose government this week hardened its stance against them. The street protests began peacefully in the French capital but degenerated later in the afternoon as protesters hurled missiles at riot police barricading bridges over the Seine river and torched garbage bins on the glitzy Boulevard Saint Germain. Officers fired tear gas to prevent hundreds of demonstrators crossing the river and reaching the National Assembly. One riverboat restaurant was set ablaze and a policeman wounded when he was struck by a bicycle hurled from a street above the riverbank. Driving the unrest is anger among workers and the lower-middle class over the squeeze on household incomes and a belief that Macron is deaf to citizens' needs as he enacts reforms seen as favouring the wealthy.

French 'yellow vests' rail against unrepentant Macron, tear gas in Paris

Fresh protests over the rising cost of bread broke out in Sudan on Friday, witnesses said, as troops deployed after two days of deadly clashes that left eight protestors dead.

A government decision to raise the price of a loaf of bread this week from one Sudanese pound to three (from about two to six US cents) sparked protests across the country on Wednesday.

In the capital's twin city Omdurman, a witness — who declined to be named — said demonstrations erupted as worshippers emerged from a mosque frequented by followers of the Al-Ansar sect, which is linked to the Umma Party, Sudan's main opposition group.

Protestors chanted "the people want the fall of the regime" and "freedom, freedom," said the witness.

"Riot police fired tear gas at the demonstrators," the witness added.

The Umma Party overnight Thursday issued a statement calling on its members to join the protest movement.

Dozens also demonstrated on Road 60, the main artery in eastern Khartoum that links the city centre to the south of the capital, another witness said.

They demanded the government's ouster, the witness said on condition of anonymity, adding that the protesters were dispersed by riot police.

Protests were reported in other cities, including in El Obeid, southwest of Khartoum, and in Rabak, south of the capital.

In Rabak, the capital of Sudan's White Nile state, protesters torched the local headquarters of President Omar al-Bashir's National Congress Party (NCP) and a government charity, witnesses told AFP.

White Nile authorities on Friday declared a state of emergency and announced a curfew until the following morning.

The protests first erupted in the eastern city of Atbara before spreading to Al-Qadarif, also in eastern Sudan, and then to the capital.

Two demonstrators were killed in Atbara and six others in Al-Qadarif, officials said on Thursday, as protesters torched NCP offices.

Government spokesman Bashar Jumaa warned that the government "will not be lenient" with those who set state buildings on fire or caused other damage to public property.

Schools ordered to close&nbsp;

The state-run SUNA news agency said the protest had initially been "peaceful", but later drifted off course.

Sudan's education ministry on Friday announced in a statement that schools across Khartoum would be closed and classes suspended "indefinitely from Sunday".

Rights group Amnesty International called on the government to stop firing on protesters and open up a probe into the deaths.

"These killings must stop," Amnesty's Deputy Director for East Africa Seif Magango said.&nbsp;

"Opening fire on unarmed protesters cannot be justified and what is clearly needed now is an independent, efficient investigation," he added.

Friday, the weekly day of rest, had started with calm returning to Khartoum, Al-Qadarif and Atbara, witnesses said.

While traffic returned to normal, police patrolled some streets in Khartoum, and soldiers deployed around petrol stations and banks in the north of the capital.

Police in patrol cars was seen carrying clubs and tear gas canisters while the troops held Kalashnikov assault rifles, the witnesses said.

An AFP reporter said lines formed outside bakeries in north Khartoum as residents waited to buy bread.

Residents in Al-Qadarif and Atbara also reported that security forces had deployed to secure government buildings and banks.

"Today the city is calm and most of the shops in the main market have reopened," Mohammed Sharif Omar said in a telephone interview from Al-Qadarif.

Fresh protests over the rising cost of bread broke out in Sudan on Friday, witnesses said, as troops deployed after two days of deadly clashes that left eight protestors dead.

Fresh protests over the rising cost of bread broke out in Sudan on Friday, witnesses said, as troops deployed after two days of deadly clashes that left eight protestors dead. A government decision to raise the price of a loaf of bread this week from one Sudanese pound to three (from about two to six US cents) sparked protests across the country on Wednesday. In the capital's twin city Omdurman, a witness — who declined to be named — said demonstrations erupted as worshippers emerged from a mosque frequented by followers of the Al-Ansar sect, which is linked to the Umma Party, Sudan's main opposition group. Protestors chanted "the people want the fall of the regime" and "freedom, freedom," said the witness. "Riot police fired tear gas at the demonstrators," the witness added. The Umma Party overnight Thursday issued a statement calling on its members to join the protest movement. Dozens also demonstrated on Road 60, the main artery in eastern Khartoum that links the city centre to the south of the capital, another witness said. They demanded the government's ouster, the witness said on condition of anonymity, adding that the protesters were dispersed by riot police. Protests were reported in other cities, including in El Obeid, southwest of Khartoum, and in Rabak, south of the capital. In Rabak, the capital of Sudan's White Nile state, protesters torched the local headquarters of President Omar al-Bashir's National Congress Party (NCP) and a government charity, witnesses told AFP. White Nile authorities on Friday declared a state of emergency and announced a curfew until the following morning. The protests first erupted in the eastern city of Atbara before spreading to Al-Qadarif, also in eastern Sudan, and then to the capital. Two demonstrators were killed in Atbara and six others in Al-Qadarif, officials said on Thursday, as protesters torched NCP offices. Government spokesman Bashar Jumaa warned that the government "will not be lenient" with those who set state buildings on fire or caused other damage to public property. Schools ordered to close The state-run SUNA news agency said the protest had initially been "peaceful", but later drifted off course. Sudan's education ministry on Friday announced in a statement that schools across Khartoum would be closed and classes suspended "indefinitely from Sunday". Rights group Amnesty International called on the government to stop firing on protesters and open up a probe into the deaths. "These killings must stop," Amnesty's Deputy Director for East Africa Seif Magango said. "Opening fire on unarmed protesters cannot be justified and what is clearly needed now is an independent, efficient investigation," he added. Friday, the weekly day of rest, had started with calm returning to Khartoum, Al-Qadarif and Atbara, witnesses said. While traffic returned to normal, police patrolled some streets in Khartoum, and soldiers deployed around petrol stations and banks in the north of the capital. Police in patrol cars was seen carrying clubs and tear gas canisters while the troops held Kalashnikov assault rifles, the witnesses said. An AFP reporter said lines formed outside bakeries in north Khartoum as residents waited to buy bread. Residents in Al-Qadarif and Atbara also reported that security forces had deployed to secure government buildings and banks. "Today the city is calm and most of the shops in the main market have reopened," Mohammed Sharif Omar said in a telephone interview from Al-Qadarif.

Fresh protests in Sudan after deadly bread clashes

Thousands of <a href="http://13.232.42.114/world/protesters-police-clash-in-hungary-for-third-straight-night-184166">Hungarians marched</a> to the presidential palace late on Friday to protest against reforms to the labour code as a rally led by spoof political party MKKP merged with a subsequent demonstration staged by opposition groups.

Passage of two laws last week backed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party angered a variety of groups.

One, dubbed by critics the "slave law", allows employers to ask staff to work up to 400 hours per year of overtime. Another would set up new courts which critics say could be politically manipulated.

MKKP's gathering started outside Parliament, where one protester brandished a placard saying "Happy boss, gloomy Sunday".

The Two-Tailed Dog Party (MKKP), launched over a decade ago as a joke, has become a semi-serious force, using ironic humour to tackle practical issues.

"I wanted to come because I consider the Dog Party to be the most serious of all in the current lineup, which is rather sad," said student Almos Edes, 26, a university student holding a sign saying 'We promise everything' beneath a logo of Fidesz.

Edes was sceptical of any change being triggered by the rallies but said he had joined to make his voice heard.

Friday's rally also took aim at grievances including regulations that have led to the departure of the Central European University, founded by Hungarian-born billionaire George Soros, from Budapest.

"We can finally work eight days a week. We no longer need to hassle with independent courts. Homelessness has been eliminated. Irritating foreign schools will vanish. And Soros, Soros, Soros, Soros, Soros," said an invitation to the rally posted on Facebook.

Orban has said the protests have been partly stoked by activists paid by Soros, an accusation Soros' Open Society Foundation has denied.

Demonstrators, subsequently joined by another rally called by opposition groups, then marched up to the presidential palace in Buda Castle, briefly blocking a bridge crossing the Danube River.

Thousands of Hungarians marched to the presidential palace late on Friday to protest against reforms to the labour code as a rally led by spoof political party MKKP merged with a subsequent demonstration staged by opposition groups.

Thousands of Hungarians marched to the presidential palace late on Friday to protest against reforms to the labour code as a rally led by spoof political party MKKP merged with a subsequent demonstration staged by opposition groups. Passage of two laws last week backed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party angered a variety of groups. One, dubbed by critics the "slave law", allows employers to ask staff to work up to 400 hours per year of overtime. Another would set up new courts which critics say could be politically manipulated. MKKP's gathering started outside Parliament, where one protester brandished a placard saying "Happy boss, gloomy Sunday". The Two-Tailed Dog Party (MKKP), launched over a decade ago as a joke, has become a semi-serious force, using ironic humour to tackle practical issues. "I wanted to come because I consider the Dog Party to be the most serious of all in the current lineup, which is rather sad," said student Almos Edes, 26, a university student holding a sign saying 'We promise everything' beneath a logo of Fidesz. Edes was sceptical of any change being triggered by the rallies but said he had joined to make his voice heard. Friday's rally also took aim at grievances including regulations that have led to the departure of the Central European University, founded by Hungarian-born billionaire George Soros, from Budapest. "We can finally work eight days a week. We no longer need to hassle with independent courts. Homelessness has been eliminated. Irritating foreign schools will vanish. And Soros, Soros, Soros, Soros, Soros," said an invitation to the rally posted on Facebook. Orban has said the protests have been partly stoked by activists paid by Soros, an accusation Soros' Open Society Foundation has denied. Demonstrators, subsequently joined by another rally called by opposition groups, then marched up to the presidential palace in Buda Castle, briefly blocking a bridge crossing the Danube River.

Thousands Hungarians hit streets in fresh protest against Viktor Orban's reforms

Three <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/palestinians-slam-australias-move-on-jerusalem-184279">Palestinians</a>, including a 16-year-old, were killed on Friday by Israeli fire during protests and clashes along the Gaza border, health officials in the Hamas-run enclave said.

