Thousands march in Brussels against UN migration pact

Slogans like "We want justice" and "Release all Baloch Missing Persons" echoed across Balochistan as a large number of women and children joined massive rallies against enforced disappearances in the Pakistani province on Monday.

In Dera Ghazi Khan, the protesters demanded the immediate release of hundreds of Baloch political activists, students and other intellectuals who had been illegally abducted by secret services and the Army in the past few months.

The family members of Baloch missing persons have been protesting for the past few months, but their voice is unheard by Islamabad. They demand enforced disappearances should be criminalised.

Among many women who have joined the protest for the safe release of their husband is Zarina Baloch, wife of Shabir Baloch. Zarina`s husband was abducted on 14 October 2016 and she has never heard of him again. She has travelled from Awaran to set up a protest camp in capital Quetta.

There are many such families who have been silently fighting for injustice. In Quetta, a large number of missing persons` families were joined by civil rights and human rights activists to work for the safe recovery of Baloch missing persons.

Nasurallah Baloch, Chairman of Voice of Baloch Missing Persons said in his address, "Baloch women and children have been protesting since morning to evening for the safe recovery of their sons and brothers. Now, every Baloch must stand and give support to mothers and children. We want to tell those powerful officials and politicians as how the revolution will take birth in Balochistan".

"I have high praise for our mothers and sisters who have come on streets to seek justice for their loved ones who are disappeared. The civil society activists and human rights organizations in Balochistan will stand with you," said Nasrullah while announcing an indefinite protest for enforced disappeared persons.

Baloch human rights activist Mama Qadeer Baloch also joined the protest rally in Quetta and demand justice for innocent Baloch who have been languishing in illegal detention centres. It is believed many of these missing persons were killed and their mutilated bodies were thrown in isolated places by the secret agencies.

Balochistan is a resource-rich province of Pakistan, which the indigenous people claim to be forcefully occupied. The Baloch, who have been fighting for independence from Pakistan, are being targeted by secret agencies like the ISI and Military Intelligence. The people, who are generally targetted are the journalists, youth leaders, doctors, teachers and other intellectual people, who have been resisting against Islamabad.

The number of enforced disappearances and target killings has increased in Balochistan since China launched its multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the region. Balochistan`s Gwadar Port is the prime transit point, in which China is investing huge money.

Slogans like "We want justice" and "Release all Baloch Missing Persons" echoed across Balochistan as a large number of women and children joined massive rallies against enforced disappearances in the Pakistani province on Monday.

Slogans like "We want justice" and "Release all Baloch Missing Persons" echoed across Balochistan as a large number of women and children joined massive rallies against enforced disappearances in the Pakistani province on Monday. In Dera Ghazi Khan, the protesters demanded the immediate release of hundreds of Baloch political activists, students and other intellectuals who had been illegally abducted by secret services and the Army in the past few months. The family members of Baloch missing persons have been protesting for the past few months, but their voice is unheard by Islamabad. They demand enforced disappearances should be criminalised. Among many women who have joined the protest for the safe release of their husband is Zarina Baloch, wife of Shabir Baloch. Zarina`s husband was abducted on 14 October 2016 and she has never heard of him again. She has travelled from Awaran to set up a protest camp in capital Quetta. There are many such families who have been silently fighting for injustice. In Quetta, a large number of missing persons` families were joined by civil rights and human rights activists to work for the safe recovery of Baloch missing persons. Nasurallah Baloch, Chairman of Voice of Baloch Missing Persons said in his address, "Baloch women and children have been protesting since morning to evening for the safe recovery of their sons and brothers. Now, every Baloch must stand and give support to mothers and children. We want to tell those powerful officials and politicians as how the revolution will take birth in Balochistan". "I have high praise for our mothers and sisters who have come on streets to seek justice for their loved ones who are disappeared. The civil society activists and human rights organizations in Balochistan will stand with you," said Nasrullah while announcing an indefinite protest for enforced disappeared persons. Baloch human rights activist Mama Qadeer Baloch also joined the protest rally in Quetta and demand justice for innocent Baloch who have been languishing in illegal detention centres. It is believed many of these missing persons were killed and their mutilated bodies were thrown in isolated places by the secret agencies. Balochistan is a resource-rich province of Pakistan, which the indigenous people claim to be forcefully occupied. The Baloch, who have been fighting for independence from Pakistan, are being targeted by secret agencies like the ISI and Military Intelligence. The people, who are generally targetted are the journalists, youth leaders, doctors, teachers and other intellectual people, who have been resisting against Islamabad. The number of enforced disappearances and target killings has increased in Balochistan since China launched its multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the region. Balochistan`s Gwadar Port is the prime transit point, in which China is investing huge money.

