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

As thousands of farmers tried to enter the national capital in a massive protest march, the government Tuesday announced that a committee of chief ministers will look into their demands, even as the protesters stayed put saying they were not "satisfied" with the assurance.

After meeting the protesting farmers at the Delhi-UP border here, Union minister of state for agriculture Rajendra Singh Shekhawat said the government was assuring the farmers to take forward their cause.

"I assure you all this. We will move court over the NGT order (to ban tractor and vehicles which are more than 10 years old," he said.

On another problem faced by the farmers about farm labour, the minister said the government would look at bringing in some changes to the minimum wage rules for rural areas to solve this problem.

"The government has formed a committee of six chief ministers to look into this issue of labour for farm. The committee is in talks to connect MNREGA with agriculture," Shekhawat added.

"On behalf of (Union Home Minister) Rajnath Singh, I assure you that I will represent the farmers' interests in this committee and whatever changes would be required to link MNREGA with agriculture will be made," Shekhawat told the farmers.

The protesting farmers, however, decided to stay put at the Delhi border, where they have been stopped by the police from entering the national capital.

Naresh Tikait, the chief of Bharat Kisan Union (BKU), which has given the protest call, said the farmers are "not satisfied" with the government's assurance.

"We will discuss this and then decide on future course of action. I can't decide anything alone, our committee will take the decision," he added.

The farmers were marching towards Delhi over demands ranging from farm loan waiver to cut in fuel prices, but were stopped at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border with police using water cannons to disperse them.&nbsp;

The farmers, riding tractors and trolleys, broke barricades of the UP Police and then started proceeding towards the barricades put up by the Delhi Police, a senior police officer said.&nbsp;

As thousands of farmers tried to enter the national capital in a massive protest march, the government Tuesday announced that a committee of chief ministers will look into their demands, even as the protesters stayed put saying they were not "satisfied" with the assurance.

As thousands of farmers tried to enter the national capital in a massive protest march, the government Tuesday announced that a committee of chief ministers will look into their demands, even as the protesters stayed put saying they were not "satisfied" with the assurance. After meeting the protesting farmers at the Delhi-UP border here, Union minister of state for agriculture Rajendra Singh Shekhawat said the government was assuring the farmers to take forward their cause. "I assure you all this. We will move court over the NGT order (to ban tractor and vehicles which are more than 10 years old," he said. On another problem faced by the farmers about farm labour, the minister said the government would look at bringing in some changes to the minimum wage rules for rural areas to solve this problem. "The government has formed a committee of six chief ministers to look into this issue of labour for farm. The committee is in talks to connect MNREGA with agriculture," Shekhawat added. "On behalf of (Union Home Minister) Rajnath Singh, I assure you that I will represent the farmers' interests in this committee and whatever changes would be required to link MNREGA with agriculture will be made," Shekhawat told the farmers. The protesting farmers, however, decided to stay put at the Delhi border, where they have been stopped by the police from entering the national capital. Naresh Tikait, the chief of Bharat Kisan Union (BKU), which has given the protest call, said the farmers are "not satisfied" with the government's assurance. "We will discuss this and then decide on future course of action. I can't decide anything alone, our committee will take the decision," he added. The farmers were marching towards Delhi over demands ranging from farm loan waiver to cut in fuel prices, but were stopped at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border with police using water cannons to disperse them. The farmers, riding tractors and trolleys, broke barricades of the UP Police and then started proceeding towards the barricades put up by the Delhi Police, a senior police officer said.

Not 'satisfied' with government assurance, farmers say protests will continue

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Tuesday that preventing a protest march of farmers from entering the national capital was "wrong" and pitched for allowing them entry into the city.

"Why are the farmers being stopped from entering Delhi. It is wrong. Delhi belongs to all. They should be given entry in Delhi. We support their demands," he told reporters on the sidelines of an event held at the Delhi assembly to mark Gandhi Jayanti.

Farmers marching towards Delhi as part of the Bharatiya Kisan Union's (BKU) protest call over demands ranging from farm loan waiver to cut in fuel prices, were stopped at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border Tuesday with police using water cannons to disperse them.

The farmers, riding tractors and trolleys, broke barricades of the UP Police and then started proceeding towards the barricades put up by the Delhi Police, a senior police officer said.

The city police had on Monday imposed prohibitory orders in east and northeast Delhi, anticipating law and order problems in view of the protest.

In east Delhi, the prohibitory orders issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Pankaj Singh under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, will be in force until October 8.

It covers Preet Vihar, Jagatpuri, Shakarpur, Madhu Vihar, Ghazipur, Mayur Vihar, Mandawli, Pandav Nagar, Kalyanpuri and New Ashok Nagar police station limits.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Tuesday that preventing a protest march of farmers from entering the national capital was "wrong" and pitched for allowing them entry into the city.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Tuesday that preventing a protest march of farmers from entering the national capital was "wrong" and pitched for allowing them entry into the city. "Why are the farmers being stopped from entering Delhi. It is wrong. Delhi belongs to all. They should be given entry in Delhi. We support their demands," he told reporters on the sidelines of an event held at the Delhi assembly to mark Gandhi Jayanti. Farmers marching towards Delhi as part of the Bharatiya Kisan Union's (BKU) protest call over demands ranging from farm loan waiver to cut in fuel prices, were stopped at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border Tuesday with police using water cannons to disperse them. The farmers, riding tractors and trolleys, broke barricades of the UP Police and then started proceeding towards the barricades put up by the Delhi Police, a senior police officer said. The city police had on Monday imposed prohibitory orders in east and northeast Delhi, anticipating law and order problems in view of the protest. In east Delhi, the prohibitory orders issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Pankaj Singh under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, will be in force until October 8. It covers Preet Vihar, Jagatpuri, Shakarpur, Madhu Vihar, Ghazipur, Mayur Vihar, Mandawli, Pandav Nagar, Kalyanpuri and New Ashok Nagar police station limits.

Arvind Kejriwal says farmers protesting should be allowed to enter Delhi

Three Gulf Arab states pledged $2.5 billion in aid to Jordan today in an effort to stabilize the U.S.-allied kingdom as it faces its worst protests in years over government austerity plans that include tax increases.

The money from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will go toward a deposit in Jordan's Central Bank, cover World Bank guarantees for the kingdom, offer budget support and finance other development projects.

The hope is the five-year aid package, which mirrors a similar aid package offered by Gulf states in 2011, will help Jordan come up with a new, more-palatable austerity plan to satisfy international lenders and its public.

The money came after an early morning meeting in Mecca attended by Jordan's King Abdullah II, Saudi King Salman, Kuwait's ruling emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah and Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE's vice president and prime minister.&nbsp;

Also on hand was Saudi Arabia's assertive 32-year-old Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, though he sat off to the side of a circular table that hosted the leaders.

The statement quoted King Abdullah II as saying he hoped the aid would help his country overcome its fiscal crisis.

In December 2011, the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council that is headquartered in Saudi Arabia pledged to give $2.5 billion in aid each to Jordan and Morocco, both of which had been invited to join the regional group that year.

The pledge from the GCC was to last five years. It expired last year and so far the six-member GCC has yet to offer any additional funding as the bloc remains split by a diplomatic crisis with Qatar. Jordan receives over $1 billion a year from the US, as well as aid from Europe and elsewhere.

Jordan's protests have led to the firing of its prime minister. While peaceful, the protests threaten the stability of a kingdom strained by hosting those who fled the wars in Iraq and Syria. Jordan also is one of only two Arab nations to have full diplomatic relations with Israel and plays an instrumental role in the region and in Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts.

The money from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will go toward a deposit in Jordan's Central Bank, cover World Bank guarantees for the kingdom, offer budget support and finance other development projects

Three Gulf Arab states pledged $2.5 billion in aid to Jordan today in an effort to stabilize the U.S.-allied kingdom as it faces its worst protests in years over government austerity plans that include tax increases. The money from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will go toward a deposit in Jordan's Central Bank, cover World Bank guarantees for the kingdom, offer budget support and finance other development projects. The hope is the five-year aid package, which mirrors a similar aid package offered by Gulf states in 2011, will help Jordan come up with a new, more-palatable austerity plan to satisfy international lenders and its public. The money came after an early morning meeting in Mecca attended by Jordan's King Abdullah II, Saudi King Salman, Kuwait's ruling emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah and Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE's vice president and prime minister. Also on hand was Saudi Arabia's assertive 32-year-old Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, though he sat off to the side of a circular table that hosted the leaders. The statement quoted King Abdullah II as saying he hoped the aid would help his country overcome its fiscal crisis. In December 2011, the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council that is headquartered in Saudi Arabia pledged to give $2.5 billion in aid each to Jordan and Morocco, both of which had been invited to join the regional group that year. The pledge from the GCC was to last five years. It expired last year and so far the six-member GCC has yet to offer any additional funding as the bloc remains split by a diplomatic crisis with Qatar. Jordan receives over $1 billion a year from the US, as well as aid from Europe and elsewhere. Jordan's protests have led to the firing of its prime minister. While peaceful, the protests threaten the stability of a kingdom strained by hosting those who fled the wars in Iraq and Syria. Jordan also is one of only two Arab nations to have full diplomatic relations with Israel and plays an instrumental role in the region and in Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts.

3 Gulf Arab states pledge $2.5 billion to Jordan after protests

Bayan Samara's children often asked her why she could not buy them new clothes or toys. So the Jordanian teacher took them to a rally in the capital.

"It breaks my heart," she said in her living room in Amman. "So we help them understand that these are tough times because we have a government that includes 'bad guys', like my son says."

Samara, 30, and her husband Ahmad are struggling to keep their family afloat in Jordan's sluggish economy.

Along with thousands of young people and families, they have hit the streets in a rare wave of protests that led the prime minister to resign on Monday.

In the past two years, steep price hikes forced the couple to move their children into lower quality public schools and to slash their health insurance. Together, they barely make enough to cover housing loans and daily expenses for their son and two daughters, ages 6 to 8, Samara said.

They blame a build-up of economic policies and tax reforms, which have sparked the biggest protests in years in Jordan, a U.S. ally that has mostly escaped the turmoil that is rocking much of the region.

Public anger has grown since the end of bread subsidies and a rise in the general sales tax this year under an IMF plan to cut the Arab nation's $37 billion debt.

"I'm worried that despite all this hope, things will stay exactly the same," Samara said. "People are under pressure. There's a feeling of defeat in the family."

"At the end of the day, we had to make do with the reality," she added. "This is why we protest, for a better future for our children, for us."

The government has said it needs funds for public services and says the reforms would reduce social disparities. Critics accuse it of squandering public money, on top of imposing policies that hit the poor and squeeze the middle class.

"My dream was to build myself in this country that I love," said Ahmad, who sells vending machines but whose business is plagued by bribery and low demand.

After staying in Saudi Arabia for years, he came home to Amman to launch his own business and live closer to relatives. Now, he fears having to go abroad again.

Jordan's King Abdullah urged broad talks over taxes this week after replacing his premier to defuse public frustration.

The king appointed Omar al-Razzaz, a former World Bank economist, who said on Thursday he would drop a planned income tax law - a main demand of the demonstrators.

Some protests have dwindled since then as people welcomed the move and said they would wait to see if the new cabinet would help stop price hikes.