Teenager Mohammed al-Jahjuh was "hit in the neck by a bullet (fired) by Israeli soldiers", ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra told AFP.

Abdelaziz Abu Sharia, 28, and Naher Yasin, 40, died from their wounds after being shot in separate incidents along the heavily fortified frontier with Israel, Qudra and a hospital official said.

The Israeli army said around 8,000 Palestinians had gathered at spots along the border, burning tyres and launching an incendiary device at soldiers that did not reach the troops. Israel's military said it had opened fire "according to operational procedures" in place, without elaborating.

Forty-six Palestinians&nbsp;including two journalists and four first aid responders were wounded, Qudra said.

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have staged protests backed by the enclave's Islamist rulers Hamas since March 30.

At least 238 Palestinians have been killed since the protests began, mostly by Israeli fire during border clashes but also by air and tank strikes. 
Two Israeli soldiers have been killed over the same period, one by a Palestinian sniper and another during an aborted special forces operation inside Gaza.

Protesters are calling for Palestinian refugees to be allowed to return to their former homes now inside Israel.

Israel accuses Hamas of seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out infiltrations and attacks and says the army's actions are necessary to defend the border.

Israel has fought three wars with Hamas since 2008.

Three Palestinians, including a 16-year-old, were killed on Friday by Israeli fire during protests and clashes along the Gaza border, health officials in the Hamas-run enclave said.

Three Palestinians, including a 16-year-old, were killed on Friday by Israeli fire during protests and clashes along the Gaza border, health officials in the Hamas-run enclave said. Teenager Mohammed al-Jahjuh was "hit in the neck by a bullet (fired) by Israeli soldiers", ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra told AFP. Abdelaziz Abu Sharia, 28, and Naher Yasin, 40, died from their wounds after being shot in separate incidents along the heavily fortified frontier with Israel, Qudra and a hospital official said. The Israeli army said around 8,000 Palestinians had gathered at spots along the border, burning tyres and launching an incendiary device at soldiers that did not reach the troops. Israel's military said it had opened fire "according to operational procedures" in place, without elaborating. Forty-six Palestinians including two journalists and four first aid responders were wounded, Qudra said. Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have staged protests backed by the enclave's Islamist rulers Hamas since March 30. At least 238 Palestinians have been killed since the protests began, mostly by Israeli fire during border clashes but also by air and tank strikes. Two Israeli soldiers have been killed over the same period, one by a Palestinian sniper and another during an aborted special forces operation inside Gaza. Protesters are calling for Palestinian refugees to be allowed to return to their former homes now inside Israel. Israel accuses Hamas of seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out infiltrations and attacks and says the army's actions are necessary to defend the border. Israel has fought three wars with Hamas since 2008.

Three Palestinians killed by Israeli fire during protest along Gaza border

About 2,000 Hungarians protested at the state television building to demand independent public media and courts on Monday in the latest gathering uniting a fragmented opposition in action against right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Protesters shouted, "Dirty Fidesz" referring to Orban's ruling party, and held up banners like "TV has lost its public television character", saying public TV had become a government mouthpiece. They faced hundreds of police.

Earlier security guards ejected two independent lawmakers from the building after they tried to get into a studio to read out a petition against what they say is an authoritarian regime.

The two lawmakers were among about a dozen members of parliament who spent the night in the building demonstrating against Orban's policies, after a big protest on Sunday that took some 10,000 people to the streets.

"I have mainly come to defend the independent courts," said one of the protesters at state TV, Gabor Hacsi, 35, a lawyer. He referred to a law passed last week that would set up new administrative courts that will answer to the government.

"I hope we will see more protests with several thousands of people and I can only help by coming here."

Sunday's march, dubbed "Merry Xmas Mr Prime Minister", in effect united weakened opposition groups in action against Orban for the first time since 2010 when he came to power.

The protests pose no immediate threat to Orban, who has strong core support which helped him return to power in April.

But Peter Kreko, director of the think tank, Political Capital, said the government's reaction to the protests showed "short-sighted arrogance". He added: "This is stepping up one level in the regime's authoritarian logic."

In the petition, the opposition lawmakers backed the protest in calling for the withdrawal of a new labour law that boosts overtime hours, for independent public media and courts and for Hungary to join the European Union's prosecutors office.

A Fidesz spokesman criticised the lawmakers for going to the state TV building and said they were abusing their parliamentary powers by seeking to "meddle in editorial operations."

Independent lawmaker Bernadett Szel posted video footage on her Facebook page that showed the security guards tussling with her fellow-MP Akos Hadhazy and pushing him out of the building. Szel said she had also been ejected.

Szel read out the petition to the demonstrators.

Fidesz said on Saturday, in reaction to the protests, that it was "increasingly obvious that criminals have been part of the street riots organised by the Soros-network."

A spokesperson for George Soros' Open Society Foundations said that Soros had not stoked the protests.

About 2,000 Hungarians protested at the state television building to demand independent public media and courts on Monday in the latest gathering uniting a fragmented opposition in action against right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

About 2,000 Hungarians protested at the state television building to demand independent public media and courts on Monday in the latest gathering uniting a fragmented opposition in action against right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Protesters shouted, "Dirty Fidesz" referring to Orban's ruling party, and held up banners like "TV has lost its public television character", saying public TV had become a government mouthpiece. They faced hundreds of police. Earlier security guards ejected two independent lawmakers from the building after they tried to get into a studio to read out a petition against what they say is an authoritarian regime. The two lawmakers were among about a dozen members of parliament who spent the night in the building demonstrating against Orban's policies, after a big protest on Sunday that took some 10,000 people to the streets. "I have mainly come to defend the independent courts," said one of the protesters at state TV, Gabor Hacsi, 35, a lawyer. He referred to a law passed last week that would set up new administrative courts that will answer to the government. "I hope we will see more protests with several thousands of people and I can only help by coming here." Sunday's march, dubbed "Merry Xmas Mr Prime Minister", in effect united weakened opposition groups in action against Orban for the first time since 2010 when he came to power. The protests pose no immediate threat to Orban, who has strong core support which helped him return to power in April. But Peter Kreko, director of the think tank, Political Capital, said the government's reaction to the protests showed "short-sighted arrogance". He added: "This is stepping up one level in the regime's authoritarian logic." In the petition, the opposition lawmakers backed the protest in calling for the withdrawal of a new labour law that boosts overtime hours, for independent public media and courts and for Hungary to join the European Union's prosecutors office. A Fidesz spokesman criticised the lawmakers for going to the state TV building and said they were abusing their parliamentary powers by seeking to "meddle in editorial operations." Independent lawmaker Bernadett Szel posted video footage on her Facebook page that showed the security guards tussling with her fellow-MP Akos Hadhazy and pushing him out of the building. Szel said she had also been ejected. Szel read out the petition to the demonstrators. Fidesz said on Saturday, in reaction to the protests, that it was "increasingly obvious that criminals have been part of the street riots organised by the Soros-network." A spokesperson for George Soros' Open Society Foundations said that Soros had not stoked the protests.

Hungarians demand independent public media, courts

Security has been tightened around the Sterlite Copper plant following information that attempts were on by some outfits to organise a major protest in the backdrop of the NGT setting aside a Tamil Nadu government order permanently closing it, officials said Monday.

Besides, security was strengthened in other parts of the district as well, including at the Collectorate where many police personnel had been posted, as a precautionary measure in view of the violent protests witnessed in May this year demanding the closure of the plant.

Thirteen people were killed in police firing on May 22-23 after the 99-day long protest by the locals against Sterlite turned violent and government properties came under attack. The protesters were demanding the closure of the plant citing pollution concerns.

While the Tamil Nadu government had on May 28 ordered permanent closure of the plant in the wake of the protests, the National Green Tribunal on Saturday set it aside, allowing an appeal by the Sterlite.

The state government has said it would file an appeal in the Supreme Court against the NGT order even as opposition parties attacked it for "negligent" handling of the issue.

An official Monday said there was information that some religious and political outfits were trying to coordinate and organize major agitation against Sterlite.

Police personnel from five neighbouring districts of Virudhungar, Dindigul, Sivaganga, Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli have been deployed in the district to meet any situation, police informed. Outsiders were being monitored to find if the locals were being instigated, they said.

Meanwhile, a group of students, affiliated to the Democratic Youth Federation and the Students Federation of India, staged a protest in front of a college demanding that a resolution should be passed by the state assembly for continued closure of the Sterlite unit.

A report from Coimbatore said 20 activists of "Makkal Adhikaram", a fringe outfit, were arrested when they attempted to stage a demonstration condemning the NGT order.&nbsp;

Security has been tightened around the Sterlite Copper plant following information that attempts were on by some outfits to organise a major protest in the backdrop of the NGT setting aside a Tamil Nadu government order permanently closing it, officials said Monday.

Security has been tightened around the Sterlite Copper plant following information that attempts were on by some outfits to organise a major protest in the backdrop of the NGT setting aside a Tamil Nadu government order permanently closing it, officials said Monday. Besides, security was strengthened in other parts of the district as well, including at the Collectorate where many police personnel had been posted, as a precautionary measure in view of the violent protests witnessed in May this year demanding the closure of the plant. Thirteen people were killed in police firing on May 22-23 after the 99-day long protest by the locals against Sterlite turned violent and government properties came under attack. The protesters were demanding the closure of the plant citing pollution concerns. While the Tamil Nadu government had on May 28 ordered permanent closure of the plant in the wake of the protests, the National Green Tribunal on Saturday set it aside, allowing an appeal by the Sterlite. The state government has said it would file an appeal in the Supreme Court against the NGT order even as opposition parties attacked it for "negligent" handling of the issue. An official Monday said there was information that some religious and political outfits were trying to coordinate and organize major agitation against Sterlite. Police personnel from five neighbouring districts of Virudhungar, Dindigul, Sivaganga, Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli have been deployed in the district to meet any situation, police informed. Outsiders were being monitored to find if the locals were being instigated, they said. Meanwhile, a group of students, affiliated to the Democratic Youth Federation and the Students Federation of India, staged a protest in front of a college demanding that a resolution should be passed by the state assembly for continued closure of the Sterlite unit. A report from Coimbatore said 20 activists of "Makkal Adhikaram", a fringe outfit, were arrested when they attempted to stage a demonstration condemning the NGT order.