Massive anti-Pakistan protests held across Balochistan

Protests erupted against Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Pak Army for brutal killing of Pashtun police officer, Tahir Dawar. Pashtuns in Pakistan chanted slogans against the Pakistan Army and ISI for brutally killing Dawar.

A large number of people came out on the streets at various cities and towns, including capital Peshawar, to condemn kidnapping and target killing of a Pashtun.

Tahir was gone missing in Islamabad about two weeks ago and his dead body was found in Afghanistan at the international border.

Taliban denied any role in the killing. Pashtoons believe that ISI kidnapped Tahir and killed him because he eliminated Taliban operatives during operations against terrorism and was sympathetic to the demands for return of thousands of missing Pashtuns.

Superintendent Tahir Dawar was head of Peshawar Police's rural area circle.

He survived two suicide attacks by terrorists. Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) chief Manzoor Pansteen met the brother of the slain police officer in Peshawar and expended full support to the grieved family to raise voice against the brutal murder.

Protests erupted against Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Pak Army for brutal killing of Pashtun police officer, Tahir Dawar. Pashtuns in Pakistan chanted slogans against the Pakistan Army and ISI for brutally killing Dawar.

Protests erupted against Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Pak Army for brutal killing of Pashtun police officer, Tahir Dawar. Pashtuns in Pakistan chanted slogans against the Pakistan Army and ISI for brutally killing Dawar. A large number of people came out on the streets at various cities and towns, including capital Peshawar, to condemn kidnapping and target killing of a Pashtun. Tahir was gone missing in Islamabad about two weeks ago and his dead body was found in Afghanistan at the international border. Taliban denied any role in the killing. Pashtoons believe that ISI kidnapped Tahir and killed him because he eliminated Taliban operatives during operations against terrorism and was sympathetic to the demands for return of thousands of missing Pashtuns. Superintendent Tahir Dawar was head of Peshawar Police's rural area circle. He survived two suicide attacks by terrorists. Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) chief Manzoor Pansteen met the brother of the slain police officer in Peshawar and expended full support to the grieved family to raise voice against the brutal murder.

Protests erupt against ISI, Pakistan Army for killing Pashtun police officer

Situation in Pakistan returned to normalcy Saturday as the massive countrywide protests led by hundreds of radical Islamist hardliners against the acquittal of a Christian woman in a blasphemy case came to a halt following a deal with the government.

Asia Bibi, a 47-year-old mother of four, was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting Islam in a row with her neighbours. She always maintained her innocence, but has spent most of the past eight years in solitary confinement.&nbsp;

Extremists chiefly belonging to Tehreek-i-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) and other factions took to streets against the verdict and blocked main roads in all major cities as well as several highways and motorways, seriously hampering the movements of goods, services and people.

"I am thankful to all Muslims who have played their part to ensure respect for Prophet Muhammad," TLP chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi told his followers before calling off protests.

"You have made an example and lesson for our generations to come about what it means to respect the Holy Prophet," he said.

Earlier, footage shared on social media showed that they wreaked vengeance on common people and burnt cars, bike and buses, torched properties and attacked police.

The chaos that reigned in cities like Lahore finally came to halt after government agreed to stop Asia from going abroad, promised not to stand against the review petition against her acquittal in the Supreme Court and withdraw of all the cases against hooligans and release those arrested.

Police announced on twitter after the agreement that Motorways and National Highways are open for all types of traffic. However, they urged public to refrain from unwanted travel keeping in view the "volatile and unpredictable" situation.

There are reports that Maulana Ashraf Jalali of Tehreek-i-Labail Ya Rasool Allah faction was till protesting but was not a big force to enforce big blockades.

So, schools have been opened in Punjab and elsewhere and mobile and internet services restored, police said.

The only saving grace for the government is that the TLP in the signed agreement "apologised if it had hurt the sentiments of someone or caused inconvenience" to them during the protests.&nbsp;

So far there is no proof that the protestors were also paid money to go back.

Last year, a video went viral showing an ISI army officer in uniform distributing money among the protestors after negotiating a deal with them the end the protests in Islamabad.