But for others, like Ahmad and his wife, the root of their troubles will not go away without deeper, democratic change in government, they say.

"There is some optimisim...but this is about the approach in running the country," Ahmad said. "(Razzaz) alone can not change this even though he is a very competent man."

He said they did not want the upheaval that the 2011 uprisings triggered in other Arab countries, but only sought to pressure the new government to make better decisions.

At a late night rally near the Cabinet office this week, hundreds of people around Ahmad waved flags and chanted: "Bread, freedom, social justice."

"I brought my children with me so they will know there is a possibility for change," he said. "I don't want them to be afraid of change."

Samara, 30, and her husband Ahmad are struggling to keep their family afloat in Jordan's sluggish economy

Bayan Samara's children often asked her why she could not buy them new clothes or toys. So the Jordanian teacher took them to a rally in the capital. "It breaks my heart," she said in her living room in Amman. "So we help them understand that these are tough times because we have a government that includes 'bad guys', like my son says." Samara, 30, and her husband Ahmad are struggling to keep their family afloat in Jordan's sluggish economy. Along with thousands of young people and families, they have hit the streets in a rare wave of protests that led the prime minister to resign on Monday. In the past two years, steep price hikes forced the couple to move their children into lower quality public schools and to slash their health insurance. Together, they barely make enough to cover housing loans and daily expenses for their son and two daughters, ages 6 to 8, Samara said. They blame a build-up of economic policies and tax reforms, which have sparked the biggest protests in years in Jordan, a U.S. ally that has mostly escaped the turmoil that is rocking much of the region. Public anger has grown since the end of bread subsidies and a rise in the general sales tax this year under an IMF plan to cut the Arab nation's $37 billion debt. "I'm worried that despite all this hope, things will stay exactly the same," Samara said. "People are under pressure. There's a feeling of defeat in the family." "At the end of the day, we had to make do with the reality," she added. "This is why we protest, for a better future for our children, for us." The government has said it needs funds for public services and says the reforms would reduce social disparities. Critics accuse it of squandering public money, on top of imposing policies that hit the poor and squeeze the middle class. "My dream was to build myself in this country that I love," said Ahmad, who sells vending machines but whose business is plagued by bribery and low demand. After staying in Saudi Arabia for years, he came home to Amman to launch his own business and live closer to relatives. Now, he fears having to go abroad again. Jordan's King Abdullah urged broad talks over taxes this week after replacing his premier to defuse public frustration. The king appointed Omar al-Razzaz, a former World Bank economist, who said on Thursday he would drop a planned income tax law - a main demand of the demonstrators. Some protests have dwindled since then as people welcomed the move and said they would wait to see if the new cabinet would help stop price hikes. But for others, like Ahmad and his wife, the root of their troubles will not go away without deeper, democratic change in government, they say. "There is some optimisim...but this is about the approach in running the country," Ahmad said. "(Razzaz) alone can not change this even though he is a very competent man." He said they did not want the upheaval that the 2011 uprisings triggered in other Arab countries, but only sought to pressure the new government to make better decisions. At a late night rally near the Cabinet office this week, hundreds of people around Ahmad waved flags and chanted: "Bread, freedom, social justice." "I brought my children with me so they will know there is a possibility for change," he said. "I don't want them to be afraid of change."

'This is why we protest': Jordan family struggles in tough economy

Human rights groups took to the streets in cities across the United States&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;to protest the Trump administration's policy to separate asylum-seeking Central American immigrant children from their parents.

Hundreds of people chanted "families belong together" in front of the Justice Department in Washington, accusing the government of violating human rights and traumatizing children for political reasons.

"This is indeed an emergency -- every single day children are ripped apart from their parents and the Trump administration must immediately cease this policy," said Jessica Morales, chairwoman of We Belong Together, an immigrant advocacy group.

The protests came after President Donald Trump's administration confirmed that it had split hundreds of families who crossed the southern border without immigration documents since October.

Last month, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced an official policy of arresting and separating all parents from their children if they cross the border illegally.

The government sees the policy as a necessary deterrent to illegal immigration, but the critics say it is cruel to refugees and asylum seekers fleeing violence in Central America.

"This attorney general made a decision to separate our kids from their parents. This is immoral, it's a crime, and we are not going to accept that," said Gustavo Torres, executive director of the immigrant advocacy group CASA.

The backlash has placed Trump, who has promised to halt illegal immigration, on the defensive, ironically blaming Democrats for a policy choice his administration has made.

The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit challenging the policy, calling it a violation of human rights.

"Separating families is more than cruel and unnecessary -- it's torture," the ACLU said.

The policy aims to stem a surge of poor families mostly from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras pouring into the United States.

Citing the daily violence in their home countries, thousands each week cross the US-Mexico border and immediately turn themselves into authorities asking for asylum.

They are part of a broader rebound in illegal immigration that has deeply angered Trump.

In April alone, 50,924 people were detained after crossing the border without papers, including 4,314 unaccompanied children and 9,647 family units, according to US Customs and Border Patrol.

Late last year, the Trump administration quietly began separating some illegal border crossers from their children, sending the youngsters to holding facilities for several weeks before either transferring them back to parents or to relatives already living in the United States.

From October to April, about 700 children were separated from their parents.

With illegal border crossings and asylum requests undeterred, Sessions announced last month a "zero tolerance" policy that will see every unauthorized border-crosser charged with a crime even before they can request asylum.

"Today, we are here to send a message to the world: we are not going to let this country be overwhelmed... If you cross this border unlawfully, then we will prosecute you," Sessions said.

"If you are smuggling a child, then we will prosecute you and that child will be separated from you as required by law," he said, adding: "If you don't like that, then don't smuggle children over our border."

The administration says the families who send or bring their children across the border are working with organized human smugglers who teach them exactly what to say to be placed into the asylum processing. That gives an incentive for people to head to the United States, they argue.

The immigrants say they are fleeing real dangers in their home countries.

In the two weeks that followed Sessions' announcement, authorities arrested 658 children together with 638 adults, US Border Patrol deputy chief of operations Richard Hudson told lawmakers last week.

The children are believed to have been taken away from their parents, but Hudson would not confirm that.

At the Washington protest, Guatemala native Exel Estrada, who came to the United States at 15 and just finished his first year in a US college, said the Trump administration is "against all immigrants."

"I too was an unaccompanied minor, I too was in a detention center," Estrada said.

"If there were policies like these four years ago, I would not be standing here today."

Hundreds of people chanted 'families belong together' in front of the Justice Department in Washington

Human rights groups took to the streets in cities across the United States on Friday to protest the Trump administration's policy to separate asylum-seeking Central American immigrant children from their parents. Hundreds of people chanted "families belong together" in front of the Justice Department in Washington, accusing the government of violating human rights and traumatizing children for political reasons. "This is indeed an emergency -- every single day children are ripped apart from their parents and the Trump administration must immediately cease this policy," said Jessica Morales, chairwoman of We Belong Together, an immigrant advocacy group. The protests came after President Donald Trump's administration confirmed that it had split hundreds of families who crossed the southern border without immigration documents since October. Last month, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced an official policy of arresting and separating all parents from their children if they cross the border illegally. The government sees the policy as a necessary deterrent to illegal immigration, but the critics say it is cruel to refugees and asylum seekers fleeing violence in Central America. "This attorney general made a decision to separate our kids from their parents. This is immoral, it's a crime, and we are not going to accept that," said Gustavo Torres, executive director of the immigrant advocacy group CASA. The backlash has placed Trump, who has promised to halt illegal immigration, on the defensive, ironically blaming Democrats for a policy choice his administration has made. The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit challenging the policy, calling it a violation of human rights. "Separating families is more than cruel and unnecessary -- it's torture," the ACLU said. The policy aims to stem a surge of poor families mostly from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras pouring into the United States. Citing the daily violence in their home countries, thousands each week cross the US-Mexico border and immediately turn themselves into authorities asking for asylum. They are part of a broader rebound in illegal immigration that has deeply angered Trump. In April alone, 50,924 people were detained after crossing the border without papers, including 4,314 unaccompanied children and 9,647 family units, according to US Customs and Border Patrol. Late last year, the Trump administration quietly began separating some illegal border crossers from their children, sending the youngsters to holding facilities for several weeks before either transferring them back to parents or to relatives already living in the United States. From October to April, about 700 children were separated from their parents. With illegal border crossings and asylum requests undeterred, Sessions announced last month a "zero tolerance" policy that will see every unauthorized border-crosser charged with a crime even before they can request asylum. "Today, we are here to send a message to the world: we are not going to let this country be overwhelmed... If you cross this border unlawfully, then we will prosecute you," Sessions said. "If you are smuggling a child, then we will prosecute you and that child will be separated from you as required by law," he said, adding: "If you don't like that, then don't smuggle children over our border." The administration says the families who send or bring their children across the border are working with organized human smugglers who teach them exactly what to say to be placed into the asylum processing. That gives an incentive for people to head to the United States, they argue. The immigrants say they are fleeing real dangers in their home countries. In the two weeks that followed Sessions' announcement, authorities arrested 658 children together with 638 adults, US Border Patrol deputy chief of operations Richard Hudson told lawmakers last week. The children are believed to have been taken away from their parents, but Hudson would not confirm that. At the Washington protest, Guatemala native Exel Estrada, who came to the United States at 15 and just finished his first year in a US college, said the Trump administration is "against all immigrants." "I too was an unaccompanied minor, I too was in a detention center," Estrada said. "If there were policies like these four years ago, I would not be standing here today."

Protesters attack 'immoral' Trump policy on immigrant families

DMK and several other political parties in Tamil Nadu today hit out at superstar Rajinikanth for his comments that too many protests would turn the state into a 'graveyard'.

However, the ruling AIADMK welcomed his remarks, made in the backdrop of the anti-Sterlite protests, blaming anti-social elements for the recent violence in Tuticorin that resulted in 13 deaths in police firing.

After visiting the injured in Tuticorin, Rajinikanth had yesterday warned that Tamil Nadu will become a 'graveyard' if there were too many agitations.

The actor, who has announced he will float a political party, also said anti-social elements had infiltrated the protest by locals demanding closure of Sterlite's copper smelter unit in the southern town.

DMK Working President MK Stalin, MDMK founder Vaiko, AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran and VCK's Thol Thirumavalavan hit out at the aspiring politician for his comments.

Speaking to reporters in neighbouring Puducherry, Stalin said he wondered if Rajinikanth was indeed making his own viewpoint.

"There is a doubt if this is his voice as BJP has also been making such remarks. Whatever it is, he is a Superstar and himself has said anti-social elements had infiltrated the protesters. It would be good for the country if he could identify such persons," he said.

Further, nothing can be resolved without a struggle, Stalin, Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, added.

"Whether the anti-Hindi agitation (of the 1960s) or the freedom struggle or the pro-jallikattu protests, all of them (the goal) had been achieved through agitations. I hope he is aware of it," he said.

Dhinakaran said the anti-Sterlite agitation was a people's protest.

"Are the dead or those injured anti-social elements?" he questioned.

MDMK founder Vaiko said Rajinikanth's comments have "hurt crores of Tamils."

Thirumavalavan said while the actor supported protests in his films, "it is surprising" he was now speaking out against them.