Security tightened around Sterlite plant amid reports of fresh protest by college students

India lodges formal protest against Pakistan

Unprecedented scenes of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/massive-anti-pakistan-protests-breaks-out-across-gilgit-baltistan-against-illegal-taxation-24492">anti-Pakistan sentiment</a> swept across the illegally occupied territories of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir where locals gathered in thousands to protest against the seven-decades of subjugation of Islamabad.

While expressing anger over exploitation of their land and resources, people demanded an absolute freedom from the clutches of Pakistan.

Leaders urged the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-pakistan-protests-across-pok-to-mark-1947-invasion-22724">protesters</a> to ramp up their peaceful campaigns citing Pakistan will soon have the authority over all their prerogatives with locals reeling under abject poverty and depravity.

Shafqat Inqalabi, the leader of Karakoram National Movement said, "I just want to ask as to which freedom you will ask for when your water and electricity will be owned by someone else. What will you do when mountains of Gilgit will be given to Pathans and Punjabis? What are we going to with the freedom that will come after the water of Neelum-Jhelum comes under their control and they will have a complete authority over the resources and equipment of Bhasha?"

Suppressed for seven decades, the people of PoK have not only been denied basic rights but are also forced to lead their lives on terms dictated by Islamabad`s political puppets in the region.

The protesting leader accused that Pakistan is hell-bent on destroying their identity and has been propagating a narrative that suits its oppressive agenda in the region.

Another Nationalist leader, Sardar Ahmad stated that Pakistan lies about its own history and has denied the history of Kashmir.

"Pakistan is being taught the book `Mutala-e-Pakistan` which is full of lies. The book is full of misinformation. Pakistan lies about its own history. The history which is taught to our children carries the narrative of rulers and politicians of Pakistan and not the narrative of locals. The history of Kashmir is banned," Ahmad stated.

Thousands of people gathered in Hunza valley to protest against the intermittent and hours-long power cuts that have made the lives of the locals miserable.

Lamenting the novercal treatment meted out to them by the authorities, locals asserted that hefty bills were being charged from them for limited hours of power supply with students and women who required the energy most are taking the toll of the mistreatment.

Singer Abida Khanum also participated in the protest saying, "Today, we have gathered here because Hunza has no electricity for days now. It is said that Hunza is a developed region but we, the local citizens know the fact, and we know what is going behind the bushes."

She further asserted that the people of Hunza valley have been deprived of basic human rights as well as constitutional rights by the government of Pakistan.

"We are not getting our basic rights here, we are not getting constitutional rights and we are not getting all other rights too. There is an acute shortage of water and electricity and all those people who are sitting at higher constitutional positions have everything for them; they have generators. It is an incompetent and a puppet administration. Everybody, especially the students and women are only suffering," Khanum said.

The region, which was forcefully occupied more than seven decades ago by Pakistan, has still not been given any recognition or constitutional status.

It continues to suffer a step motherly treatment. People demanding their rights are more than often subjected to inhumane treatment with their voices getting muzzled with brute force.&nbsp;

Unprecedented scenes of anti-Pakistan sentiment swept across the illegally occupied territories of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir where locals gathered in thousands to protest against the seven-decades of subjugation of Islamabad.

Unprecedented scenes of anti-Pakistan sentiment swept across the illegally occupied territories of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir where locals gathered in thousands to protest against the seven-decades of subjugation of Islamabad. While expressing anger over exploitation of their land and resources, people demanded an absolute freedom from the clutches of Pakistan. Leaders urged the protesters to ramp up their peaceful campaigns citing Pakistan will soon have the authority over all their prerogatives with locals reeling under abject poverty and depravity. Shafqat Inqalabi, the leader of Karakoram National Movement said, "I just want to ask as to which freedom you will ask for when your water and electricity will be owned by someone else. What will you do when mountains of Gilgit will be given to Pathans and Punjabis? What are we going to with the freedom that will come after the water of Neelum-Jhelum comes under their control and they will have a complete authority over the resources and equipment of Bhasha?" Suppressed for seven decades, the people of PoK have not only been denied basic rights but are also forced to lead their lives on terms dictated by Islamabad`s political puppets in the region. The protesting leader accused that Pakistan is hell-bent on destroying their identity and has been propagating a narrative that suits its oppressive agenda in the region. Another Nationalist leader, Sardar Ahmad stated that Pakistan lies about its own history and has denied the history of Kashmir. "Pakistan is being taught the book `Mutala-e-Pakistan` which is full of lies. The book is full of misinformation. Pakistan lies about its own history. The history which is taught to our children carries the narrative of rulers and politicians of Pakistan and not the narrative of locals. The history of Kashmir is banned," Ahmad stated. Thousands of people gathered in Hunza valley to protest against the intermittent and hours-long power cuts that have made the lives of the locals miserable. Lamenting the novercal treatment meted out to them by the authorities, locals asserted that hefty bills were being charged from them for limited hours of power supply with students and women who required the energy most are taking the toll of the mistreatment. Singer Abida Khanum also participated in the protest saying, "Today, we have gathered here because Hunza has no electricity for days now. It is said that Hunza is a developed region but we, the local citizens know the fact, and we know what is going behind the bushes." She further asserted that the people of Hunza valley have been deprived of basic human rights as well as constitutional rights by the government of Pakistan. "We are not getting our basic rights here, we are not getting constitutional rights and we are not getting all other rights too. There is an acute shortage of water and electricity and all those people who are sitting at higher constitutional positions have everything for them; they have generators. It is an incompetent and a puppet administration. Everybody, especially the students and women are only suffering," Khanum said. The region, which was forcefully occupied more than seven decades ago by Pakistan, has still not been given any recognition or constitutional status. It continues to suffer a step motherly treatment. People demanding their rights are more than often subjected to inhumane treatment with their voices getting muzzled with brute force.

Anti-Pakistan protests erupt in PoK, protesters demand basic rights

Thousands of farmers from across the country converged Thursday at the historic Ramlila Ground after journeys that took some as long as 36 hours to complete to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce.

They are spending the night at the ground before marching to Parliament on Friday.&nbsp;

Kartar Singh, 50, a sugarcane farmer from Sambal district, Uttar Pradesh, is anxious about the march on Friday and cannot sleep, but he's not complaining.

"We have not come here to sleep. Farmers have converged in Delhi to remind the Union government that the party leading it had made promises of waiving off loans in its manifesto. And, its been four and a half years since they came to power," he said, with an edge of anger in his voice.

Singh, a father of two sons is from Fatehpur Sarai village and, his younger son (22 years) has taken the field work while he is away.

"My wife and children have told me, that I should fight and stay even for a week in Delhi, if needed," he told PTI.

Inside the tents, farmers, both men and women, from all parts of India try to sleep in a chilly night, while many sat huddled together, discussing the next strategy and family issues.

But, a group of volunteers, belonging to the welfare organisation 'Khudai Khidmatgar' are trying to offer some comfort to these wearied farmers in the cold weather.

Shahjeb Jamal, a civil engineering student at Jamia Islamia and a volunteer with the group is lugging around a steel container and a hands out paper cups to farmers as they huddle around.

"Our organisation's philosophy as envisioned by its founder Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, is service and public harmony, and so we are here. We Stand with the farmers," he said.

Jamal said Friday morning another batch of volunteers would be coming to offer tea and some breakfast to them.

A group of 25-30 doctors also offered medical aid till about 11 pm, some of them took off from work to volunteer.

Rashid, a junior resident at AIIMS was among the doctor's volunteers who attended to people till night.

"I took an off today from work, as I had to be here. They feed us, and we are not doing any favour by helping them, we are serving them," he told PTI.

Doctors also came from Aligarh Muslim university and Rohtak and Chandigarh and other Delhi hospitals to assist farmers, many of whom complained of body ache as they had travelled long distance.

"One person had fainted, so, after first aid, we sent him to LNJP Hospital," said Mahtab Alam, a doctor at a Delhi government hospital.

The historic ground, known for hosting big political events over the years, resonated with slogans like 'Ayodhya nahi, karz maafi chahiye' earlier in the day.&nbsp; 
Now, many are waiting for the crack of dawn, for start of a new day, filled with unwavering hope.&nbsp;

Thousands of farmers from across the country converged Thursday at the historic Ramlila Ground after journeys that took some as long as 36 hours to complete to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce.

Thousands of farmers from across the country converged Thursday at the historic Ramlila Ground after journeys that took some as long as 36 hours to complete to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. They are spending the night at the ground before marching to Parliament on Friday. Kartar Singh, 50, a sugarcane farmer from Sambal district, Uttar Pradesh, is anxious about the march on Friday and cannot sleep, but he's not complaining. "We have not come here to sleep. Farmers have converged in Delhi to remind the Union government that the party leading it had made promises of waiving off loans in its manifesto. And, its been four and a half years since they came to power," he said, with an edge of anger in his voice. Singh, a father of two sons is from Fatehpur Sarai village and, his younger son (22 years) has taken the field work while he is away. "My wife and children have told me, that I should fight and stay even for a week in Delhi, if needed," he told PTI. Inside the tents, farmers, both men and women, from all parts of India try to sleep in a chilly night, while many sat huddled together, discussing the next strategy and family issues. But, a group of volunteers, belonging to the welfare organisation 'Khudai Khidmatgar' are trying to offer some comfort to these wearied farmers in the cold weather. Shahjeb Jamal, a civil engineering student at Jamia Islamia and a volunteer with the group is lugging around a steel container and a hands out paper cups to farmers as they huddle around. "Our organisation's philosophy as envisioned by its founder Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, is service and public harmony, and so we are here. We Stand with the farmers," he said. Jamal said Friday morning another batch of volunteers would be coming to offer tea and some breakfast to them. A group of 25-30 doctors also offered medical aid till about 11 pm, some of them took off from work to volunteer. Rashid, a junior resident at AIIMS was among the doctor's volunteers who attended to people till night. "I took an off today from work, as I had to be here. They feed us, and we are not doing any favour by helping them, we are serving them," he told PTI. Doctors also came from Aligarh Muslim university and Rohtak and Chandigarh and other Delhi hospitals to assist farmers, many of whom complained of body ache as they had travelled long distance. "One person had fainted, so, after first aid, we sent him to LNJP Hospital," said Mahtab Alam, a doctor at a Delhi government hospital. The historic ground, known for hosting big political events over the years, resonated with slogans like 'Ayodhya nahi, karz maafi chahiye' earlier in the day. Now, many are waiting for the crack of dawn, for start of a new day, filled with unwavering hope.