Situation in Pakistan returned to normalcy Saturday as the massive countrywide protests led by hundreds of radical Islamist hardliners against the acquittal of a Christian woman in a blasphemy case came to a halt following a deal with the government.

Situation in Pakistan returned to normalcy Saturday as the massive countrywide protests led by hundreds of radical Islamist hardliners against the acquittal of a Christian woman in a blasphemy case came to a halt following a deal with the government. Asia Bibi, a 47-year-old mother of four, was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting Islam in a row with her neighbours. She always maintained her innocence, but has spent most of the past eight years in solitary confinement. Extremists chiefly belonging to Tehreek-i-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) and other factions took to streets against the verdict and blocked main roads in all major cities as well as several highways and motorways, seriously hampering the movements of goods, services and people. "I am thankful to all Muslims who have played their part to ensure respect for Prophet Muhammad," TLP chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi told his followers before calling off protests. "You have made an example and lesson for our generations to come about what it means to respect the Holy Prophet," he said. Earlier, footage shared on social media showed that they wreaked vengeance on common people and burnt cars, bike and buses, torched properties and attacked police. The chaos that reigned in cities like Lahore finally came to halt after government agreed to stop Asia from going abroad, promised not to stand against the review petition against her acquittal in the Supreme Court and withdraw of all the cases against hooligans and release those arrested. Police announced on twitter after the agreement that Motorways and National Highways are open for all types of traffic. However, they urged public to refrain from unwanted travel keeping in view the "volatile and unpredictable" situation. There are reports that Maulana Ashraf Jalali of Tehreek-i-Labail Ya Rasool Allah faction was till protesting but was not a big force to enforce big blockades. So, schools have been opened in Punjab and elsewhere and mobile and internet services restored, police said. The only saving grace for the government is that the TLP in the signed agreement "apologised if it had hurt the sentiments of someone or caused inconvenience" to them during the protests. So far there is no proof that the protestors were also paid money to go back. Last year, a video went viral showing an ISI army officer in uniform distributing money among the protestors after negotiating a deal with them the end the protests in Islamabad.

Pakistan returns to normalcy as protests over Asia Bibi's acquittal halt

Jordan's Prime Minister Hani Mulki submitted his resignation to King Abdullah on Monday, an official source said, to soothe widespread anger over economic policies that have sparked the largest protests in several years and dozens of arrests.

Thousands of&nbspJordanians took to the streets of the capital Amman and main provincial towns again on Sunday, extending days of protests that have shaken&nbspJordan, a staunch U.S. ally that has remained stable through years of turmoil in the region.

Police chief Major General Fadel al-Hamoud said security forces had detained 60 people for breaking the law during the protests and 42 security force members had been injured, but protests remained under control.

"Rest assured,&nbspJordan&nbspis a safe and secure country, and things are under control," said Major General Hussein Hawatmeh, head of the Gendarmerie security department, appearing along with Hamoud at a news conference.

Public anger has grown over government policies since a steep general sales tax hike earlier this year and the abolition of bread subsidies, both measures driven by the International Monetary Fund.

Political sources earlier said Abdullah had summoned Mulki for an audience in the king's palace.

In a sign the tax hikes could be shelved, the Petra news agency, citing the speaker of parliament, said lawmakers were on course to ask the king's permission to hold an exceptional session, with a majority demanding the changes be withdrawn.

Mulki, a business-friendly politician, was appointed in May 2016 and given the responsibility of reviving a sluggish economy and business sentiment hit by regional turmoil. The tax increases have caused his popularity to plummet.

The protests, the biggest in&nbspJordan&nbspin years, widened on Saturday after Mulki refused to scrap a bill increasing personal and corporate taxes, saying it was up to parliament to decide.

Demonstrators who converged near the Cabinet office said they would disband only if the government rescinded the tax bill it sent to parliament last month.

"The government has made us penniless ... they have left us with no more money in our pockets," chanted protesters.

Unions representing tens of thousands of employees in both the public and private sectors have also called for a general strike on Wednesday after their demands for the bill to be scrapped were rejected by the government.

The government says it needs more funds for public services and argues that the tax changes reduce social disparities by placing a heavier burden on high earners. Opponents say a tough IMF-imposed fiscal consolidation plan has worsened the plight of poorer&nbspJordanians and squeezed the middle class.