"We are agitating to ensure Tamil Nadu is not turned into a graveyard," Thirumavalavan, whose party is among those involved in various protests including against NEET, said, hitting back at Rajinikanth's 'graveyard' remarks.

Meanwhile, the AIADMK, critical of the actor on many issues, lauded him for speaking "with conscience."

A write-up in the party mouthpiece "Namathu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma" also pointed out his praising of the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa for dealing with anti-social elements with an "iron fist."

"Superstar Rajinikanth has spoken frankly with conscience... he has endorsed Chief Minister K Palaniswami's statement that anti-social elements had infiltrated the protestors," it said.

The actor's remarks were "welcome," it added.&nbsp

However, the ruling AIADMK welcomed his remarks, made in the backdrop of the anti-Sterlite protests, blaming anti-social elements for the recent violence in Tuticorin that resulted in 13 deaths in police firing

DMK and several other political parties in Tamil Nadu today hit out at superstar Rajinikanth for his comments that too many protests would turn the state into a 'graveyard'. However, the ruling AIADMK welcomed his remarks, made in the backdrop of the anti-Sterlite protests, blaming anti-social elements for the recent violence in Tuticorin that resulted in 13 deaths in police firing. After visiting the injured in Tuticorin, Rajinikanth had yesterday warned that Tamil Nadu will become a 'graveyard' if there were too many agitations. The actor, who has announced he will float a political party, also said anti-social elements had infiltrated the protest by locals demanding closure of Sterlite's copper smelter unit in the southern town. DMK Working President MK Stalin, MDMK founder Vaiko, AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran and VCK's Thol Thirumavalavan hit out at the aspiring politician for his comments. Speaking to reporters in neighbouring Puducherry, Stalin said he wondered if Rajinikanth was indeed making his own viewpoint. "There is a doubt if this is his voice as BJP has also been making such remarks. Whatever it is, he is a Superstar and himself has said anti-social elements had infiltrated the protesters. It would be good for the country if he could identify such persons," he said. Further, nothing can be resolved without a struggle, Stalin, Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, added. "Whether the anti-Hindi agitation (of the 1960s) or the freedom struggle or the pro-jallikattu protests, all of them (the goal) had been achieved through agitations. I hope he is aware of it," he said. Dhinakaran said the anti-Sterlite agitation was a people's protest. "Are the dead or those injured anti-social elements?" he questioned. MDMK founder Vaiko said Rajinikanth's comments have "hurt crores of Tamils." Thirumavalavan said while the actor supported protests in his films, "it is surprising" he was now speaking out against them. "We are agitating to ensure Tamil Nadu is not turned into a graveyard," Thirumavalavan, whose party is among those involved in various protests including against NEET, said, hitting back at Rajinikanth's 'graveyard' remarks. Meanwhile, the AIADMK, critical of the actor on many issues, lauded him for speaking "with conscience." A write-up in the party mouthpiece "Namathu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma" also pointed out his praising of the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa for dealing with anti-social elements with an "iron fist." "Superstar Rajinikanth has spoken frankly with conscience... he has endorsed Chief Minister K Palaniswami's statement that anti-social elements had infiltrated the protestors," it said. The actor's remarks were "welcome," it added.

DMK, political parties flay Rajini's comments on protests

Thousands of anti-racism campaigners, left-wingers and techno lovers are expected to pack the streets of Berlin on Sunday to protest a rally called by the far-right AfD party, with police deploying in force to keep the peace.

Uniting under the banner "Stop the hatred", counter-demonstrators say they want to drown out the march by the anti-immigration, anti-Islam Alternative for Germany (AfD).

But AfD members have accused some opponents of threatening to use violence.

The party's "Future of Germany" march, slated to start outside Berlin's main train station at midday (1000 GMT) and end at the iconic Brandenburg Gate, marks the first public show of strength by the nationalist outfit since it became the largest opposition party.

Scheduled to address the crowd are top AfD'ers Joerg Meuthen and Alexander Gauland, who regularly rail against Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision to allow in large numbers of mostly Muslim refugees at the height of Europe's migrant crisis.

"We want to show everyone that along with millions of Germans across the country we are worried about Germany's future," Berlin AfD chief Georg Pazderski told a pre-march press conference.

After predicting 10,000 AfD supporters would show up, organisers later scaled back expectations to "at least 2,500 to 5,000".

Pazderski said many still feared being "stigmatised" for showing their AfD colours, even after the party took nearly 13 percent of the vote and won its first seats in the national parliament in last year's elections.&nbsp;

Bass away the AfD

If confirmed, the AfD turnout could be dwarfed by a slate of counter-demos.

The most eye-catching promises to be a huge dance party by over 100 clubs from Berlin's legendary techno scene, who want to use boats on the river Spree and a convoy of trucks to "bass away" the AfD.

"The Berlin club culture is everything that Nazis are not," they said in a statement.

"We are progressive, queer, feminist, anti-racist, inclusive, colourful and we have unicorns."

More than 9,000 dance fans have said they will attend, according to the event's Facebook page.&nbsp;

Thousands of others have vowed to join a mass anti-AfD protest organised by a collection of groups including political parties, unions, student bodies, migrant advocates and civil society organisations.

"We won't leave the streets to the AfD," said Nora Berneis of the "Stop the hatred, stop the AfD" alliance.

Although the vast majority of counter-demonstrators are expected to be peaceful, members of the far-left extremist Antifa movement have on their website called for "chaos", urging sympathisers "to sabotage the AfD rally using all necessary means".

Berlin police said they plan to deploy 2,000 officers, drafted in from across Germany, to prevent clashes and any attempts "to block the right to free speech".

Rape threats

Founded in 2013 as an anti-euro party, the AfD rose to prominence by capitalising on widespread anger over the arrival of over a million asylum seekers in Germany since 2015.

It now holds more than 90 seats in the Bundestag where its presence has changed the tone of debate.

Just this month, AfD co-leader Alice Weidel earned herself a formal rebuke from the parliamentary speaker for describing immigrants as "headscarf girls, welfare-claiming, knife-wielding men and other good-for-nothings".

Merkel's left-right coalition government has responded to the AfD's rise by tightening asylum policies, but the party continues to climb in opinion polls -- exposing the divisions in German society.

In a sign of the simmering tensions, lawmaker Renate Kuenast of the opposition Greens party was deluged with thousands of hateful comments after posting a video online urging people to join Sunday's anti-AfD demos.

The posts included rape threats and calls for her to kill herself.&nbsp;

Kuenast responded with a second Facebook video in which she vowed to file complaints against the worst messages, and said nothing would deter her from marching.

"I am now more than ever calling for people to join us in demonstrating on Sunday," she said.

Thousands of anti-racism campaigners, left-wingers and techno lovers are expected to pack the streets of Berlin on Sunday to protest a rally called by the far-right AfD party, with police deploying in force to keep the peace

Thousands of anti-racism campaigners, left-wingers and techno lovers are expected to pack the streets of Berlin on Sunday to protest a rally called by the far-right AfD party, with police deploying in force to keep the peace. Uniting under the banner "Stop the hatred", counter-demonstrators say they want to drown out the march by the anti-immigration, anti-Islam Alternative for Germany (AfD). But AfD members have accused some opponents of threatening to use violence. The party's "Future of Germany" march, slated to start outside Berlin's main train station at midday (1000 GMT) and end at the iconic Brandenburg Gate, marks the first public show of strength by the nationalist outfit since it became the largest opposition party. Scheduled to address the crowd are top AfD'ers Joerg Meuthen and Alexander Gauland, who regularly rail against Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision to allow in large numbers of mostly Muslim refugees at the height of Europe's migrant crisis. "We want to show everyone that along with millions of Germans across the country we are worried about Germany's future," Berlin AfD chief Georg Pazderski told a pre-march press conference. After predicting 10,000 AfD supporters would show up, organisers later scaled back expectations to "at least 2,500 to 5,000". Pazderski said many still feared being "stigmatised" for showing their AfD colours, even after the party took nearly 13 percent of the vote and won its first seats in the national parliament in last year's elections. Bass away the AfD If confirmed, the AfD turnout could be dwarfed by a slate of counter-demos. The most eye-catching promises to be a huge dance party by over 100 clubs from Berlin's legendary techno scene, who want to use boats on the river Spree and a convoy of trucks to "bass away" the AfD. "The Berlin club culture is everything that Nazis are not," they said in a statement. "We are progressive, queer, feminist, anti-racist, inclusive, colourful and we have unicorns." More than 9,000 dance fans have said they will attend, according to the event's Facebook page. Thousands of others have vowed to join a mass anti-AfD protest organised by a collection of groups including political parties, unions, student bodies, migrant advocates and civil society organisations. "We won't leave the streets to the AfD," said Nora Berneis of the "Stop the hatred, stop the AfD" alliance. Although the vast majority of counter-demonstrators are expected to be peaceful, members of the far-left extremist Antifa movement have on their website called for "chaos", urging sympathisers "to sabotage the AfD rally using all necessary means". Berlin police said they plan to deploy 2,000 officers, drafted in from across Germany, to prevent clashes and any attempts "to block the right to free speech". Rape threats Founded in 2013 as an anti-euro party, the AfD rose to prominence by capitalising on widespread anger over the arrival of over a million asylum seekers in Germany since 2015. It now holds more than 90 seats in the Bundestag where its presence has changed the tone of debate. Just this month, AfD co-leader Alice Weidel earned herself a formal rebuke from the parliamentary speaker for describing immigrants as "headscarf girls, welfare-claiming, knife-wielding men and other good-for-nothings". Merkel's left-right coalition government has responded to the AfD's rise by tightening asylum policies, but the party continues to climb in opinion polls -- exposing the divisions in German society. In a sign of the simmering tensions, lawmaker Renate Kuenast of the opposition Greens party was deluged with thousands of hateful comments after posting a video online urging people to join Sunday's anti-AfD demos. The posts included rape threats and calls for her to kill herself. Kuenast responded with a second Facebook video in which she vowed to file complaints against the worst messages, and said nothing would deter her from marching. "I am now more than ever calling for people to join us in demonstrating on Sunday," she said.

Berlin: Far-right takes to streets to stage anti-government protest

The Baloch National Movement staged a protest in Germany's&nbsp;Göttingen against Pakistan on Sunday for conducting nuclear tests in 1998.

Five nuclear tests were conducted by Pakistan in Chagai area of Balochistan in 1998.&nbsp;

The protesters claim&nbsp;that the people in Balochistan are suffering from the adverse consequence of the nuclear test.

According to reports the inhabitants and the newborn in the region are born with serious disease due to the after-effects of the nuclear test.

With the code name Chagai-I, this was the first public test of nuclear weapons.

The test was carried out immediately after India conducted its successful nuclear test at Pokhran on May 11 and 13, 1998.

Each year May 28 is celebrated by Pakistan as "the day of greatness" to mark the country's successful detonation of the nuclear device.&nbsp;

The people of Balochistan's Chagai, however, observe it as "Black Day". 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The protesters from Baloch National Movement claim that the people in Balochistan are suffering from the adverse consequence of the nuclear test

The Baloch National Movement staged a protest in Germany's Göttingen against Pakistan on Sunday for conducting nuclear tests in 1998. Five nuclear tests were conducted by Pakistan in Chagai area of Balochistan in 1998. The protesters claim that the people in Balochistan are suffering from the adverse consequence of the nuclear test. According to reports the inhabitants and the newborn in the region are born with serious disease due to the after-effects of the nuclear test. With the code name Chagai-I, this was the first public test of nuclear weapons. The test was carried out immediately after India conducted its successful nuclear test at Pokhran on May 11 and 13, 1998. Each year May 28 is celebrated by Pakistan as "the day of greatness" to mark the country's successful detonation of the nuclear device. The people of Balochistan's Chagai, however, observe it as "Black Day".