Farmers brave chilly night at Ramlila Maidan, 'Khudai Khidmatgaars' offer comfort

Traffic in central and Lutyens' Delhi went into a tizzy on Friday as thousands of farmers, who have been camping at the Ramlila ground since Thursday, began their <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-march-towards-parliament-from-ramlila-maidan-3500-cops-deployed-180376">march to Parliament</a> amid heavy policy deployment, to press for their various demands including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce.

Traffic was affected on the Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, on the stretch near Guru Nanak Eye hospital, Maharaja Ranjit Singh flyover, Barakhamba Chowk and Janpath on Friday morning. Commuters were advised to avoid these routes.

Around 1,000 traffic police personnel have been deployed between Ramlila Maidan and Parliament to ensure that commuters do not face inconvenience.

"Due to this march, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Ferozshah Road, Janpath, Mandir Marg, Panchkuian Marg, Ashoka Road, Jai Singh Marg and inner and outer circles of Connaught Place will be affected. Our senior traffic officials, along with other traffic personnel, are managing traffic," a senior traffic police official said.

Citizens were advised to follow the Delhi Traffic Police Facebook page, Twitter handle, WhatsApp and the traffic helpline for live updates.

Over 3,500 police personnel have also been deployed on the route of the march and special arrangements have been made in Central and New Delhi police districts.

As many as 850 police personnel, up to the rank of sub-inspectors, have been deployed in the Central district. They have been augmented by the presence of 12 police companies, including two of women, each comprising 75-80 personnel, a police official said.

In New Delhi district, 346 police personnel, up to the rank of sub-inspectors, have been deployed and 600 personnel from other districts will also help them, the official said.

Farmers from different parts of the country, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh converged at the Ramlila ground on Thursday.

Banded under the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), which claims to be an umbrella body of 207 organisations of farmers and agricultural workers, many farmers arrived in the city on Thursday, on trains, buses and other modes of transport.

Traffic in central and Lutyens' Delhi went into a tizzy on Friday as thousands of farmers, who have been camping at the Ramlila ground since Thursday, began their march to Parliament amid heavy policy deployment, to press for their various demands including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce.

Traffic in central and Lutyens' Delhi went into a tizzy on Friday as thousands of farmers, who have been camping at the Ramlila ground since Thursday, began their march to Parliament amid heavy policy deployment, to press for their various demands including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce. Traffic was affected on the Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, on the stretch near Guru Nanak Eye hospital, Maharaja Ranjit Singh flyover, Barakhamba Chowk and Janpath on Friday morning. Commuters were advised to avoid these routes. Around 1,000 traffic police personnel have been deployed between Ramlila Maidan and Parliament to ensure that commuters do not face inconvenience. "Due to this march, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Ferozshah Road, Janpath, Mandir Marg, Panchkuian Marg, Ashoka Road, Jai Singh Marg and inner and outer circles of Connaught Place will be affected. Our senior traffic officials, along with other traffic personnel, are managing traffic," a senior traffic police official said. Citizens were advised to follow the Delhi Traffic Police Facebook page, Twitter handle, WhatsApp and the traffic helpline for live updates. Over 3,500 police personnel have also been deployed on the route of the march and special arrangements have been made in Central and New Delhi police districts. As many as 850 police personnel, up to the rank of sub-inspectors, have been deployed in the Central district. They have been augmented by the presence of 12 police companies, including two of women, each comprising 75-80 personnel, a police official said. In New Delhi district, 346 police personnel, up to the rank of sub-inspectors, have been deployed and 600 personnel from other districts will also help them, the official said. Farmers from different parts of the country, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh converged at the Ramlila ground on Thursday. Banded under the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC), which claims to be an umbrella body of 207 organisations of farmers and agricultural workers, many farmers arrived in the city on Thursday, on trains, buses and other modes of transport.

Farmers' march to Parliament throws traffic in tizzy in central, Lutyens' Delhi

Protesters march as Buenos Aires prepares to host G20 Summit

When the Christian Democrats opened talks on teaming up with the opposition Labour Party to bring down the Conservative-led government, Prime Minister Erna Solberg intervened, offering to discuss tightening abortion rules.

The argument helped persuade rank-and-file members of the socially conservative, Lutheran-based party to vote for talks to join the ruling coalition, potentially securing Solberg a majority in parliament until the next election in 2021.

The Christian Democrats want further restrictions or an end to terminations after the twelfth week of pregnancy, potentially reining in exemptions for genetic conditions or injuries.

The party also wants to make it more difficult, or stop altogether, selective abortions in multi-foetal pregnancies.

"It is discriminating to select on the basis of having different skills ... Children with Down syndrome should have the same legal rights as other children," Kjell Ingolf Ropstad, deputy leader of the Christian Democrats, told public broadcaster NRK earlier this month.

Since 1978, a termination after 12 weeks must be authorised by a panel of two hospital doctors. If the panel refuses, the decision can be appealed.

In an effort to quell a backlash within her own party, as well as from the opposition, Solberg said any changes to the abortion law would not undermine women's rights.

"In practice this will mean that, in future, women who seek an abortion after the twelfth week of pregnancy will as much as before have the right to have an abortion," she told parliament on Wednesday.

Some 68 percent of Norwegians are against changing the abortion law, while 16 percent are in favour, according to a poll published in daily VG on Nov. 9. The phone survey by Respons Analyse polled 1,000 participants aged 18 and over.

When the Christian Democrats opened talks on teaming up with the opposition Labour Party to bring down the Conservative-led government, Prime Minister Erna Solberg intervened, offering to discuss tightening abortion rules.

When the Christian Democrats opened talks on teaming up with the opposition Labour Party to bring down the Conservative-led government, Prime Minister Erna Solberg intervened, offering to discuss tightening abortion rules. The argument helped persuade rank-and-file members of the socially conservative, Lutheran-based party to vote for talks to join the ruling coalition, potentially securing Solberg a majority in parliament until the next election in 2021. The Christian Democrats want further restrictions or an end to terminations after the twelfth week of pregnancy, potentially reining in exemptions for genetic conditions or injuries. The party also wants to make it more difficult, or stop altogether, selective abortions in multi-foetal pregnancies. "It is discriminating to select on the basis of having different skills ... Children with Down syndrome should have the same legal rights as other children," Kjell Ingolf Ropstad, deputy leader of the Christian Democrats, told public broadcaster NRK earlier this month. Since 1978, a termination after 12 weeks must be authorised by a panel of two hospital doctors. If the panel refuses, the decision can be appealed. In an effort to quell a backlash within her own party, as well as from the opposition, Solberg said any changes to the abortion law would not undermine women's rights. "In practice this will mean that, in future, women who seek an abortion after the twelfth week of pregnancy will as much as before have the right to have an abortion," she told parliament on Wednesday. Some 68 percent of Norwegians are against changing the abortion law, while 16 percent are in favour, according to a poll published in daily VG on Nov. 9. The phone survey by Respons Analyse polled 1,000 participants aged 18 and over.

Thousands protest in Norway against restricting abortion

Bangladesh police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at a group of opposition party supporters in the capital, Dhaka, on Wednesday as tension soared weeks before a general election.

Activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) responded to the police action by setting fire to police vans and cars, as well as several motor-bikes, according to police and media.

"Our force was attacked without any reason. They were only trying to ease the traffic flow but suddenly they were targeted," said Masudur Rahman, a spokesman for the Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

The BNP supporters were accompanying an election candidate who was picking up election nomination papers from the party's offices in the city.

Police initially asked the group numbering more than 500 to disperse because they were creating a traffic jam but an altercation ensued and fist-fights broke out between the BNP supporters and police.

The BNP said that at least 12 of its supporters were injured. Police said at least 20 officers were hurt.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir denounced the police action as an "injustice", and part of a government plot to exclude the party from the Dec. 30 election.

General elections are invariably volatile in Bangladesh where politics has for more than two decades been dominated by the rivalry between two women leaders - Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia - both of whom have been prime minister.

Hasina, who is prime minister now, and Khaleda, leader of the BNP, are both related to former national leaders.

The BNP says a caretaker government is essential for free and fair elections as otherwise, it says Hasina's ruling Awami League will use the machinery of government to support its campaign.

The BNP is in disarray following the jailing early this year on corruption charges of Khaleda, on what the party says were trumped-up charges to keep her out of politics.

The last election, in 2014, which the BNP boycotted, was marred by deadly violence and criticised by international observers as flawed.

An alliance of opposition parties, including the BNP, said on Sunday it would contest the election despite the Awami League's rejection of its demand for a caretaker government.

Hasina’s government has won global plaudits for letting in hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, but its critics have decried what they see as the prime minister's increasingly authoritarian rule.

In particular, they have attacked her for what critics regard as the government’s heavy-handed policing of student protests this year and a crackdown on free speech. 
&nbsp;

Bangladesh police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at a group of opposition party supporters in the capital, Dhaka, on Wednesday as tension soared weeks before a general election.

Bangladesh police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at a group of opposition party supporters in the capital, Dhaka, on Wednesday as tension soared weeks before a general election. Activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) responded to the police action by setting fire to police vans and cars, as well as several motor-bikes, according to police and media. "Our force was attacked without any reason. They were only trying to ease the traffic flow but suddenly they were targeted," said Masudur Rahman, a spokesman for the Dhaka Metropolitan Police. The BNP supporters were accompanying an election candidate who was picking up election nomination papers from the party's offices in the city. Police initially asked the group numbering more than 500 to disperse because they were creating a traffic jam but an altercation ensued and fist-fights broke out between the BNP supporters and police. The BNP said that at least 12 of its supporters were injured. Police said at least 20 officers were hurt. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir denounced the police action as an "injustice", and part of a government plot to exclude the party from the Dec. 30 election. General elections are invariably volatile in Bangladesh where politics has for more than two decades been dominated by the rivalry between two women leaders - Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia - both of whom have been prime minister. Hasina, who is prime minister now, and Khaleda, leader of the BNP, are both related to former national leaders. The BNP says a caretaker government is essential for free and fair elections as otherwise, it says Hasina's ruling Awami League will use the machinery of government to support its campaign. The BNP is in disarray following the jailing early this year on corruption charges of Khaleda, on what the party says were trumped-up charges to keep her out of politics. The last election, in 2014, which the BNP boycotted, was marred by deadly violence and criticised by international observers as flawed. An alliance of opposition parties, including the BNP, said on Sunday it would contest the election despite the Awami League's rejection of its demand for a caretaker government. Hasina’s government has won global plaudits for letting in hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, but its critics have decried what they see as the prime minister's increasingly authoritarian rule. In particular, they have attacked her for what critics regard as the government’s heavy-handed policing of student protests this year and a crackdown on free speech.