Jordan's economy has struggled to grow in the past few years in the face of chronic deficits, as private foreign capital and aid flows have declined.

Protesters also criticise politicians for squandering public funds and corruption.

"Our demands are legitimate. No, no to corruption," chanted the demonstrators urging King Abdullah, who is seen as a unifying force, to intervene and crack down on official graft.

Thousands of Jordanians took to the streets of the capital Amman and main provincial towns again on Sunday, extending days of protests that have shaken Jordan, a staunch US ally that has remained stable through years of turmoil in the region

Jordan's Prime Minister Hani Mulki submitted his resignation to King Abdullah on Monday, an official source said, to soothe widespread anger over economic policies that have sparked the largest protests in several years and dozens of arrests. Thousands of&nbspJordanians took to the streets of the capital Amman and main provincial towns again on Sunday, extending days of protests that have shaken&nbspJordan, a staunch U.S. ally that has remained stable through years of turmoil in the region. Police chief Major General Fadel al-Hamoud said security forces had detained 60 people for breaking the law during the protests and 42 security force members had been injured, but protests remained under control. "Rest assured,&nbspJordan&nbspis a safe and secure country, and things are under control," said Major General Hussein Hawatmeh, head of the Gendarmerie security department, appearing along with Hamoud at a news conference. Public anger has grown over government policies since a steep general sales tax hike earlier this year and the abolition of bread subsidies, both measures driven by the International Monetary Fund. Political sources earlier said Abdullah had summoned Mulki for an audience in the king's palace. In a sign the tax hikes could be shelved, the Petra news agency, citing the speaker of parliament, said lawmakers were on course to ask the king's permission to hold an exceptional session, with a majority demanding the changes be withdrawn. Mulki, a business-friendly politician, was appointed in May 2016 and given the responsibility of reviving a sluggish economy and business sentiment hit by regional turmoil. The tax increases have caused his popularity to plummet. The protests, the biggest in&nbspJordan&nbspin years, widened on Saturday after Mulki refused to scrap a bill increasing personal and corporate taxes, saying it was up to parliament to decide. Demonstrators who converged near the Cabinet office said they would disband only if the government rescinded the tax bill it sent to parliament last month. "The government has made us penniless ... they have left us with no more money in our pockets," chanted protesters. Unions representing tens of thousands of employees in both the public and private sectors have also called for a general strike on Wednesday after their demands for the bill to be scrapped were rejected by the government. The government says it needs more funds for public services and argues that the tax changes reduce social disparities by placing a heavier burden on high earners. Opponents say a tough IMF-imposed fiscal consolidation plan has worsened the plight of poorer&nbspJordanians and squeezed the middle class. Jordan's economy has struggled to grow in the past few years in the face of chronic deficits, as private foreign capital and aid flows have declined. Protesters also criticise politicians for squandering public funds and corruption. "Our demands are legitimate. No, no to corruption," chanted the demonstrators urging King Abdullah, who is seen as a unifying force, to intervene and crack down on official graft.

Jordan's PM submits resignation after protests, source says

As many as 11 people have been reported dead in clashes between locals and the police in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin. According to reports, Union Home Ministry has demanded a report from the Tamil Nadu government over anti-Sterlite protests.

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Home Ministry seeks a report from Tamil Nadu govt over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thoothukudi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thoothukudi</a> incident where 11 people were killed yesterday in police firing during protests against Sterlite industries. <a href="https://t.co/MjSK2tzHYR">pic.twitter.com/MjSK2tzHYR</a>
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Chaos broke out as locals continued to protest Sterlite’s industrial plant for the 100th consecutive day on Tuesday.

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Madras High Court's Madurai bench to today deliver interim order on the ongoing construction of a new copper smelter by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sterlite?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sterlite</a> industries in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thoothukudi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thoothukudi</a> . 11 people were killed yesterday in police firing during protests against the construction of the new copper smelter
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As per reports, the protesters seek closing of the industrial plant. Agitators also ransacked the Collector’s office and burnt tyres.

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Security tightened in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thoothukudi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thoothukudi</a> after eleven people were killed yesterday in police firing during protests against Sterlite industries. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SterliteProtest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SterliteProtest</a> <a href="https://t.co/lmjbsTf66p">pic.twitter.com/lmjbsTf66p</a>
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Visuals from the ground showed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-sterlite-protests-in-tuticorin-one-killed-several-injured-in-clashes-with-police-138862">policemen charging at protesters with lathis</a> who pelted stones at them.