Baloch National Movement stages protest in Germany against 1998 Pakistan nuclear test

A little after BS Yeddyurappa was sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka, Congress leaders and the party's Karnataka MLAs began protesting outside the Vidhan Soudha.&nbsp;

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy and his father HD Deve Gowda joined them.&nbsp;

There was however one Congress MLA missing — Anand Singh.&nbsp;

Singh, a mining baron who joined the Congress from the BJP just before the Karnataka elections, was also missing from the Congress Legislature Party meeting yesterday.&nbsp;

"All MLAs are here except Anand Singh," Congress MP from Bangalore Rural DK Suresh said. &nbsp;

"He is in (the) clutches of Narendra Modi," Suresh added.&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy was even more forthcoming.&nbsp;

"Modi government is misusing institutions of central government," he said.&nbsp;

"I know they are threatening MLAs.&nbsp;

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All MLAs are here except Anand Singh, he is in clutches of Narendra Modi: DK Suresh, Congress MP at Vidhan Soudha in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bengaluru?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bengaluru</a> <a href="https://t.co/2h8F3q0IKF">pic.twitter.com/2h8F3q0IKF</a>
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Modi govt is misusing institutions of central govt. I know they are threatening MLAs. Anand Singh (Cong MLA) told 'they are using ED, I had a case in ED & they are going to screw me. I'm sorry I have to protect my interest,' another Cong MLA who spoke to Singh told me-Kumaraswamy <a href="https://t.co/QrzW8eHeAR">pic.twitter.com/QrzW8eHeAR</a>
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Kumaraswamy then said Singh had told another Congress MLA that, "They are using ED, I had a case in ED and they are going to screw me. I'm sorry I have to protect my interest."&nbsp;

Kumaraswamy added that he had learnt what Anand Singh had said from the second Congress MLA.&nbsp;

Anand Singh, who joined the Congress from the BJP just before the elections, is not at the Congress-JD(S) protest at the Vidhan Soudha. He also did not attend the Karnataka Congress Legislature Party meeting yesterday

A little after BS Yeddyurappa was sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka, Congress leaders and the party's Karnataka MLAs began protesting outside the Vidhan Soudha. The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy and his father HD Deve Gowda joined them. There was however one Congress MLA missing — Anand Singh. Singh, a mining baron who joined the Congress from the BJP just before the Karnataka elections, was also missing from the Congress Legislature Party meeting yesterday. "All MLAs are here except Anand Singh," Congress MP from Bangalore Rural DK Suresh said. "He is in (the) clutches of Narendra Modi," Suresh added. Kumaraswamy was even more forthcoming. "Modi government is misusing institutions of central government," he said. "I know they are threatening MLAs. All MLAs are here except Anand Singh, he is in clutches of Narendra Modi: DK Suresh, Congress MP at Vidhan Soudha in #Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/2h8F3q0IKF — ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2018 × Modi govt is misusing institutions of central govt. I know they are threatening MLAs. Anand Singh (Cong MLA) told 'they are using ED, I had a case in ED & they are going to screw me. I'm sorry I have to protect my interest,' another Cong MLA who spoke to Singh told me-Kumaraswamy pic.twitter.com/QrzW8eHeAR — ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2018 × Kumaraswamy then said Singh had told another Congress MLA that, "They are using ED, I had a case in ED and they are going to screw me. I'm sorry I have to protect my interest." Kumaraswamy added that he had learnt what Anand Singh had said from the second Congress MLA.

First Congress MLA seems to break from Cong-JD(S) ranks

Israeli forces deployed forces on Tuesday (May 15) across Israel's border with the&nbspGazaStrip in preparation for another day of protests after the single deadliest day in&nbspGaza&nbspfor years.

Israeli gunfire killed more than 50 Palestinians on Monday (May 14) on the penultimate day of a six-week border protest by&nbspGazans demanding the right to return to ancestral homes that now lie on the other side of the&nbspGaza-Israel frontier fence.

Palestinians had planned for protests to reach a climax on Tuesday, the day Palestinians commemorated what they call the "Nakba" or "catastrophe" when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were dispossessed when the state of Israel was created in 1948.

Israeli troops shot dead dozens of Palestinians taking part in protests on the&nbspGaza&nbspborderon Monday (May 14) as the United States opened its embassy to Israel in Jerusalem, a move that has fuelled Palestinian anger and drawn criticism from foreign governments as a setback to peace efforts.

Israeli gunfire killed more than 50 Palestinians on Monday (May 14) on the penultimate day of a six-week border protest by Gazans demanding the right to return to ancestral homes that now lie on the other side of the Gaza-Israel frontier fence

Israeli forces deployed forces on Tuesday (May 15) across Israel's border with the&nbspGazaStrip in preparation for another day of protests after the single deadliest day in&nbspGaza&nbspfor years. Israeli gunfire killed more than 50 Palestinians on Monday (May 14) on the penultimate day of a six-week border protest by&nbspGazans demanding the right to return to ancestral homes that now lie on the other side of the&nbspGaza-Israel frontier fence. Palestinians had planned for protests to reach a climax on Tuesday, the day Palestinians commemorated what they call the "Nakba" or "catastrophe" when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were dispossessed when the state of Israel was created in 1948. Israeli troops shot dead dozens of Palestinians taking part in protests on the&nbspGaza&nbspborderon Monday (May 14) as the United States opened its embassy to Israel in Jerusalem, a move that has fuelled Palestinian anger and drawn criticism from foreign governments as a setback to peace efforts.

Israeli forces take up positions on Gaza border in preparation for protests

Pakistan's Khaigala city saw massive protests Sunday demanding justice for the PoK leader Sardar Arif Shahid.

Shahid, chairman of the All Parties National Alliance (APNA), was shot dead by unidentified gunmen at his home in Rawalpindi on May 14, 2013.&nbsp;

Shahid was allegedly killed&nbsp;by the ISI. Today is his fifth death anniversary.&nbsp;

Khaigala is Shahid's hometown.&nbsp;

The Jammu Kashmir National Independence Alliance (JKNIA) also organised a protest outside Pakistani consulate in Bradford and raised slogans against Pakistan for denying justice to Arif Shahid. 
They shouted slogans such as 'Who killed Arif Shahid? ISI... ISI...' and 'Pakistani forces... out... out...'

Protests were also staged outside the Pakistan Embassy in London on the same day. Activists of United Kashmir People's National Party and Jammu and Kashmir National Awami Party (JKNAP) demanded a judicial inquiry into the death of Sardar Arif Shahid, who was shot dead outside his residence in 2013.

"We want a judicial enquiry in the matter and we demand immediate arrest of the killers of Arif Shahid," Sajjad Raza, Jammu and Kashmir National Awami Party (UK) leader said.

Shahid, 62, was the chairman of the All Parties National Alliance (APNA). He was a vocal critic of Pakistan's nefarious activities in Jammu and Kashmir and a supporter of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's freedom.

Arif Shahid, chairman of the All Parties National Alliance (APNA), was shot dead by unidentified gunmen at his home in Rawalpindi on May 14, 2013

Pakistan's Khaigala city saw massive protests Sunday demanding justice for the PoK leader Sardar Arif Shahid. Shahid, chairman of the All Parties National Alliance (APNA), was shot dead by unidentified gunmen at his home in Rawalpindi on May 14, 2013. Shahid was allegedly killed by the ISI. Today is his fifth death anniversary. Khaigala is Shahid's hometown. The Jammu Kashmir National Independence Alliance (JKNIA) also organised a protest outside Pakistani consulate in Bradford and raised slogans against Pakistan for denying justice to Arif Shahid. They shouted slogans such as 'Who killed Arif Shahid? ISI... ISI...' and 'Pakistani forces... out... out...' Protests were also staged outside the Pakistan Embassy in London on the same day. Activists of United Kashmir People's National Party and Jammu and Kashmir National Awami Party (JKNAP) demanded a judicial inquiry into the death of Sardar Arif Shahid, who was shot dead outside his residence in 2013. "We want a judicial enquiry in the matter and we demand immediate arrest of the killers of Arif Shahid," Sajjad Raza, Jammu and Kashmir National Awami Party (UK) leader said. Shahid, 62, was the chairman of the All Parties National Alliance (APNA). He was a vocal critic of Pakistan's nefarious activities in Jammu and Kashmir and a supporter of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's freedom.

Protesting activists demand justice for PoK leader allegedly killed by ISI

Cannes film festival experienced something different this year as women were seen protesting regarding their status in the movie industry that needs to be improved to prevent sexual harassment. The protest was part of the ongoing global Times Up movement. 
 
The protest witnessed 82 women lead by Cate Blanchett and Kristen Stewart and was attended by the likes of Salma Hayek, Jane Fonda, Nandita Das, Ava Duvernay, Marion Cottilard and Patty Jenkins among others. The women were all prominent actors, filmmakers who were representing various countries at the festival.&nbsp;

Blanchett spoke about equality and stated how male filmmakers outnumber their female counterparts in award nominations. &nbsp;

Rasika Duggal, who is presently in Cannes for the premiere of her film Manto, lent support to the Time is Up event at the Cannes Film Festival 2018.“There are very few times when you are part of a historical moment and you know it. This was one of those. It was a very emotional experience holding hands and walking in solidarity with 82 women at Cannes. Not much was said but yet many of us were moved to tears. The unspoken regard and understanding and solidarity for the challenges we have all had to face to be here was so so powerful. It was my first time at the Palais de festivals red carpet at the Cannes film festival and I shared that moment with Salma Hayek, Patty Jenkins, Nandita Das and so many other women. I couldn't have asked for a better introduction. Cate Blanchett's powerful speech just made me feel more than ever how important this is. I mean we know there is rampant gender discrimination and we face it every day (in so so many small things) &nbsp;It was her first time at the Palais de festivals red carpet at the Cannes film festival and she shared that moment with Salma Hayek, Patty Jenkins, Nandita Das and so many other women.

<img alt="Untitled design (9)_0.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Untitled%20design%20(9)_0.jpg" width="770" />

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Finally got Twitter on my phone. Let me start from the beginning in <a href="https://twitter.com/Festival_Cannes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Festival_Cannes</a> was part of the 82 women who marched up the red carpet to ask for more representation of women. V moving experience. Holding hands in solidarity So glad to be a part of it <a href="https://t.co/4VBZWY5rwa">https://t.co/4VBZWY5rwa</a>
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After the iconic protest that took place on Saturday, France's Minister of Culture, Francoise Nyssen, said on Sunday, that few women work in movie-related fields in her country and they make less money than men. She also said many women become victims of discrimination, harassment, and violence.