Bangladesh police fire rubber bullets, tear gas to disperse opposition protest

A photojournalist was injured in clashes at Kerala's Sabarimala temple on Tuesday after a woman devotee, suspected to be of menstrual age, tried to enter the temple.&nbsp;

As per news agency ANI, the injured person has been identified as Amrita TV cameraperson Biju. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Kerala: Amrita TV cameraman Biju, injured during protests at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> over the entry of a woman devotee <a href="https://t.co/ZbOqsbXS6u">pic.twitter.com/ZbOqsbXS6u</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1059633073686487040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The violence only stopped when the police confirmed that she is 52-years-old and allowed her to visit the shrine. She later performed prayers at the temple under police protection.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerala</a>: Lalitha (Pic 1: in the centre), a 52-year-old woman devotee from Thrissur, whose entry to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalTemple</a> was opposed by protesters, offered prayers at the temple under police protection. She had come along with her family. <a href="https://t.co/RdJeWflhk4">pic.twitter.com/RdJeWflhk4</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1059637779150319616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Sabarimala shrine <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-turns-police-fortress-as-ayyappa-temple-is-set-to-open-for-special-puja-175656">opened yesterday</a> for the second time in three weeks for a two-day special puja amid unprecedented security over fear of protests by those opposing the Supreme Court's order allowing women of all age groups into the temple.

Kerala police has deployed nearly two thousand three hundred police personnel over fears that those opposing the supreme court's order allowing women of all age groups into the temple may stage protests.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Kerala: Visuals of protests from Sannidhaman in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabarimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabarimalaTemple</a> <a href="https://t.co/XN9wODeIgW">pic.twitter.com/XN9wODeIgW</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1059630089904836608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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However, the security arrangements have not gone down well with the devotees and right-wing activists who protested at several places against the restrictions at Sabarimala, considered the sacred grove of Lord Ayyappa, a celibate.

A photojournalist was injured in clashes at Kerala's Sabarimala temple on Tuesday after a woman devotee, suspected to be of menstrual age, tried to enter the temple.

A photojournalist was injured in clashes at Kerala's Sabarimala temple on Tuesday after a woman devotee, suspected to be of menstrual age, tried to enter the temple. As per news agency ANI, the injured person has been identified as Amrita TV cameraperson Biju. Kerala: Amrita TV cameraman Biju, injured during protests at #SabarimalaTemple over the entry of a woman devotee pic.twitter.com/ZbOqsbXS6u — ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2018 × The violence only stopped when the police confirmed that she is 52-years-old and allowed her to visit the shrine. She later performed prayers at the temple under police protection. #Kerala: Lalitha (Pic 1: in the centre), a 52-year-old woman devotee from Thrissur, whose entry to #SabarimalTemple was opposed by protesters, offered prayers at the temple under police protection. She had come along with her family. pic.twitter.com/RdJeWflhk4 — ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2018 × The Sabarimala shrine opened yesterday for the second time in three weeks for a two-day special puja amid unprecedented security over fear of protests by those opposing the Supreme Court's order allowing women of all age groups into the temple. Kerala police has deployed nearly two thousand three hundred police personnel over fears that those opposing the supreme court's order allowing women of all age groups into the temple may stage protests. Kerala: Visuals of protests from Sannidhaman in #SabarimalaTemple pic.twitter.com/XN9wODeIgW — ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2018 × However, the security arrangements have not gone down well with the devotees and right-wing activists who protested at several places against the restrictions at Sabarimala, considered the sacred grove of Lord Ayyappa, a celibate.

Sabarimala: 1 injured in clashes after woman, thought to be of menstrual age, tries to enter temple

Asia Bibi's husband&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asia-bibis-husband-calls-for-her-protection-hails-courts-order-as-very-courageous-175324">Ashiq Masih</a>&nbsp;pleaded Saturday for asylum in the UK, US or Canada, news reports Sunday said.

Masih said they were in danger in Pakistan and that threats had been made to Asia's life. Asia was this week acquitted by Pakistan's Supreme Court of insulting the Prophet Muhammad.&nbsp;

Asia is Christian.&nbsp;

"The situation is dangerous for Asia. I feel that her life is not secure," AFP had earlier quoted Masih as saying. "So I appeal to government to enhance Asia's security in jail".

Asia, 47, has spent eight years on death row. She was accused&nbsp;of insulting the Prophet Muhammad in 2009, after a dispute with fellow workers, and convicted by a lower court in 2010.&nbsp;

The accusation of blasphemy had broken out over a drink of water. Asia's fellow workers — they had been harvesting fruit — said she should not have drunk from a common bucket and that she had defiled the water because she was Christian.&nbsp;

They added that she should convert to Islam.&nbsp;

France and Spain have offered her asylum, while the former bishop of Rochester, Michael Nazir-Ali, who is a Christian born in Pakistan, said Bibi should be granted asylum in the UK, Skynews reported.

The protesters, however, ended their action Friday night after the government reached a controversial deal to put Bibi on the no-fly list and saying it would not object to an appeal against the verdict, which was filed earlier in the Supreme Court.

"We have requested the Supreme Court to put Asia Bibi on the Exit Control List as soon as possible so that she could not fly out of the country," Ghulam Mustafa Chaudhry, the lawyer of Qari Salam who filed the case against Bibi, told AFP.

"We fear that she would be flown out of the country so we have requested the court for an early hearing of the case," he said, adding that he would "exploit all legal remedies to make sure Asia Bibi is hanged according to the law".

Bibi's lawyer Saif-ul-Mulook and Pakistani media criticised the government for caving in to the Islamist hardliners after Prime Minister Imran Khan had earlier appeared to stand up to them following the court verdict.

Meanwhile, Saif-ul-Mulook, who saved Bibi from the gallows <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/asia-bibis-lawyer-leaves-pakistan-citing-threats-to-his-life-175254">left the country</a> on Saturday, saying his life was under threat.

Blasphemy is a massively inflammatory charge in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where even unproven allegations of insulting Islam and its Prophet Mohammed can provoke death at the hands of vigilantes. 
&nbsp;

Asia Bibi's husband Ashiq Masih pleaded Saturday for asylum in the UK, US or Canada, news reports Sunday said. Masih said they were in danger in Pakistan and that threats had been made to Asia's life.

Asia Bibi's husband Ashiq Masih pleaded Saturday for asylum in the UK, US or Canada, news reports Sunday said. Masih said they were in danger in Pakistan and that threats had been made to Asia's life. Asia was this week acquitted by Pakistan's Supreme Court of insulting the Prophet Muhammad. Asia is Christian. "The situation is dangerous for Asia. I feel that her life is not secure," AFP had earlier quoted Masih as saying. "So I appeal to government to enhance Asia's security in jail". Asia, 47, has spent eight years on death row. She was accused of insulting the Prophet Muhammad in 2009, after a dispute with fellow workers, and convicted by a lower court in 2010. The accusation of blasphemy had broken out over a drink of water. Asia's fellow workers — they had been harvesting fruit — said she should not have drunk from a common bucket and that she had defiled the water because she was Christian. They added that she should convert to Islam. France and Spain have offered her asylum, while the former bishop of Rochester, Michael Nazir-Ali, who is a Christian born in Pakistan, said Bibi should be granted asylum in the UK, Skynews reported. The protesters, however, ended their action Friday night after the government reached a controversial deal to put Bibi on the no-fly list and saying it would not object to an appeal against the verdict, which was filed earlier in the Supreme Court. "We have requested the Supreme Court to put Asia Bibi on the Exit Control List as soon as possible so that she could not fly out of the country," Ghulam Mustafa Chaudhry, the lawyer of Qari Salam who filed the case against Bibi, told AFP. "We fear that she would be flown out of the country so we have requested the court for an early hearing of the case," he said, adding that he would "exploit all legal remedies to make sure Asia Bibi is hanged according to the law". Bibi's lawyer Saif-ul-Mulook and Pakistani media criticised the government for caving in to the Islamist hardliners after Prime Minister Imran Khan had earlier appeared to stand up to them following the court verdict. Meanwhile, Saif-ul-Mulook, who saved Bibi from the gallows left the country on Saturday, saying his life was under threat. Blasphemy is a massively inflammatory charge in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where even unproven allegations of insulting Islam and its Prophet Mohammed can provoke death at the hands of vigilantes.

Asia Bibi's husband asks for asylum in UK, US or Canada

Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Khadim Rizvi and senior party leader Afzal Qadri were among the 500 people booked on Saturday for rioting and disrupting normal life in various parts of Lahore.

The police said that 11 cases were registered against Rizvi, Qadri and others for blocking arterial routes and disrupting peace, Geo News reported.

Two cases were also booked against protestors in the nation`s capital Islamabad on charges of vandalising public property.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Interior Ministry, in a statement, said that it would take strict action against the demonstrators involved in rioting and disrupting normal life in various parts of the country.

On October 31, mass protests began after the Pakistan Supreme Court announced its verdict acquitting Asia Bibi, a Christian woman in a blasphemy case.

The demonstrations, led by TLP and other religious parties, blocked roads and vandalised public property in various parts of the country.

A three-judge special bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa and Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel heard Asia`s 2014 appeal against her conviction and death sentence and overturned the ruling in favour of her on October 31.

After few days of rejecting reports of not putting Asia on the Exit Control List (ECL), the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government succumbed to pressure and reached an agreement with the TLP on Friday for taking legal actions to not allow Asia and her family to leave the country.

Moreover, the government assured the people that a probe will be initiated to redress any deaths that may have occurred during the protests against the verdict.

The TLP also apologised to the people for hurting their sentiments or causing inconvenience to the citizens.