Several shops and commercial establishments remain closed in Tuticorin due to violent protests.

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Security tightened in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thoothukudi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thoothukudi</a> after eleven people were killed yesterday in police firing during protests against Sterlite industries. Section 144(prohibits assembly of more than 4 people in an area) has been imposed in the city. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SterliteProtest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SterliteProtest</a> <a href="https://t.co/cyOUFrxCGC">pic.twitter.com/cyOUFrxCGC</a>
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The foundation stone of Sterlite’s copper-smelting plant in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district was laid by the late former chief minister of Tamil Nadu, J Jayalalithaa, in the year 1994.

For over two decades, locals here have been fighting cases in various courts to protest its ongoing operations stating that the plant causes severe air and water pollution and contaminates the soil. &nbsp;

So far, there have only been temporary shutdowns and the plant has continued with its operations.&nbsp;

This year, fresh protests started in February when the company commenced works on its second unit amid opposition from the local people.

Section 144 of the CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code which lists out the procedure for administration of law in India), which prevents unlawful assembly of people in an area, has been imposed in and around the Sterlite unit. There is a heavy deployment of police in the city, with additional forces being rushed in from neighbouring cities as well.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of each of those killed, Rs 3 lakh to those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for people who suffered minor injuries.

The Sterlite plant is a copper unit of Vedanta Limited.&nbsp;

Madras High Court's Madurai bench will deliver an interim order today on the ongoing construction of a new copper smelter by Sterlite industries in Thoothukudi

As many as 11 people have been reported dead in clashes between locals and the police in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin. According to reports, Union Home Ministry has demanded a report from the Tamil Nadu government over anti-Sterlite protests. Home Ministry seeks a report from Tamil Nadu govt over #Thoothukudi incident where 11 people were killed yesterday in police firing during protests against Sterlite industries. pic.twitter.com/MjSK2tzHYR — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018 × Chaos broke out as locals continued to protest Sterlite’s industrial plant for the 100th consecutive day on Tuesday. Madras High Court's Madurai bench to today deliver interim order on the ongoing construction of a new copper smelter by #Sterlite industries in #Thoothukudi . 11 people were killed yesterday in police firing during protests against the construction of the new copper smelter — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018 × As per reports, the protesters seek closing of the industrial plant. Agitators also ransacked the Collector’s office and burnt tyres. Security tightened in #Thoothukudi after eleven people were killed yesterday in police firing during protests against Sterlite industries. #TamilNadu #SterliteProtest pic.twitter.com/lmjbsTf66p — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018 × Visuals from the ground showed policemen charging at protesters with lathis who pelted stones at them. Several shops and commercial establishments remain closed in Tuticorin due to violent protests. Security tightened in #Thoothukudi after eleven people were killed yesterday in police firing during protests against Sterlite industries. Section 144(prohibits assembly of more than 4 people in an area) has been imposed in the city. #TamilNadu #SterliteProtest pic.twitter.com/cyOUFrxCGC — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2018 × The foundation stone of Sterlite’s copper-smelting plant in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district was laid by the late former chief minister of Tamil Nadu, J Jayalalithaa, in the year 1994. For over two decades, locals here have been fighting cases in various courts to protest its ongoing operations stating that the plant causes severe air and water pollution and contaminates the soil. So far, there have only been temporary shutdowns and the plant has continued with its operations. This year, fresh protests started in February when the company commenced works on its second unit amid opposition from the local people. Section 144 of the CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code which lists out the procedure for administration of law in India), which prevents unlawful assembly of people in an area, has been imposed in and around the Sterlite unit. There is a heavy deployment of police in the city, with additional forces being rushed in from neighbouring cities as well. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of each of those killed, Rs 3 lakh to those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for people who suffered minor injuries. The Sterlite plant is a copper unit of Vedanta Limited.

Anti-Sterlite protests: Death toll mounts to 11, Home Ministry demands report from Tamil Nadu govt

At least nine protesters died and many were injured on Tuesday after the Tamil Nadu Police resorted to lathi-charge during an agitation by the locals against Sterlite’s industrial plant in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin.

Today is the 100th day of protests against the Sterlite plant. The locals want closure of the industrial unit.

Protesters also ransacked the Collector’s office and burnt tyres.

Visuals from the ground showed policemen charging at protesters with lathis who pelted stones at them. The police have erected barricades around the Collector's office to avoid worsening of the tense stand-off.