Cannes experienced a historical movement wherein 82 well-known women, celebrities and filmmakers protests across different countries regarding their equal rights and gender equality

Cannes film festival experienced something different this year as women were seen protesting regarding their status in the movie industry that needs to be improved to prevent sexual harassment. The protest was part of the ongoing global Times Up movement. The protest witnessed 82 women lead by Cate Blanchett and Kristen Stewart and was attended by the likes of Salma Hayek, Jane Fonda, Nandita Das, Ava Duvernay, Marion Cottilard and Patty Jenkins among others. The women were all prominent actors, filmmakers who were representing various countries at the festival. Blanchett spoke about equality and stated how male filmmakers outnumber their female counterparts in award nominations. Rasika Duggal, who is presently in Cannes for the premiere of her film Manto, lent support to the Time is Up event at the Cannes Film Festival 2018.“There are very few times when you are part of a historical moment and you know it. This was one of those. It was a very emotional experience holding hands and walking in solidarity with 82 women at Cannes. Not much was said but yet many of us were moved to tears. The unspoken regard and understanding and solidarity for the challenges we have all had to face to be here was so so powerful. It was my first time at the Palais de festivals red carpet at the Cannes film festival and I shared that moment with Salma Hayek, Patty Jenkins, Nandita Das and so many other women. I couldn't have asked for a better introduction. Cate Blanchett's powerful speech just made me feel more than ever how important this is. I mean we know there is rampant gender discrimination and we face it every day (in so so many small things) It was her first time at the Palais de festivals red carpet at the Cannes film festival and she shared that moment with Salma Hayek, Patty Jenkins, Nandita Das and so many other women. Finally got Twitter on my phone. Let me start from the beginning in @Festival_Cannes was part of the 82 women who marched up the red carpet to ask for more representation of women. V moving experience. Holding hands in solidarity So glad to be a part of it https://t.co/4VBZWY5rwa — Nandita Das (@nanditadas) 14 May 2018 × After the iconic protest that took place on Saturday, France's Minister of Culture, Francoise Nyssen, said on Sunday, that few women work in movie-related fields in her country and they make less money than men. She also said many women become victims of discrimination, harassment, and violence.

Cannes 2018: 82 women converge at the red carpet demanding equal rights

A woman from Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh accused Bhartiya Janta Party's MLA Roshanlal Verma's son Manoj Verma of sexually assaulting her and said that she has been receiving death threats.&nbsp

Roshanlal is MLA from Shahjahanpur's Tilhar constituency.

Demanding justice, the victim sat on a 'dharna' outside the Collectorate office in Shahjahanpur. She called off the protest only after superintendent of police (Shahjahanpur) KB Singh assured her of action.

A case has also been registered against the accused. As per reports, the sape case has been tranfered to the CB-CID on a directive issued by the state government.&nbsp

According to the lawyer of the victim, Avdhesh Singh, "Goons barged into the victim's residence and threatened her to withdraw her complaint, saying they would kill her if she didn't step back."

The victim, who is demanding justice from past five years, had also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure action against the accused.

Demanding justice, the victim sat on a 'dharna' outside the Collectorate office in Shahjahanpur. She called off the protest only after superintendent of police (Shahjahanpur) KB Singh assured her of action

A woman from Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh accused Bhartiya Janta Party's MLA Roshanlal Verma's son Manoj Verma of sexually assaulting her and said that she has been receiving death threats. Roshanlal is MLA from Shahjahanpur's Tilhar constituency. Demanding justice, the victim sat on a 'dharna' outside the Collectorate office in Shahjahanpur. She called off the protest only after superintendent of police (Shahjahanpur) KB Singh assured her of action. A case has also been registered against the accused. As per reports, the sape case has been tranfered to the CB-CID on a directive issued by the state government. According to the lawyer of the victim, Avdhesh Singh, "Goons barged into the victim's residence and threatened her to withdraw her complaint, saying they would kill her if she didn't step back." The victim, who is demanding justice from past five years, had also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure action against the accused.

UP woman who alleged sexual assault by BJP MLA's son, claims threat to life

Members of the Gujjar community in Rajasthan on Sunday decided to revive their agitation over reservation granted to them.&nbsp

Gujjar leader Col Kirori Singh Bainsla was quoted saying by ANI that the community will launch an agitation before May 21 in Patoli, Pipalkheda, Dausa, Sikandra, Kotputli, Ajmer, Pali, Jalore, Bhilwara & Sawai Madhopur.&nbsp

Bainsla further added that their demands have not been met and the government is providing them with just 5% reservation.

The Gujjar leader said that injustice is being done to the community in all vacancies and informed that members of the community will launch an agitation this month to press for their demand of five per cent reservation from within OBC quota.

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Govt is providing us 5% reservation. Injustice is being done to us in all vacancies. We'll launch an agitation before May 21 in Patoli, Pipalkheda, Dausa, Sikandra, Kotputli, Ajmer, Pali, Jalore, Bhilwara & Sawai Madhopur: Col Kirori Singh Bainsla, Gujjar leader (06.05.2018) <a href="https://t.co/CwlMVE8oui">pic.twitter.com/CwlMVE8oui</a>
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&nbsp

Bainsla further added that their demands have not been met and the government is providing them with just 5% reservation.

Members of the Gujjar community in Rajasthan on Sunday decided to revive their agitation over reservation granted to them. Gujjar leader Col Kirori Singh Bainsla was quoted saying by ANI that the community will launch an agitation before May 21 in Patoli, Pipalkheda, Dausa, Sikandra, Kotputli, Ajmer, Pali, Jalore, Bhilwara & Sawai Madhopur. Bainsla further added that their demands have not been met and the government is providing them with just 5% reservation. The Gujjar leader said that injustice is being done to the community in all vacancies and informed that members of the community will launch an agitation this month to press for their demand of five per cent reservation from within OBC quota. Govt is providing us 5% reservation. Injustice is being done to us in all vacancies. We'll launch an agitation before May 21 in Patoli, Pipalkheda, Dausa, Sikandra, Kotputli, Ajmer, Pali, Jalore, Bhilwara & Sawai Madhopur: Col Kirori Singh Bainsla, Gujjar leader (06.05.2018) pic.twitter.com/CwlMVE8oui — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2018 ×

Gujjar leaders decide to launch protest on reservation before May 21

By:&nbsp;Andries Bezuidenhout*

What is the ultimate song to celebrate Workers' Day? Many will suggest "The Internationale" which had its roots as a poem written in the aftermath of the Paris Commune in 1871 by Eugène Pottier, a transport worker. Set to music a few years later, it became the anthem for the wider progressive movement.

It served as the Soviet Union’s anthem after the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, making it more closely associated with the communist movement.

But I would argue that trumpeter Hugh Masekela's iconic and internationally popular song "Stimela" – the coal train – is perhaps a more appropriate anthem for Workers' Day in southern and Central Africa. The song speaks aboutthe local history and the migrant labour system on the mines.

"Stimela" reminds everyone that South Africa's wealth and infrastructure was built on the back of labour from all over Africa. They were the force that modernised the country. But the song is also internationalist in focus.

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Later recordings of the song typically begin with bass rhythms and percussion mimicking the sound of a train on its tracks. Then the instruments retreat to the background and Masekela announces:

There is a train that comes from Namibia and Malawi

there is a train that comes from Zambia and Zimbabwe,

There is a train that comes from Angola and Mozambique,

From Lesotho, from Botswana, from Swaziland,

From all the hinterland of Southern and Central Africa.

This train carries young and old, African men

Who are conscripted to come and work on contract

In the golden mineral mines of Johannesburg

And its surrounding metropolis, sixteen hours or more a day

For almost no pay.

Early morning commute

Until recently I was responsible for teaching an introductory course in sociology to first-year university students. The auditorium in which I delivered the lectures had a beautiful sound system.

I’d plug in my computer and play music before lectures started. The music served two purposes. I liked to imagine that it allowed students to find some calm after their early morning commute from the city’s periphery on dilapidated trains.

It was also a way to introduce debates about key topics covered in the first year course.

I always started the first lecture of the year with Masekela’s "Stimela" because it was the perfect opening to a conversation about the forces that modernised South Africa.

South Africa's was not a slow, organic growth of industrialisation that characterised the European transition from feudalism to industrial capitalism, the great transformation that gave rise to my discipline of sociology, with Karl Marx as one of its key contributors.

The emergence of modern South Africa was brutal in a different way. It came about as a result of the discovery of diamonds and gold, and the need for cheap labour to extract metals from the seams that ran through the Witwatersrand's rock formations.

This was a story of labour shortages and the intervention of colonial administrations and armies across southern and Central Africa. They dispossessed pastoralists of their land and imposed hut and poll taxes on traditional leaders so that Johannesburg could be supplied with the much needed "Black Gold", as journalist-activist Ruth First described the system.

The song describes what’s on the minds of mining recruits on a steam train as it makes its way to Johannesburg: "They think about their lands, their herds that were taken away from them."

For Masekela, writing "Stimela" must have been, in part, a reflection on his own life. Born in the coal mining area called Witbank, he was raised by his grandmother who made her livelihood from a shebeen (an illegal bar) for mineworkers.

The legacy lives on

Up until the 1970s, when Masekela composed "Stimela" while he was in exile, South African mineworkers typically spent only a few years on the mines, saving up money or buying cattle to return to their lands.

But the 1970s was the time of great change in South Africa’s mining industry.

In 1974, 72 Malawian mineworkers were killed in an airplane crash. A year later, Mozambique became independent. Both Mozambique and Malawi were major suppliers of migrant workers to South African mines and these events put the steady flow of labour at risk.

In the case of Mozambique, the apartheid state was able to strike a deal with the new Mozambican government for the continued supply of labour. But Malawi withdrew permission for the recruitment of workers from their country.

The result was a shift to recruiting more South African workers and the emergence of career mine workers with much longer contracts. This change in the mining labour market eventually led to the founding of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in 1982.

The successful organisation of workers who were at the heart of South Africa’s economy was one of the most important pillars of resistance against apartheid.

Sadly, the mining industry's contested legacy and its migrant labour system remain challenges in the post-apartheid period. This is evident in a number of ways. The massacre of mineworkers at Marikana in 2012 was a stark reminder of the acute vulnerability and exploitation of workers.

On top of this is the inability of the mining companies and the state to provide many mine workers – now often employed through subcontractors – with decent housing and services. And finally, the issue of land dispossession still haunts the country and remains unresolved.

Steam trains no longer crisscross southern Africa. Yet "Stimela" remains as much a song about the present and future aspirations, as it does of the past.