Asia was convicted and sentenced to death in 2010 for allegedly insulting Islam during an argument with three Muslim women.&nbsp;

Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Khadim Rizvi and senior party leader Afzal Qadri were among the 500 people booked on Saturday for rioting and disrupting normal life in various parts of Lahore.

Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Khadim Rizvi and senior party leader Afzal Qadri were among the 500 people booked on Saturday for rioting and disrupting normal life in various parts of Lahore. The police said that 11 cases were registered against Rizvi, Qadri and others for blocking arterial routes and disrupting peace, Geo News reported. Two cases were also booked against protestors in the nation`s capital Islamabad on charges of vandalising public property. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Interior Ministry, in a statement, said that it would take strict action against the demonstrators involved in rioting and disrupting normal life in various parts of the country. On October 31, mass protests began after the Pakistan Supreme Court announced its verdict acquitting Asia Bibi, a Christian woman in a blasphemy case. The demonstrations, led by TLP and other religious parties, blocked roads and vandalised public property in various parts of the country. A three-judge special bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa and Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel heard Asia`s 2014 appeal against her conviction and death sentence and overturned the ruling in favour of her on October 31. After few days of rejecting reports of not putting Asia on the Exit Control List (ECL), the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government succumbed to pressure and reached an agreement with the TLP on Friday for taking legal actions to not allow Asia and her family to leave the country. Moreover, the government assured the people that a probe will be initiated to redress any deaths that may have occurred during the protests against the verdict. The TLP also apologised to the people for hurting their sentiments or causing inconvenience to the citizens. Asia was convicted and sentenced to death in 2010 for allegedly insulting Islam during an argument with three Muslim women.

Asia Bibi verdict protests: TLP chief, senior leader booked for rioting

Attempts to win over MP defectors intensified in Sri Lanka's constitutional crisis Saturday amid growing pressure to let the suspended parliament hold a vote on the two rivals who each claim to be prime minister.

Ousted premier Ranil Wickremesinghe has refused to accept his surprise sacking by President Maithripala Sirisena, who named former strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse in his place.

Rajapakse has eaten into Wickremesinghe's majority amid warnings from pro-democracy and anti-corruption groups about the tactics being used.

A member of Wickremesinghe's United National Party, S.B. Nawinna, defected on Friday night and was rewarded with the cultural affairs portfolio in Rajapakse's government.

A deputy from a Tamil party supporting Wickremesinghe also switched sides and was made a deputy minister.

"We are expecting a few more defections on Saturday," a source close to President Sirisena said.

Wickremesinghe has remained in the official prime minister's residence since his sacking on October 26.

He claims to have majority support in the 225-member parliament but is still seeking to woo MPs from the Sirisena-Rajapakse camp, his aides said.

According to latest counts, Wickremesinghe has 103 MPs while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 100. Most of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe, observers said.

Huge amounts are reportedly being offered to defectors.

A UNP stalwart, Range Bandara, said this week he was offered US $2.8 million to cross over and support Rajapakse.

A pro-democracy movement urged MPs not to sell their votes and undermine the will of the people.

"We appeal to you not to allow parliament to be put up for sale. You have a responsibility to prevent Sri Lanka from being plunged further into a moral and ethical political abyss," the Movement for Democracy said.

The Transparency International anti-graft watchdog highlighted the country's Bribery Act which made accepting and offering inducements a jailable offence.

The president suspended parliament for 20 days in a move to forestall a parliamentary vote that would have gone against his choice for prime minister.

But parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya has called a meeting for next Wednesday. The president has ordered parliament closed until November 16.

"We believe that the proroguing of parliament is to gain time to buy over sufficient cross overs," the Movement for Democracy said.

It expressed alarm at ministerial positions being given for&nbsp;changing political loyalties. "We demand a stop to this culture of buying and selling votes," the group said.

The minority Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) party, which has seven lawmakers, said its members had also rejected offers to join the Sirisena-Rajapakse camp.

SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem said the political horse-trading made an early parliament meeting even more important.

Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres joined&nbsp;international calls for Sirisena to end the suspension of parliament.

The UN chief told Sirisena he was following the crisis in Sri Lanka "with concern," and "urged the president to revert to parliamentary procedures and allow the parliament to vote as soon as possible," a UN statement said.

Attempts to win over MP defectors intensified in Sri Lanka's constitutional crisis Saturday amid growing pressure to let the suspended parliament hold a vote on the two rivals who each claim to be prime minister.

Attempts to win over MP defectors intensified in Sri Lanka's constitutional crisis Saturday amid growing pressure to let the suspended parliament hold a vote on the two rivals who each claim to be prime minister. Ousted premier Ranil Wickremesinghe has refused to accept his surprise sacking by President Maithripala Sirisena, who named former strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse in his place. Rajapakse has eaten into Wickremesinghe's majority amid warnings from pro-democracy and anti-corruption groups about the tactics being used. A member of Wickremesinghe's United National Party, S.B. Nawinna, defected on Friday night and was rewarded with the cultural affairs portfolio in Rajapakse's government. A deputy from a Tamil party supporting Wickremesinghe also switched sides and was made a deputy minister. "We are expecting a few more defections on Saturday," a source close to President Sirisena said. Wickremesinghe has remained in the official prime minister's residence since his sacking on October 26. He claims to have majority support in the 225-member parliament but is still seeking to woo MPs from the Sirisena-Rajapakse camp, his aides said. According to latest counts, Wickremesinghe has 103 MPs while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 100. Most of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe, observers said. Huge amounts are reportedly being offered to defectors. A UNP stalwart, Range Bandara, said this week he was offered US $2.8 million to cross over and support Rajapakse. A pro-democracy movement urged MPs not to sell their votes and undermine the will of the people. "We appeal to you not to allow parliament to be put up for sale. You have a responsibility to prevent Sri Lanka from being plunged further into a moral and ethical political abyss," the Movement for Democracy said. The Transparency International anti-graft watchdog highlighted the country's Bribery Act which made accepting and offering inducements a jailable offence. The president suspended parliament for 20 days in a move to forestall a parliamentary vote that would have gone against his choice for prime minister. But parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya has called a meeting for next Wednesday. The president has ordered parliament closed until November 16. "We believe that the proroguing of parliament is to gain time to buy over sufficient cross overs," the Movement for Democracy said. It expressed alarm at ministerial positions being given for changing political loyalties. "We demand a stop to this culture of buying and selling votes," the group said. The minority Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) party, which has seven lawmakers, said its members had also rejected offers to join the Sirisena-Rajapakse camp. SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem said the political horse-trading made an early parliament meeting even more important. Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres joined international calls for Sirisena to end the suspension of parliament. The UN chief told Sirisena he was following the crisis in Sri Lanka "with concern," and "urged the president to revert to parliamentary procedures and allow the parliament to vote as soon as possible," a UN statement said.

Sri Lanka rivals target defectors to end political crisis

BJP workers Tuesday began a dawn-to-dusk hunger strike in front of Kerala DGP's office here, intensifying its agitation against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's crackdown on Sabarimala protesters.&nbsp;

BJP cadres also took out marches to offices of the Superintendents of Police in all district headquarters to condemn the government for arresting the agitators.

Addressing party workers here, BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai alleged the ruling CPI(M) was on the road to "liquidation" and the party's graph was coming down.

Former Union minister and party's lone MLA in the state assembly, O Rajagopal, was also present.

Veteran Marxist leader M M Lawrence's grandson was among the protesters.&nbsp;

Over 3,500 people have so far been arrested and 529 cases registered in connection with the protests and demonstrations against the implementation of the Supreme court verdict allowing women of all age groups into the Lord Ayyappa temple.

BJP national president Amit Shah, who was in Kerala on October 27 had extended full support to the devotees protesting the entry of women of all ages into the shrine.&nbsp;

The saffron party had announced that it would be taking out a 'Rath Yatra' from Kasaragod to Pathnamthitta, where the Sabarimala temple is located, from November 8 to 13 to "save the customs and traditions" of the hill shrine.

The temple had witnessed high drama after around a dozen women in the 10-50 age group were prevented by protesting devotees from entering it after the temple doors were opened for monthly pujas between October 17 and 22.

The Lord Ayyappa temple's three month-long pilgrim season is commencing from November 17 and the state government has reiterated that all devotees would be allowed to offer prayers at the shrine.

The temple will also open for a day on November 5 for a special pooja.&nbsp;

BJP workers Tuesday began a dawn-to-dusk hunger strike in front of Kerala DGP's office here, intensifying its agitation against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's crackdown on Sabarimala protesters.

BJP workers Tuesday began a dawn-to-dusk hunger strike in front of Kerala DGP's office here, intensifying its agitation against the CPI(M)-led LDF government's crackdown on Sabarimala protesters. BJP cadres also took out marches to offices of the Superintendents of Police in all district headquarters to condemn the government for arresting the agitators. Addressing party workers here, BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai alleged the ruling CPI(M) was on the road to "liquidation" and the party's graph was coming down. Former Union minister and party's lone MLA in the state assembly, O Rajagopal, was also present. Veteran Marxist leader M M Lawrence's grandson was among the protesters. Over 3,500 people have so far been arrested and 529 cases registered in connection with the protests and demonstrations against the implementation of the Supreme court verdict allowing women of all age groups into the Lord Ayyappa temple. BJP national president Amit Shah, who was in Kerala on October 27 had extended full support to the devotees protesting the entry of women of all ages into the shrine. The saffron party had announced that it would be taking out a 'Rath Yatra' from Kasaragod to Pathnamthitta, where the Sabarimala temple is located, from November 8 to 13 to "save the customs and traditions" of the hill shrine. The temple had witnessed high drama after around a dozen women in the 10-50 age group were prevented by protesting devotees from entering it after the temple doors were opened for monthly pujas between October 17 and 22. The Lord Ayyappa temple's three month-long pilgrim season is commencing from November 17 and the state government has reiterated that all devotees would be allowed to offer prayers at the shrine. The temple will also open for a day on November 5 for a special pooja.