Several shops and commercial establishments remain closed in Tuticorin due to violent protests.

The residents have planned to intensify the agitation, claiming that the plant has polluted the ground water in the area. The protests have been going on for the past three months over severe health problems among the residents.

Section 144 of the CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code which lists out the procedure for administration of law in India), which prevents unlawful assembly of people in an area, has been imposed in and around the Sterlite unit. There is heavy deployment of police in the city, with additional forces being rushed in from neighbouring cities as well.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of each of those killed, Rs 3 lakh to those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for people who suffered minor injuries.

He also assured government jobs for one family member of each of those who lost their lives in accordance with their qualifications.

The chief minister instructed the Tuticorin district administration to ensure those wounded got good medical treatment.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Protest held in Tuticorin demanding ban on Sterlite Industries, in wake of the pollution created by them <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://t.co/23FWdj1do5">pic.twitter.com/23FWdj1do5</a>
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Reason behind the anti-Sterlite Copper plant protest

The Sterlite plant is a copper unit of Vedanta Limited. In March-end, the plant closed down for maintenance work. This is when protests intensified as residents were told they were expanding the unit. Residents allege the water in the area has been contaminated due to the plant's operations. They claim they are facing severe health problems due to the unit.

With hundreds of residents and social activists taking to the streets, there is heavy deployment of police in the coastal city.

At least nine protesters died and many were injured on Tuesday after the Tamil Nadu Police resorted to lathi-charge during an agitation by the locals against Sterlite’s industrial plant in Tamil Nadu's Tuticorin. Today is the 100th day of protests against the Sterlite plant. The locals want closure of the industrial unit. Protesters also ransacked the Collector’s office and burnt tyres. Visuals from the ground showed policemen charging at protesters with lathis who pelted stones at them. The police have erected barricades around the Collector's office to avoid worsening of the tense stand-off. Several shops and commercial establishments remain closed in Tuticorin due to violent protests. The residents have planned to intensify the agitation, claiming that the plant has polluted the ground water in the area. The protests have been going on for the past three months over severe health problems among the residents. Section 144 of the CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code which lists out the procedure for administration of law in India), which prevents unlawful assembly of people in an area, has been imposed in and around the Sterlite unit. There is heavy deployment of police in the city, with additional forces being rushed in from neighbouring cities as well. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of each of those killed, Rs 3 lakh to those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for people who suffered minor injuries. He also assured government jobs for one family member of each of those who lost their lives in accordance with their qualifications. The chief minister instructed the Tuticorin district administration to ensure those wounded got good medical treatment. #WATCH Protest held in Tuticorin demanding ban on Sterlite Industries, in wake of the pollution created by them #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/23FWdj1do5 — ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2018 × Reason behind the anti-Sterlite Copper plant protest The Sterlite plant is a copper unit of Vedanta Limited. In March-end, the plant closed down for maintenance work. This is when protests intensified as residents were told they were expanding the unit. Residents allege the water in the area has been contaminated due to the plant's operations. They claim they are facing severe health problems due to the unit.

Anti-Sterlite protests in Tuticorin turn violent as death toll rises to 9

A prison riot in northern Venezuela left at least 11 people dead, an NGO said Friday, days ahead of presidential elections in the crisis-hit country.

"There was an uprising resulting in 11 deaths, including two guards and nine prisoners," and 28 wounded on Thursday, Carlos Nieto, the director of prisoners' rights group A Window on Freedom, told AFP.

A group of inmates in the prison in the town of Irribarren snatched the gun from a guard, sparking a 20-minute shootout, the NGO said, quoting family members of the victims.

Some of the dead and wounded were shot or stabbed.

The riot came after 68 prisoners died in a fire in a police station's jail in the northern city of Valencia in March.

The fire was started by the detainees to force the guards to unlock the cells in a bid to escape.

Last month, five police officials were charged with homicide over the fire, one of the deadliest in Venezuela's long history of prison disasters.

The South American country's prisons suffer from dire overcrowding and a shortage of basic supplies, struggling under the deepening economic crisis that is gripping the once-wealthy oil-producing country.

Socialist President Nicolas Maduro is seeking a second six-year term in a controversial election on Sunday that is being boycotted by the opposition.

Maduro is the clear favorite, despite trailing in opinion polls to his main rival Henri Falcon, and a low approval rating among Venezuelans fed up with hyperinflation, food and medicine shortages, rising crime and broken water, power and transportation networks.