*Andries Bezuidenhout, Professor of Development Studies, University of Fort Hare

(This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-best-anthem-for-workers-day-stimela-a-tale-about-apartheids-migrant-labour-system-95794">original article</a>.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL

Hugh Masekela's iconic and internationally popular song "Stimela" – the coal train – is perhaps a more appropriate anthem for Workers' Day in southern and Central Africa

By: Andries Bezuidenhout* What is the ultimate song to celebrate Workers' Day? Many will suggest "The Internationale" which had its roots as a poem written in the aftermath of the Paris Commune in 1871 by Eugène Pottier, a transport worker. Set to music a few years later, it became the anthem for the wider progressive movement. It served as the Soviet Union’s anthem after the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, making it more closely associated with the communist movement. But I would argue that trumpeter Hugh Masekela's iconic and internationally popular song "Stimela" – the coal train – is perhaps a more appropriate anthem for Workers' Day in southern and Central Africa. The song speaks aboutthe local history and the migrant labour system on the mines. "Stimela" reminds everyone that South Africa's wealth and infrastructure was built on the back of labour from all over Africa. They were the force that modernised the country. But the song is also internationalist in focus. × Later recordings of the song typically begin with bass rhythms and percussion mimicking the sound of a train on its tracks. Then the instruments retreat to the background and Masekela announces: There is a train that comes from Namibia and Malawi there is a train that comes from Zambia and Zimbabwe, There is a train that comes from Angola and Mozambique, From Lesotho, from Botswana, from Swaziland, From all the hinterland of Southern and Central Africa. This train carries young and old, African men Who are conscripted to come and work on contract In the golden mineral mines of Johannesburg And its surrounding metropolis, sixteen hours or more a day For almost no pay. Early morning commute Until recently I was responsible for teaching an introductory course in sociology to first-year university students. The auditorium in which I delivered the lectures had a beautiful sound system. I’d plug in my computer and play music before lectures started. The music served two purposes. I liked to imagine that it allowed students to find some calm after their early morning commute from the city’s periphery on dilapidated trains. It was also a way to introduce debates about key topics covered in the first year course. I always started the first lecture of the year with Masekela’s "Stimela" because it was the perfect opening to a conversation about the forces that modernised South Africa. South Africa's was not a slow, organic growth of industrialisation that characterised the European transition from feudalism to industrial capitalism, the great transformation that gave rise to my discipline of sociology, with Karl Marx as one of its key contributors. The emergence of modern South Africa was brutal in a different way. It came about as a result of the discovery of diamonds and gold, and the need for cheap labour to extract metals from the seams that ran through the Witwatersrand's rock formations. This was a story of labour shortages and the intervention of colonial administrations and armies across southern and Central Africa. They dispossessed pastoralists of their land and imposed hut and poll taxes on traditional leaders so that Johannesburg could be supplied with the much needed "Black Gold", as journalist-activist Ruth First described the system. The song describes what’s on the minds of mining recruits on a steam train as it makes its way to Johannesburg: "They think about their lands, their herds that were taken away from them." For Masekela, writing "Stimela" must have been, in part, a reflection on his own life. Born in the coal mining area called Witbank, he was raised by his grandmother who made her livelihood from a shebeen (an illegal bar) for mineworkers. The legacy lives on Up until the 1970s, when Masekela composed "Stimela" while he was in exile, South African mineworkers typically spent only a few years on the mines, saving up money or buying cattle to return to their lands. But the 1970s was the time of great change in South Africa’s mining industry. In 1974, 72 Malawian mineworkers were killed in an airplane crash. A year later, Mozambique became independent. Both Mozambique and Malawi were major suppliers of migrant workers to South African mines and these events put the steady flow of labour at risk. In the case of Mozambique, the apartheid state was able to strike a deal with the new Mozambican government for the continued supply of labour. But Malawi withdrew permission for the recruitment of workers from their country. The result was a shift to recruiting more South African workers and the emergence of career mine workers with much longer contracts. This change in the mining labour market eventually led to the founding of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in 1982. The successful organisation of workers who were at the heart of South Africa’s economy was one of the most important pillars of resistance against apartheid. Sadly, the mining industry's contested legacy and its migrant labour system remain challenges in the post-apartheid period. This is evident in a number of ways. The massacre of mineworkers at Marikana in 2012 was a stark reminder of the acute vulnerability and exploitation of workers. On top of this is the inability of the mining companies and the state to provide many mine workers – now often employed through subcontractors – with decent housing and services. And finally, the issue of land dispossession still haunts the country and remains unresolved. Steam trains no longer crisscross southern Africa. Yet "Stimela" remains as much a song about the present and future aspirations, as it does of the past. *Andries Bezuidenhout, Professor of Development Studies, University of Fort Hare (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL

Opinion: The best anthem for Labour Day

Armenian opposition leader Nikol Pashiyan told his supporters to stage protests on Tuesday in a bid to pressurize the parliament to elect him as Prime Minister and further warned of a "political tsunami" if top echelons of RPA and former presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Robert Kocharyan clings to power.&nbsp

While addressing the people at the National Assembly on Monday, Pashiyan said that &nbspSerzh Sargsyan and Robert Kocharyan had been threatening all the Armenian MP's and preventing them to vote for people's candidate, claiming that the duo plan to return to power.&nbsp

Pashinyan led days of protests that forced veteran leader Serzh Sarksyan to step down as prime minister last week and is the sole nominee to take over the role. But he needs approval from a parliament dominated by Sarksyan supporters.

As tens of thousands of people gathered in central Yerevan, Pashinyan told lawmakers before a vote on his candidacy that Sarksyan's backers in the ruling Republican Party should not snub the Armenian people's demands for change.

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"You would think that in the situation that has unfolded conclusions would have been drawn, but the Republican Party has started to play cat-and-mouse with the people," said Pashinyan, who had swapped his usual camouflage T-shirt for a suit and tie.

Addressing Republican Party officials, he said: "Your behaviour, treating the tolerance of the people as a weakness, could become the cause of a tsunami."

"I turn to the nation of the Republic of Armenia and every citizen of the Republic of Armenia," Pashinyan said in a speech broadcast live on two big screens to the crowd in the capital's central Republic Square.

"Don't stay at home, and right now, go out into the streets if you have not done it yet ... Flood out onto the streets and the squares of the capital and other towns in the republic."

People gathered at the venue waved the Armenian flag, blew horns and shouted "Nikol - prime minister!"

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The deadline for parliamentary factions to nominate their candidates ran out at 18:00 on Monday.

According to the Article 149 of the Armenia's Constitution, "In case the Prime Minister submits a resignation or in other cases of the office of the Prime Minister becoming vacant, the factions of the National Assembly shall be entitled to nominate candidates for Prime Minister within a period of seven days after accepting the resignation of the Government. The National Assembly shall elect the Prime Minister by majority of votes of the total number of Deputies."

National Assembly (NA) of Armenia will convene a special session on May 1, and the topic of the agenda will be the election of a new Prime Minister.

Pashiyan stated that taking the current delicate situation into consideration “we have created all conditions for Serzh Sargsyan and RPA’s top echelons to leave in a dignified manner”.

Pashinyan led days of protests that forced veteran leader Serzh Sarksyan to step down as prime minister last week and is the sole nominee to take over the role

Armenian opposition leader Nikol Pashiyan told his supporters to stage protests on Tuesday in a bid to pressurize the parliament to elect him as Prime Minister and further warned of a "political tsunami" if top echelons of RPA and former presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Robert Kocharyan clings to power. While addressing the people at the National Assembly on Monday, Pashiyan said that &nbspSerzh Sargsyan and Robert Kocharyan had been threatening all the Armenian MP's and preventing them to vote for people's candidate, claiming that the duo plan to return to power. Pashinyan led days of protests that forced veteran leader Serzh Sarksyan to step down as prime minister last week and is the sole nominee to take over the role. But he needs approval from a parliament dominated by Sarksyan supporters. As tens of thousands of people gathered in central Yerevan, Pashinyan told lawmakers before a vote on his candidacy that Sarksyan's backers in the ruling Republican Party should not snub the Armenian people's demands for change. "You would think that in the situation that has unfolded conclusions would have been drawn, but the Republican Party has started to play cat-and-mouse with the people," said Pashinyan, who had swapped his usual camouflage T-shirt for a suit and tie. Addressing Republican Party officials, he said: "Your behaviour, treating the tolerance of the people as a weakness, could become the cause of a tsunami." "I turn to the nation of the Republic of Armenia and every citizen of the Republic of Armenia," Pashinyan said in a speech broadcast live on two big screens to the crowd in the capital's central Republic Square. "Don't stay at home, and right now, go out into the streets if you have not done it yet ... Flood out onto the streets and the squares of the capital and other towns in the republic." People gathered at the venue waved the Armenian flag, blew horns and shouted "Nikol - prime minister!" The deadline for parliamentary factions to nominate their candidates ran out at 18:00 on Monday. According to the Article 149 of the Armenia's Constitution, "In case the Prime Minister submits a resignation or in other cases of the office of the Prime Minister becoming vacant, the factions of the National Assembly shall be entitled to nominate candidates for Prime Minister within a period of seven days after accepting the resignation of the Government. The National Assembly shall elect the Prime Minister by majority of votes of the total number of Deputies." National Assembly (NA) of Armenia will convene a special session on May 1, and the topic of the agenda will be the election of a new Prime Minister. Pashiyan stated that taking the current delicate situation into consideration “we have created all conditions for Serzh Sargsyan and RPA’s top echelons to leave in a dignified manner”.

Armenian leader warns of 'political turmoil' if not elected Prime Minister

Members of the Hazara community have been protesting in Quetta against "targeted killings" after two Hazara men were killed on Saturday.&nbsp;

The protest is being led by Jalila Haider in the shape of hunger strikes outside Quetta Press Club for the second day on Sunday. "We do not want roti (food), kapra (clothing) and makaan (housing). All we want is the right to life," former PPP lawmaker Nasir Shah said.

On Sunday, a protest rally was held by the Balochistan Shia Conference at Shuhada Chowk in Quetta. Members from other parties such as the Hazara Democratic Party, the Balochistan National Party, and the Jamhuri Watan Party were also present.

The Hazara community also demanded that Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa meet the widows of the deceased men and hear their grievances.

Haider said that the hunger strike would carry on until the Hazara community is given the right security. The protesters claimed that over 2,000 Hazaras were killed and 3,000 others were injured in so-called "targeted attacks".

On April 1, a man from the Hazara community was shot dead by unidentified miscreants in Quetta's Qandhari Bazar, while a second person suffered bullet wounds.

The Hazara community has been severely affected by sectarian terrorism in Balochistan for years.&nbsp;

A Pakistani political activist Jalila Haider is leading the hunger strike outside the Quetta Press Club

Members of the Hazara community have been protesting in Quetta against "targeted killings" after two Hazara men were killed on Saturday. The protest is being led by Jalila Haider in the shape of hunger strikes outside Quetta Press Club for the second day on Sunday. "We do not want roti (food), kapra (clothing) and makaan (housing). All we want is the right to life," former PPP lawmaker Nasir Shah said. On Sunday, a protest rally was held by the Balochistan Shia Conference at Shuhada Chowk in Quetta. Members from other parties such as the Hazara Democratic Party, the Balochistan National Party, and the Jamhuri Watan Party were also present. The Hazara community also demanded that Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa meet the widows of the deceased men and hear their grievances. Haider said that the hunger strike would carry on until the Hazara community is given the right security. The protesters claimed that over 2,000 Hazaras were killed and 3,000 others were injured in so-called "targeted attacks". On April 1, a man from the Hazara community was shot dead by unidentified miscreants in Quetta's Qandhari Bazar, while a second person suffered bullet wounds. The Hazara community has been severely affected by sectarian terrorism in Balochistan for years.

Pakistan: After 2 killed, Hazara community protests in Quetta for second day

Members of the Pashtun community called Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) staged a massive rally in Lahore's Mochi Gate on Sunday after the Punjab government's refusal to issue permits to the event. The community staged a series of protests against extrajudicial arrests and killings of members of the ethnic minority by security forces.