BJP begins dawn-to-dusk hunger strike over arrest of Sabarimala protesters

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday led a protest march to demand the reinstatement of CBI Director Alok Verma, who has been divested of his powers and sent on leave, and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Congress has termed the move against Verma "illegal and unconstitutional".&nbsp;

Top Congress leaders took part in the march that culminated in a demonstration outside the CBI headquarters. Leaders of other parties also joined the protest as a mark of solidarity.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Congress workers stage protest against the removal of CBI Chief Alok Verma in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>. <a href="https://t.co/BRk8Vvwvgv">pic.twitter.com/BRk8Vvwvgv</a>
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Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav, CPI leader D Raja and TMC's Nadimul Haque joined the Congress protest that started from outside Dayal Singh College on Lodhi Road.&nbsp;

Gandhi got on to a truck in front of the police barricades put up outside the CBI headquarters to prevent the protesters from reaching the building.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Ashok Gehlot lead the protest march to CBI HQ against the removal of CBI Chief Alok Verma. <a href="https://t.co/7FNkhoWQCb">pic.twitter.com/7FNkhoWQCb</a>
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&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday led a protest march to demand the reinstatement of CBI Director Alok Verma, who has been divested of his powers and sent on leave, and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday led a protest march to demand the reinstatement of CBI Director Alok Verma, who has been divested of his powers and sent on leave, and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Congress has termed the move against Verma "illegal and unconstitutional". Top Congress leaders took part in the march that culminated in a demonstration outside the CBI headquarters. Leaders of other parties also joined the protest as a mark of solidarity. #WATCH: Congress workers stage protest against the removal of CBI Chief Alok Verma in #Delhi. pic.twitter.com/BRk8Vvwvgv — ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2018 × Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav, CPI leader D Raja and TMC's Nadimul Haque joined the Congress protest that started from outside Dayal Singh College on Lodhi Road. Gandhi got on to a truck in front of the police barricades put up outside the CBI headquarters to prevent the protesters from reaching the building. #WATCH Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Ashok Gehlot lead the protest march to CBI HQ against the removal of CBI Chief Alok Verma. pic.twitter.com/7FNkhoWQCb — ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2018 ×

Watch: Rahul leads protest march to CBI headquarters

Argentine police fired rubber bullets, tear gas and waters cannon at protesters who marched on Wednesday in front of Congress against the government's 2019 budget bill, which contains steep spending cuts aimed at erasing the country's fiscal deficit.

Thousands of activists gathered, led by teachers, social organizations and leftist groups opposed to President Mauricio Macri's austerity measures. Small clusters of protesters hurled rocks, sticks and trash at police who shot rubber bullets and used metal barriers to control the crowd.

Some protesters were seen hurling tear gas canisters back at police lines. Authorities quickly reinforced with a large group of motorcycle police who descended on the crowd.

The same riot control measures were used to push back protesters late last year when Congress approved cuts to Argentina's pension system.

Tensions are rising in Latin America's No. 3 economy, which is projected by the budget bill to contract 2.4 percent this year and 0.5 percent in 2019. Public utility subsidy cuts are forcing home heating and electricity bills higher, fueling inflation expected by the government at 42 percent this year.

The legislators began discussing the budget in a plenary session shortly before noon. Macri needs the budget to pass to maintain his economic adjustment plan and continue efforts to turn Argentina's recession-hit economy around.

As police moved to stem the violence, lawmakers inside the capitol building squabbled and argued loudly over sticking points, at times disregarding calls for order.

The budget features sharp reductions in government spending and tax increases aimed at cutting the primary fiscal deficit from a projected 2.7 percent of gross domestic product this year to zero in 2019.

Macri has committed to balancing the budget at the behest of the International Monetary Fund, which signed a $57 billion standby financing agreement with the government earlier this year. Macri went to the fund for help after market jitters about the country's increasing debt load caused a slide in the peso.

The local currency is down about 50 percent so far this year. On Wednesday it weakened 1.35 percent 37.15 to the greenback. Argentina is in the emerging markets spotlight as it prepares to host a meeting of the G20 at the end of November.

Analysts expect the budget to pass, but are cautious about the government's ability to implement austerity measures. Some economists also fear the government may relax austerity measures ahead of the 2019 presidential election for political gain.

Because Macri's "Cambiemos," or "Let's Change" party, does not hold a majority in either chamber of Congress, it negotiated with some provinces to minimize the social impact of budget cuts in exchange for votes needed to pass the bill.

"We have important support, based on an agreement signed by the president with provincial governments to ratify several measures, among them the approval of the national budget," Congressman Luciano Laspina, who is affiliated with Macri's political party, said in an interview with local station Radio Mitre.

Argentine police fired rubber bullets, tear gas and waters cannon at protesters who marched on Wednesday in front of Congress against the government's 2019 budget bill, which contains steep spending cuts aimed at erasing the country's fiscal deficit.

Argentine police fired rubber bullets, tear gas and waters cannon at protesters who marched on Wednesday in front of Congress against the government's 2019 budget bill, which contains steep spending cuts aimed at erasing the country's fiscal deficit. Thousands of activists gathered, led by teachers, social organizations and leftist groups opposed to President Mauricio Macri's austerity measures. Small clusters of protesters hurled rocks, sticks and trash at police who shot rubber bullets and used metal barriers to control the crowd. Some protesters were seen hurling tear gas canisters back at police lines. Authorities quickly reinforced with a large group of motorcycle police who descended on the crowd. The same riot control measures were used to push back protesters late last year when Congress approved cuts to Argentina's pension system. Tensions are rising in Latin America's No. 3 economy, which is projected by the budget bill to contract 2.4 percent this year and 0.5 percent in 2019. Public utility subsidy cuts are forcing home heating and electricity bills higher, fueling inflation expected by the government at 42 percent this year. The legislators began discussing the budget in a plenary session shortly before noon. Macri needs the budget to pass to maintain his economic adjustment plan and continue efforts to turn Argentina's recession-hit economy around. As police moved to stem the violence, lawmakers inside the capitol building squabbled and argued loudly over sticking points, at times disregarding calls for order. The budget features sharp reductions in government spending and tax increases aimed at cutting the primary fiscal deficit from a projected 2.7 percent of gross domestic product this year to zero in 2019. Macri has committed to balancing the budget at the behest of the International Monetary Fund, which signed a $57 billion standby financing agreement with the government earlier this year. Macri went to the fund for help after market jitters about the country's increasing debt load caused a slide in the peso. The local currency is down about 50 percent so far this year. On Wednesday it weakened 1.35 percent 37.15 to the greenback. Argentina is in the emerging markets spotlight as it prepares to host a meeting of the G20 at the end of November. Analysts expect the budget to pass, but are cautious about the government's ability to implement austerity measures. Some economists also fear the government may relax austerity measures ahead of the 2019 presidential election for political gain. Because Macri's "Cambiemos," or "Let's Change" party, does not hold a majority in either chamber of Congress, it negotiated with some provinces to minimize the social impact of budget cuts in exchange for votes needed to pass the bill. "We have important support, based on an agreement signed by the president with provincial governments to ratify several measures, among them the approval of the national budget," Congressman Luciano Laspina, who is affiliated with Macri's political party, said in an interview with local station Radio Mitre.

Argentine police fire rubber bullets at anti-austerity protesters

A day after protests and violence against the entry of women of menstruating age at the Sabarimala temple was witnessed, devotees visiting the shrine reiterated that the sanctity of the temple and Lord Ayyappa "must be preserved at any cost".

One of the male devotees told ANI, "Lord Ayyappa is a `Nithya Brahmachari`, this must be preserved at any cost. Sanctity of the temple should be preserved.

"Meanwhile, another devotee, Ganesh Kumar, said that while coming to the temple, villagers thoroughly checked vehicles for women of 10-50 age group.

"I took Kambamedu route to Sabarimala Temple, locals at every village were checking vehicles for women. Police didn`t intervene as locals checked the vehicles," he said.Calling the attack on women journalists near the holy shrine "unfortunate", Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kerala president PS Sreedharan Pillai has accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) of orchestrating the violence.

"That is unfortunate; it was part of the plan designed by the CPI (M) people. They did this. 300 police personnel, who had not completed their training, were taken there and this scene was created," he said.

Places around the temple such as Pamba, Nilakkal, Sannidhanam, and Elavungal have witnessed the majority of the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/women-stopped-from-entering-keralas-sabarimala-temple-for-second-day-in-a-row-172129"> violent protests </a>since the doors of the shrine reopened on Wednesday.

Protestors allegedly vandalised a bus carrying journalists and other passengers at Laka near the Nilakkal base camp. The police were forced to lathi-charge the protestors as they resorted to stone pelting.

Elderly women were seen entering the Lord Ayyappa temple on Wednesday evening, but women between 10 to 50 years of age refrained from visiting the shrine for the sake of their own safety.

Owing to the protests and violence, Section 144 (prohibiting assembly of more than four people) has been imposed in Pamba, Nilakkal, and Elavungal.&nbsp;

A day after protests and violence against the entry of women of menstruating age at the Sabarimala temple was witnessed, devotees visiting the shrine reiterated that the sanctity of the temple and Lord Ayyappa "must be preserved at any cost".

A day after protests and violence against the entry of women of menstruating age at the Sabarimala temple was witnessed, devotees visiting the shrine reiterated that the sanctity of the temple and Lord Ayyappa "must be preserved at any cost". One of the male devotees told ANI, "Lord Ayyappa is a `Nithya Brahmachari`, this must be preserved at any cost. Sanctity of the temple should be preserved. "Meanwhile, another devotee, Ganesh Kumar, said that while coming to the temple, villagers thoroughly checked vehicles for women of 10-50 age group. "I took Kambamedu route to Sabarimala Temple, locals at every village were checking vehicles for women. Police didn`t intervene as locals checked the vehicles," he said.Calling the attack on women journalists near the holy shrine "unfortunate", Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kerala president PS Sreedharan Pillai has accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) of orchestrating the violence. "That is unfortunate; it was part of the plan designed by the CPI (M) people. They did this. 300 police personnel, who had not completed their training, were taken there and this scene was created," he said. Places around the temple such as Pamba, Nilakkal, Sannidhanam, and Elavungal have witnessed the majority of the violent protests since the doors of the shrine reopened on Wednesday. Protestors allegedly vandalised a bus carrying journalists and other passengers at Laka near the Nilakkal base camp. The police were forced to lathi-charge the protestors as they resorted to stone pelting. Elderly women were seen entering the Lord Ayyappa temple on Wednesday evening, but women between 10 to 50 years of age refrained from visiting the shrine for the sake of their own safety. Owing to the protests and violence, Section 144 (prohibiting assembly of more than four people) has been imposed in Pamba, Nilakkal, and Elavungal.