The killing of an aspiring model from the community - which makes up about 15 per cent of Pakistan's 207 million population - in January sparked the countrywide protests. The PTM will hold a rally on May 12 in Karachi. His death sparked protests who accused Pakistan's security forces of racial profiling, seeing all Pashtuns as Taliban simply because many insurgents in Afghanistan and Pakistan are recruited from among Pashtun tribesmen.

Among those who took the rostrum were Tahera Jalib — daughter of revolutionary poet Habib Jalib, whose father wrote Dastoor as well as Amina Masood Janjua of the Defence of Human Rights Pakistan, whose husband has been missing since 2005.

The groups leader 25-year-old Manzoor Pashteen, has become the face of the country's oppressed Pashtun, charging that in the name of its "war on terror" the military has used indiscriminate force as it hunts for Taliban hideouts in the tribal regions where the Pashtun dominate, imposing collective punishments like bulldozing the homes of family members of suspected militants and punishing entire villages for extremist attacks. Wearing his signature red embroidered cap and a dark, well-kept beard, Mansoor seems an unlikely leader.

<img alt="28INTHVLRPAKISTAN-PROTESTS.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="690" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/28INTHVLRPAKISTAN-PROTESTS.jpg" width="460" />

Manzoor Pashteen

On Sunday, he led another Pashtun Long March in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, demanding protection and rights.

As per reports, Masood was involved with the Islamist militants which were denied by his family and close peers.

Even though the rallies have not been violent and more like peaceful demonstrations across the country, the authorities have boycotted the recent one staged in Lahore and also detained several leaders.

Manzoor has been demanding the release of all “missing people.” He posits that, if these missing people have committed any crime against the state of Pakistan, they should be tried as citizens of the state in courts of law.

Second, he has called for the establishment of a judicial commission in Pakistan, that assesses the legitimacy of extrajudicial killings committed so far. 
Finally, Manzoor has demanded that all landmines planted during security operations during the War on Terror, be cleared by authorities in FATA, that the paramilitary forces stop harassing Pashtun families on the pretext of search operations. Additionally, he demands that the number of security check posts be reduced in the northwestern areas and that Pashtun citizens of the state not be subjected to constant embarrassment.

Manzoor announced that the next stop for the movement would be Swat following which a gathering would be held in Karachi on May 12 — to mark the day when over 40 people were killed in the metropolis in 2007.

The district administration had earlier rejected an application by the Lahore Left Front for the PTM rally citing security concerns.

Punjab police officials — both male and female — provided security at the venue to ensure that no one entered the ground with weapons or sharp objects.

A number of PTM leaders were briefly detained on Saturday while workers found the venue of the rally flooded with water when they arrived to kickstart preparations today.

The killing of an aspiring model from the community - which makes up about 15 per cent of Pakistan's 207 million population - in January sparked the countrywide protests

Members of the Pashtun community called Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) staged a massive rally in Lahore's Mochi Gate on Sunday after the Punjab government's refusal to issue permits to the event. The community staged a series of protests against extrajudicial arrests and killings of members of the ethnic minority by security forces. The killing of an aspiring model from the community - which makes up about 15 per cent of Pakistan's 207 million population - in January sparked the countrywide protests. The PTM will hold a rally on May 12 in Karachi. His death sparked protests who accused Pakistan's security forces of racial profiling, seeing all Pashtuns as Taliban simply because many insurgents in Afghanistan and Pakistan are recruited from among Pashtun tribesmen. Among those who took the rostrum were Tahera Jalib — daughter of revolutionary poet Habib Jalib, whose father wrote Dastoor as well as Amina Masood Janjua of the Defence of Human Rights Pakistan, whose husband has been missing since 2005. The groups leader 25-year-old Manzoor Pashteen, has become the face of the country's oppressed Pashtun, charging that in the name of its "war on terror" the military has used indiscriminate force as it hunts for Taliban hideouts in the tribal regions where the Pashtun dominate, imposing collective punishments like bulldozing the homes of family members of suspected militants and punishing entire villages for extremist attacks. Wearing his signature red embroidered cap and a dark, well-kept beard, Mansoor seems an unlikely leader. Manzoor Pashteen On Sunday, he led another Pashtun Long March in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, demanding protection and rights. As per reports, Masood was involved with the Islamist militants which were denied by his family and close peers. Even though the rallies have not been violent and more like peaceful demonstrations across the country, the authorities have boycotted the recent one staged in Lahore and also detained several leaders. Manzoor has been demanding the release of all “missing people.” He posits that, if these missing people have committed any crime against the state of Pakistan, they should be tried as citizens of the state in courts of law. Second, he has called for the establishment of a judicial commission in Pakistan, that assesses the legitimacy of extrajudicial killings committed so far. Finally, Manzoor has demanded that all landmines planted during security operations during the War on Terror, be cleared by authorities in FATA, that the paramilitary forces stop harassing Pashtun families on the pretext of search operations. Additionally, he demands that the number of security check posts be reduced in the northwestern areas and that Pashtun citizens of the state not be subjected to constant embarrassment. Manzoor announced that the next stop for the movement would be Swat following which a gathering would be held in Karachi on May 12 — to mark the day when over 40 people were killed in the metropolis in 2007. The district administration had earlier rejected an application by the Lahore Left Front for the PTM rally citing security concerns. Punjab police officials — both male and female — provided security at the venue to ensure that no one entered the ground with weapons or sharp objects. A number of PTM leaders were briefly detained on Saturday while workers found the venue of the rally flooded with water when they arrived to kickstart preparations today.

Meet Manzoor Pashteen, the man leading protests to defy Pakistan army

Hundreds took to the streets of Guadalajara on Tuesday (April 24) after Mexican authorities on Monday (April 23) said three missing Mexican students were killed last month in the western state of Jalisco and their bodies dissolved in acid after criminals confused them with members of a rival gang

Organizers of the student-led demonstration in the capital of Jalisco state said the government needed to do more to address disappearances and killings, especially of young people.

Criminal groups in Mexico often kidnap, torture, dismember and even dissolve their victims in acid and many of the remains are dumped in clandestine graves.

In 2014, 43 student teachers disappeared in the southern state of Guerrero and the government said they were kidnapped by police who handed them over to a criminal group that killed them and burnt their bodies.

The three film students were last seen in the municipality of Tonala after their car broke down and they were later kidnapped by at least six people, who tortured and killed them, according to Jalisco state prosecutors.

Prosecutors said the youths were confused with members of a another gang by gunmen from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which has become the most powerful in Mexico, according to U.S. authorities.

More than 25,000 people were murdered last year in Mexico. Homicides hit their highest level in records going back 20 years.

Organizers of the student-led demonstration in the capital of Jalisco state said the government needed to do more to address disappearances and killings, especially of young people

Hundreds took to the streets of Guadalajara on Tuesday (April 24) after Mexican authorities on Monday (April 23) said three missing Mexican students were killed last month in the western state of Jalisco and their bodies dissolved in acid after criminals confused them with members of a rival gang Organizers of the student-led demonstration in the capital of Jalisco state said the government needed to do more to address disappearances and killings, especially of young people. Criminal groups in Mexico often kidnap, torture, dismember and even dissolve their victims in acid and many of the remains are dumped in clandestine graves. In 2014, 43 student teachers disappeared in the southern state of Guerrero and the government said they were kidnapped by police who handed them over to a criminal group that killed them and burnt their bodies. The three film students were last seen in the municipality of Tonala after their car broke down and they were later kidnapped by at least six people, who tortured and killed them, according to Jalisco state prosecutors. Prosecutors said the youths were confused with members of a another gang by gunmen from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which has become the most powerful in Mexico, according to U.S. authorities. More than 25,000 people were murdered last year in Mexico. Homicides hit their highest level in records going back 20 years.

Protests erupt after Mexican authorities say three students killed, dissolved in acid

&nbsp;Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sarksyan said on Monday he was resigning to help safeguard civic peace following almost two weeks of mass street protests that have plunged the impoverished ex-Soviet republic into political crisis.

Sarksyan, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, had served as Armenia's president for a decade until this month and had faced accusations of clinging to power when parliament elected him as prime minister last week.

Under a revised constitution, the prime minister now holds most power in the tiny southern Caucasus nation, while the presidency has become largely ceremonial.

Pressure on the 63-year-old to quit had increased sharply on Monday when unarmed soldiers in the capital Yerevan joined the anti-government protests, which first erupted on April 13.

Though peaceful, the tumult has threatened to destabilise Armenia, a key Russian ally in a volatile region riven by its decades-long, low-level conflict with Azerbaijan. Moscow, which has two military bases in Armenia, was closely watching events.

"I got it wrong," Sarksyan said in a statement issued by his office.

"In the current situation there are several solutions, but I won't choose any of them. It's not my style. I am quitting the country's leadership and the post of prime minister of Armenia."

He said he was bowing to protesters' demands and wanted his country to remain peaceful.

Armenia's 2025 dollar-denominated bond fell 0.83 cents after Sarksyan said he would resign, hitting a one-year low.

Former Armenian prime minister Karen Karapetyan, an ally of Sarksyan from his ruling pro-Russian Republican Party, was named as acting prime minister, Russia's RIA news agency reported, citing the Armenian government's press office.

Armenia's political parties in parliament now have seven days to put forward the name of a new prime minister. Sarksyan's allies remain in key positions in the government and it remains unclear whether his resignation will herald any real change. Protesters loudly celebrated Sarksyan's resignation.

Some hugged policemen in the street amid repeated cries of "Hurrah!", others beeped car horns, and some residents of Yerevan were even seen dancing outside.

The protests which toppled Sarksyan lasted for 11 days and saw tens of thousands of protesters march through Yerevan and other towns, blocking streets and staging sit-ins that disrupted daily life.

On Sunday police had detained three opposition leaders and nearly 200 protesters, drawing a rebuke from the European Union. Police released Nikol Pashinyan, a lawmaker regarded as the main opposition leader, on Monday.

Asked about the crisis on Monday before Sarksyan's resignation, the Kremlin called Armenia an "extraordinarily important country" for Russia, but dismissed the idea it might intervene, calling the crisis a domestic matter.

Last week Putin rang Sarksyan to congratulate him on becoming premier. As president, Sarksyan took Armenia, a country of about three million people, into a Russia-backed economic bloc and bought weapons from Moscow.

The protesters' complaints were mainly domestic and focussed on pervasive corruption and poverty in a country that won independence from Moscow in 1991 but has been hampered by its conflict with Azerbaijan over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh and other issues.

But critics have also accused Sarkasyan of moving landlocked Armenia too close to Russia at the expense of better ties with the West and increased prosperity, and it was unclear whether his political demise could lead to a change in foreign policy.

In what may have been a turning point in the protests, soldiers wearing military uniforms marched through Yerevan on Monday morning with the protesters.

Images broadcast on the internet and social media showed the soldiers hugging protesters and waving the country's national flag, in a development the Armenian Defence Ministry condemned as illegal and promised to harshly punish.

Opposition leader Pashinyan had told Sarkasyan that his time was up in a tense meeting on Sunday.

"The situation in Armenia has changed, you don't have the power of which you are told," he had told him. "In Armenia, the power has passed to the people."