Sanctity of Sabarimala temple should be preserved: Devotees

Dozens of&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;garment workers were injured on Monday after a clash with assailants wielding iron bars outside a Chinese-owned factory in Yangon, witnesses and hospital staff said.

Hundreds of employees of Fu Yuen Garment Co Ltd, which has produced clothes for German supermarket chain Lidl and British fashion brand Joules, according to shipment records published by global trade data website Panjiva, have been striking for weeks demanding the reinstatement of 30 sacked workers.

Myanmar’s textile industry is the country’s top export earner after oil and gas, employing more than 450,000 people and generating more than $2 billion in exports last year.

Hundreds of thousands of jobs in the sector could soon be at risk as the European Union considers whether to reinstate economic sanctions over the Rohingya crisis, potentially stripping the country of tariff-free access to the trading bloc.

A spokesman for Lidl told Reuters the company was liaising with the supplier to investigate the claims. "Once we have obtained all of the facts, we will make an assessment of the situation and take action, if necessary," he said in an email.

A spokeswoman for Joules said the brand stopped working with the factory in April 2018.

Staff at Fu Yuen Ltd, in Dagon Seikkan township on the outskirts of the commercial capital of Yangon, have been demonstrating since August, after 30 members of a committee that had been campaigning for better conditions for workers were fired.

“They want to crush the committee,” said Hla Ohn Mar, 21, one of the sacked leaders, speaking in the emergency department of Thingangyun hospital, which was crowded with young workers on Monday afternoon.

Twenty-four people were admitted for treatment, the head of the hospital, Dr Aung San Min, told Reuters. “We are treating six as in-patients,” he said.

Workers said about 20 to 30 men in civilian clothing rounded on the crowd of mostly young women gathered outside the factory gates in the early hours of Monday.

“Those guys are gangsters,” said one of the injured workers, 21-year-old Thae Nu Khaing, as trickles of blood ran down her forehead, one leg bandaged in a plaster cast.

“They pushed me and beat my leg with a metal stick,” she said. “I wasn’t afraid – I was just angry and crying.”

Police blamed workers for the violence, saying in a statement a fight had broken out after a small group urged employees still working at the factory to participate in the protest.

"Both groups have an argument and violence happened," the statement said.

Win Myint, an officer from Dagon Seikkan township station, said officers had been deployed to guard the area but no one had been arrested.

Contacted by Reuters, the township administrator referred questions to Fu Yuen, which could not be reached for comment.

Dozens of Myanmar garment workers were injured on Monday after a clash with assailants wielding iron bars outside a Chinese-owned factory in Yangon, witnesses and hospital staff said.

Dozens of Myanmar garment workers were injured on Monday after a clash with assailants wielding iron bars outside a Chinese-owned factory in Yangon, witnesses and hospital staff said. Hundreds of employees of Fu Yuen Garment Co Ltd, which has produced clothes for German supermarket chain Lidl and British fashion brand Joules, according to shipment records published by global trade data website Panjiva, have been striking for weeks demanding the reinstatement of 30 sacked workers. Myanmar’s textile industry is the country’s top export earner after oil and gas, employing more than 450,000 people and generating more than $2 billion in exports last year. Hundreds of thousands of jobs in the sector could soon be at risk as the European Union considers whether to reinstate economic sanctions over the Rohingya crisis, potentially stripping the country of tariff-free access to the trading bloc. A spokesman for Lidl told Reuters the company was liaising with the supplier to investigate the claims. "Once we have obtained all of the facts, we will make an assessment of the situation and take action, if necessary," he said in an email. A spokeswoman for Joules said the brand stopped working with the factory in April 2018. Staff at Fu Yuen Ltd, in Dagon Seikkan township on the outskirts of the commercial capital of Yangon, have been demonstrating since August, after 30 members of a committee that had been campaigning for better conditions for workers were fired. “They want to crush the committee,” said Hla Ohn Mar, 21, one of the sacked leaders, speaking in the emergency department of Thingangyun hospital, which was crowded with young workers on Monday afternoon. Twenty-four people were admitted for treatment, the head of the hospital, Dr Aung San Min, told Reuters. “We are treating six as in-patients,” he said. Workers said about 20 to 30 men in civilian clothing rounded on the crowd of mostly young women gathered outside the factory gates in the early hours of Monday. “Those guys are gangsters,” said one of the injured workers, 21-year-old Thae Nu Khaing, as trickles of blood ran down her forehead, one leg bandaged in a plaster cast. “They pushed me and beat my leg with a metal stick,” she said. “I wasn’t afraid – I was just angry and crying.” Police blamed workers for the violence, saying in a statement a fight had broken out after a small group urged employees still working at the factory to participate in the protest. "Both groups have an argument and violence happened," the statement said. Win Myint, an officer from Dagon Seikkan township station, said officers had been deployed to guard the area but no one had been arrested. Contacted by Reuters, the township administrator referred questions to Fu Yuen, which could not be reached for comment.

Dozens injured in crackdown on Myanmar garment worker protest

Actress Pamela Anderson joined animal rights campaigners in Paris Wednesday, posing inside a cage to protest the caging of animals in European farming.

The former Baywatch star was backing a campaign by Compassion in World Farming to get a million signatures in seven EU countries in support of their bid to end the practice.

"I don't think any animal belongs in a cage for entertainment or for what we wear or what we eat," she told reporters.

"All of our choices are important and we have to be more conscious of our decisions," she added. "Animal welfare has come a long way, but we have a long way to go."

The petition is part of the European Citizens' Initiative, which means that if they can raise a million signatures within a year the European Commission will have to consider the issue.

The organisers say they have the support of 140 organisations, including in France the Brigitte Bardot Foundation and PETA.

Anderson is currently taking part in the French edition of the television programme Dancing with the Stars.

Actress Pamela Anderson joined animal rights campaigners in Paris Wednesday, posing inside a cage to protest the caging of animals in European farming. The former Baywatch star was backing a campaign by Compassion in World Farming to get a million signatures in seven EU countries in support of their bid to end the practice.

Actress Pamela Anderson joined animal rights campaigners in Paris Wednesday, posing inside a cage to protest the caging of animals in European farming. The former Baywatch star was backing a campaign by Compassion in World Farming to get a million signatures in seven EU countries in support of their bid to end the practice. "I don't think any animal belongs in a cage for entertainment or for what we wear or what we eat," she told reporters. "All of our choices are important and we have to be more conscious of our decisions," she added. "Animal welfare has come a long way, but we have a long way to go." The petition is part of the European Citizens' Initiative, which means that if they can raise a million signatures within a year the European Commission will have to consider the issue. The organisers say they have the support of 140 organisations, including in France the Brigitte Bardot Foundation and PETA. Anderson is currently taking part in the French edition of the television programme Dancing with the Stars.

Former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson gets behind bars, protests against farm animal abuse

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala Tuesday protesting the recent Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all ages to worship at the hill shrine at Sabarimala.

The 'Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad' (International Hindu organisation), an outfit launched by Praveen Togadia after being sidelined from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, was among the outfits which launched the protests.

In the state capital, the activists squatted on the road at Killipalam from 11 AM to 12 AM, chanting Ayyappa mantras, but allowed ambulances and vehicles carrying patients to pass.

Ambili, a woman activist from Idukki, doused herself with petrol, but was immediately whisked away by police.

The activists held aloft placards, stating that the court was not bigger than Lord Ayyappa and demanded that the state and central government enact suitable legislation to maintain the age old ban.

On October 28, a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine.

Rahul Easwar, activist and President of Ayyappa Dharma Sena, took out a march from Hanuman Kovil to Palayam here.

In Pandalam in Pathnamthitta district, the Ayyappa Dharma Samrakshana Samithi led a march under the leadership of the Pandalam Royal family and observed Tuesday as 'Ayyappa Dharma Samrakshana' (Save Lord Ayyappa) day.

A march was taken out from the medical mission junction to the Pandalam Ayyappa temple, in which thousands of people, including women took part, chanting 'Ayyappa Sarnam' and demanded a review of the Supreme Court verdict.

The Pandalam Palace Nirvahaka Sangam denied some social media reports that the Pandalam palace would not hand over the "thiruvabharanam" (sacred ornaments worn by Lord Ayyappa) to temple authorities during the Makaravilakku festival, to protest against the court verdict.

Roads were blocked at Kollam, Alapuzha, Palakkad and Kochi.

The AHP said it would also begin taking signatures from believers visiting temples against the verdict.&nbsp;

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala Tuesday protesting the recent Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all ages to worship at the hill shrine at Sabarimala.

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees, including women, blocked state and national highways in various parts of Kerala Tuesday protesting the recent Supreme Court verdict, permitting women of all ages to worship at the hill shrine at Sabarimala. The 'Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad' (International Hindu organisation), an outfit launched by Praveen Togadia after being sidelined from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, was among the outfits which launched the protests. In the state capital, the activists squatted on the road at Killipalam from 11 AM to 12 AM, chanting Ayyappa mantras, but allowed ambulances and vehicles carrying patients to pass. Ambili, a woman activist from Idukki, doused herself with petrol, but was immediately whisked away by police. The activists held aloft placards, stating that the court was not bigger than Lord Ayyappa and demanded that the state and central government enact suitable legislation to maintain the age old ban. On October 28, a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine. Rahul Easwar, activist and President of Ayyappa Dharma Sena, took out a march from Hanuman Kovil to Palayam here. In Pandalam in Pathnamthitta district, the Ayyappa Dharma Samrakshana Samithi led a march under the leadership of the Pandalam Royal family and observed Tuesday as 'Ayyappa Dharma Samrakshana' (Save Lord Ayyappa) day. A march was taken out from the medical mission junction to the Pandalam Ayyappa temple, in which thousands of people, including women took part, chanting 'Ayyappa Sarnam' and demanded a review of the Supreme Court verdict. The Pandalam Palace Nirvahaka Sangam denied some social media reports that the Pandalam palace would not hand over the "thiruvabharanam" (sacred ornaments worn by Lord Ayyappa) to temple authorities during the Makaravilakku festival, to protest against the court verdict. Roads were blocked at Kollam, Alapuzha, Palakkad and Kochi. The AHP said it would also begin taking signatures from believers visiting temples against the verdict.

Hundreds of Ayyappa devotees block roads in Kerala protesting SC verdict

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