Sarksyan, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, had served as Armenia's president for a decade until this month and had faced accusations of clinging to power when parliament elected him as prime minister last week

Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sarksyan said on Monday he was resigning to help safeguard civic peace following almost two weeks of mass street protests that have plunged the impoverished ex-Soviet republic into political crisis. Sarksyan, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, had served as Armenia's president for a decade until this month and had faced accusations of clinging to power when parliament elected him as prime minister last week. Under a revised constitution, the prime minister now holds most power in the tiny southern Caucasus nation, while the presidency has become largely ceremonial. Pressure on the 63-year-old to quit had increased sharply on Monday when unarmed soldiers in the capital Yerevan joined the anti-government protests, which first erupted on April 13. Though peaceful, the tumult has threatened to destabilise Armenia, a key Russian ally in a volatile region riven by its decades-long, low-level conflict with Azerbaijan. Moscow, which has two military bases in Armenia, was closely watching events. "I got it wrong," Sarksyan said in a statement issued by his office. "In the current situation there are several solutions, but I won't choose any of them. It's not my style. I am quitting the country's leadership and the post of prime minister of Armenia." He said he was bowing to protesters' demands and wanted his country to remain peaceful. Armenia's 2025 dollar-denominated bond fell 0.83 cents after Sarksyan said he would resign, hitting a one-year low. Former Armenian prime minister Karen Karapetyan, an ally of Sarksyan from his ruling pro-Russian Republican Party, was named as acting prime minister, Russia's RIA news agency reported, citing the Armenian government's press office. Armenia's political parties in parliament now have seven days to put forward the name of a new prime minister. Sarksyan's allies remain in key positions in the government and it remains unclear whether his resignation will herald any real change. Protesters loudly celebrated Sarksyan's resignation. Some hugged policemen in the street amid repeated cries of "Hurrah!", others beeped car horns, and some residents of Yerevan were even seen dancing outside. The protests which toppled Sarksyan lasted for 11 days and saw tens of thousands of protesters march through Yerevan and other towns, blocking streets and staging sit-ins that disrupted daily life. On Sunday police had detained three opposition leaders and nearly 200 protesters, drawing a rebuke from the European Union. Police released Nikol Pashinyan, a lawmaker regarded as the main opposition leader, on Monday. Asked about the crisis on Monday before Sarksyan's resignation, the Kremlin called Armenia an "extraordinarily important country" for Russia, but dismissed the idea it might intervene, calling the crisis a domestic matter. Last week Putin rang Sarksyan to congratulate him on becoming premier. As president, Sarksyan took Armenia, a country of about three million people, into a Russia-backed economic bloc and bought weapons from Moscow. The protesters' complaints were mainly domestic and focussed on pervasive corruption and poverty in a country that won independence from Moscow in 1991 but has been hampered by its conflict with Azerbaijan over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh and other issues. But critics have also accused Sarkasyan of moving landlocked Armenia too close to Russia at the expense of better ties with the West and increased prosperity, and it was unclear whether his political demise could lead to a change in foreign policy. In what may have been a turning point in the protests, soldiers wearing military uniforms marched through Yerevan on Monday morning with the protesters. Images broadcast on the internet and social media showed the soldiers hugging protesters and waving the country's national flag, in a development the Armenian Defence Ministry condemned as illegal and promised to harshly punish. Opposition leader Pashinyan had told Sarkasyan that his time was up in a tense meeting on Sunday. "The situation in Armenia has changed, you don't have the power of which you are told," he had told him. "In Armenia, the power has passed to the people."

Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sarksyan resigns following 11 day mass protest

Scores of protesters on Sunday gathered outside 10 Downing Street - the official residence of British Prime Minister - in London to protest against human rights violations in Balochistan by Pakistani authorities.

Baloch Republican Party's UK chapter posted pictures and a video clip of the same on Twitter.

Positing 10 pictures from their "official" Twitter handle, the party captioned them as "BRP urged @10DowningStreet & international community to take notice of massive Human Rights abuses being committed in #Balochistan by the Pakistani security forces. #HumanRights #London".

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Members of Baloch Republican Party UK, protested yesterday at 10 Downing Street in London against human rights violations in Balochistan by Pakistan and demanded an intervention by the United Kingdom. <a href="https://t.co/TFwwVtepeI">pic.twitter.com/TFwwVtepeI</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/988253557307727872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Sunday, Activists from Baloch Republican Party (BRP) and Baloch Republican Student Organisation (BRSO) on Sunday jointly held a protest demonstration outside Busan Station in South Korea to highlight war crimes and state atrocities allegedly being committed by the Pakistani military forces in Balochistan.

The party workers distributed informative pamphlets to the public and shouted slogans such as - "We want Freedom" and "Stop Killing Baloch" during the protest.

The Baloch activists have been trying to voice their concerns at multiple international platforms, including the United Nations.

Recently, at the 37th session of the Human Rights Council, activists raised the issue of enforced disappearances, torture and killings of several Baloch activists and intellectuals.

The Baloch activists have been trying to voice their concerns at multiple international platforms, including the United Nations

Scores of protesters on Sunday gathered outside 10 Downing Street - the official residence of British Prime Minister - in London to protest against human rights violations in Balochistan by Pakistani authorities. Baloch Republican Party's UK chapter posted pictures and a video clip of the same on Twitter. Positing 10 pictures from their "official" Twitter handle, the party captioned them as "BRP urged @10DowningStreet & international community to take notice of massive Human Rights abuses being committed in #Balochistan by the Pakistani security forces. #HumanRights #London". Members of Baloch Republican Party UK, protested yesterday at 10 Downing Street in London against human rights violations in Balochistan by Pakistan and demanded an intervention by the United Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/TFwwVtepeI — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2018 × On Sunday, Activists from Baloch Republican Party (BRP) and Baloch Republican Student Organisation (BRSO) on Sunday jointly held a protest demonstration outside Busan Station in South Korea to highlight war crimes and state atrocities allegedly being committed by the Pakistani military forces in Balochistan. The party workers distributed informative pamphlets to the public and shouted slogans such as - "We want Freedom" and "Stop Killing Baloch" during the protest. The Baloch activists have been trying to voice their concerns at multiple international platforms, including the United Nations. Recently, at the 37th session of the Human Rights Council, activists raised the issue of enforced disappearances, torture and killings of several Baloch activists and intellectuals.

Baloch activists now protest in London after Seoul

Starbucks Corp&nbsp;will close 8,000 company-owned US cafes for the afternoon on May 29 so 175,000 employees can undergo racial tolerance training in response to protests and calls for boycotts after the arrest of two black men waiting in a Philadelphia store.

Starbucks will be working with Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative Sherrilyn Ifill, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund Heather McGhee, president of Demos former US&nbsp;Attorney General Eric Holder and Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League to create this program.

Once the company has completed this training at its company-owned locations it will make it available to its licensed partners.

The company said in the Tuesday announcement that it will also provide training materials for non-company workers at the roughly 6,000 licensed Starbucks cafes that will remain open in locations such as grocery stores and airports.

The announcement from world’s biggest coffee company comes as it tries to cool tensions after the Philadelphia incident last week sparked accusations of racial profiling at the chain, which is the subject of a boycott campaign on social media.

During the early demonstration that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/protests-over-arrest-of-two-afro-american-men-in-starbucks-heightens-shop-briefly-closed-130968">forced the store to close </a>in Philadelphia on Tuesday, protesters called the mammoth coffee chain "anti-black." The store reopened hours later.

Starbucks Corp Chief Executive Kevin Johnson hopes to meet with the two afro men arrested at one of its Philadelphia cafes last week to apologise for the incident, which has sparked accusations of racial profiling at the coffee chain.

The men, who had not made a purchase, were handcuffed and arrested for trespassing on Thursday after a store manager called 911 and reported them for refusing to leave. Witnesses said the men were calmly sitting in the cafe and in a widely viewed video, some patrons asked police whether they were targeted because they are black.

Police released the men, who were not charged.

The outlets will shut down for the afternoon on May 29. The move comes after a Starbucks employee called the police on two black patrons in Philadelphia

Starbucks Corp will close 8,000 company-owned US cafes for the afternoon on May 29 so 175,000 employees can undergo racial tolerance training in response to protests and calls for boycotts after the arrest of two black men waiting in a Philadelphia store. Starbucks will be working with Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative Sherrilyn Ifill, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund Heather McGhee, president of Demos former US Attorney General Eric Holder and Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League to create this program. Once the company has completed this training at its company-owned locations it will make it available to its licensed partners. The company said in the Tuesday announcement that it will also provide training materials for non-company workers at the roughly 6,000 licensed Starbucks cafes that will remain open in locations such as grocery stores and airports. The announcement from world’s biggest coffee company comes as it tries to cool tensions after the Philadelphia incident last week sparked accusations of racial profiling at the chain, which is the subject of a boycott campaign on social media. During the early demonstration that forced the store to close in Philadelphia on Tuesday, protesters called the mammoth coffee chain "anti-black." The store reopened hours later. Starbucks Corp Chief Executive Kevin Johnson hopes to meet with the two afro men arrested at one of its Philadelphia cafes last week to apologise for the incident, which has sparked accusations of racial profiling at the coffee chain. The men, who had not made a purchase, were handcuffed and arrested for trespassing on Thursday after a store manager called 911 and reported them for refusing to leave. Witnesses said the men were calmly sitting in the cafe and in a widely viewed video, some patrons asked police whether they were targeted because they are black. Police released the men, who were not charged.

US: 8,000 Starbucks outlets to shut for racial-tolerance training

Protesting minority Hindu families residing in the Yazman Tehsil, which is approximately 30-kilometres from Bahawalpur, have come out onto the streets to demand the recovery of the minor girl allegedly abducted five days ago.

According to the Dawn, the protesting Hindus maintained that 12-year-old Rimshah was abducted by some local people.

The Dawn quoted Hari Chand, her father, as telling police in his complaint, that Ata Muhammad, Saghir Ahmed and Wazir Bibi had abducted his daughter.

A spokesman of the District Police Chief's Office was quoted, as saying that a Hindu community delegation has been asked to wait for 24 hours for the recovery of the girl.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, posters featuring images of the senior PML-N leadership, including President Shahbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Member of the National Assembly Hamza Shahbaz were defaced by unidentified persons during a protest held near the Bahawal Victoria Hospital.

Reportedly, there is a growing feeling that Bahawalpur is being neglected by the Punjab provincial government.&nbsp;

A spokesman of the District Police Chief's Office was quoted, as saying that a Hindu community delegation has been asked to wait for 24 hours for the recovery of the girl.

Protesting minority Hindu families residing in the Yazman Tehsil, which is approximately 30-kilometres from Bahawalpur, have come out onto the streets to demand the recovery of the minor girl allegedly abducted five days ago. According to the Dawn, the protesting Hindus maintained that 12-year-old Rimshah was abducted by some local people. The Dawn quoted Hari Chand, her father, as telling police in his complaint, that Ata Muhammad, Saghir Ahmed and Wazir Bibi had abducted his daughter. A spokesman of the District Police Chief's Office was quoted, as saying that a Hindu community delegation has been asked to wait for 24 hours for the recovery of the girl. Meanwhile, in a separate development, posters featuring images of the senior PML-N leadership, including President Shahbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Member of the National Assembly Hamza Shahbaz were defaced by unidentified persons during a protest held near the Bahawal Victoria Hospital. Reportedly, there is a growing feeling that Bahawalpur is being neglected by the Punjab provincial government.

Pakistan: Hindu families protest abduction of minor

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