Some of the dead and wounded were shot or stabbed

A prison riot in northern Venezuela left at least 11 people dead, an NGO said Friday, days ahead of presidential elections in the crisis-hit country. "There was an uprising resulting in 11 deaths, including two guards and nine prisoners," and 28 wounded on Thursday, Carlos Nieto, the director of prisoners' rights group A Window on Freedom, told AFP. A group of inmates in the prison in the town of Irribarren snatched the gun from a guard, sparking a 20-minute shootout, the NGO said, quoting family members of the victims. Some of the dead and wounded were shot or stabbed. The riot came after 68 prisoners died in a fire in a police station's jail in the northern city of Valencia in March. The fire was started by the detainees to force the guards to unlock the cells in a bid to escape. Last month, five police officials were charged with homicide over the fire, one of the deadliest in Venezuela's long history of prison disasters. The South American country's prisons suffer from dire overcrowding and a shortage of basic supplies, struggling under the deepening economic crisis that is gripping the once-wealthy oil-producing country. Socialist President Nicolas Maduro is seeking a second six-year term in a controversial election on Sunday that is being boycotted by the opposition. Maduro is the clear favorite, despite trailing in opinion polls to his main rival Henri Falcon, and a low approval rating among Venezuelans fed up with hyperinflation, food and medicine shortages, rising crime and broken water, power and transportation networks.

Riot in Venezuela prison leaves 11 dead: Report

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that the United Nations had "collapsed" in the face of events in Gaza where Israeli forces killed 60 Palestinian protesters on Monday as the United States relocated its Israel embassy to Jerusalem.

Turkey has been among the most vocal critics of the Israeli use of deadly force against protesters at the Gaza border and of the US&nbspdecision to open its new embassy in Jerusalem. It called for an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul on Friday.

Speaking at a dinner on the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Erdogan said the majority of the international community had failed to react to the events in Gaza.

The events in Gaza have also sparked a diplomatic row between Turkey and Israel, with both countries expelling each other's senior diplomats on Tuesday.

The dispute appears to mark the worst diplomatic crisis between the two regional powers since Israeli marines stormed an aid ship to enforce a naval blockade of Gaza in 2010, killing 10 Turkish activists and prompting a downgrade in diplomatic ties that lasted until 2016.

Erdogan, who described Monday's bloodshed as genocide earlier this week, said Turkey had launched initiatives to get the issue onto the UN&nbspGeneral Assembly's agenda. He said Ankara was pressing members of the UN&nbspSecurity Council to be more active.

The events in Gaza have also sparked a diplomatic row between Turkey and Israel

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that the United Nations had "collapsed" in the face of events in Gaza where Israeli forces killed 60 Palestinian protesters on Monday as the United States relocated its Israel embassy to Jerusalem. Turkey has been among the most vocal critics of the Israeli use of deadly force against protesters at the Gaza border and of the US&nbspdecision to open its new embassy in Jerusalem. It called for an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul on Friday. Speaking at a dinner on the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Erdogan said the majority of the international community had failed to react to the events in Gaza. The events in Gaza have also sparked a diplomatic row between Turkey and Israel, with both countries expelling each other's senior diplomats on Tuesday. The dispute appears to mark the worst diplomatic crisis between the two regional powers since Israeli marines stormed an aid ship to enforce a naval blockade of Gaza in 2010, killing 10 Turkish activists and prompting a downgrade in diplomatic ties that lasted until 2016. Erdogan, who described Monday's bloodshed as genocide earlier this week, said Turkey had launched initiatives to get the issue onto the UN&nbspGeneral Assembly's agenda. He said Ankara was pressing members of the UN&nbspSecurity Council to be more active.

Turkey's Erdogan says UN has 'collapsed' in the face of Gaza violence

Palestinians rallied in Gaza on Tuesday for the funerals of scores of people killed by Israeli troops a day earlier, while on the Gaza-Israel border, Israeli forces took up positions to deal with the expected final day of a Palestinian protest campaign.

Monday's violence on the border, which took place as the United States opened its new embassy in Jerusalem, was the bloodiest for Palestinians since the 2014 Gaza conflict.

The death toll rose to 60 overnight after an eight-month-old baby died from tear gas that her family said she inhaled at a protest camp on Monday. More than 2,200 Palestinians were also injured by gunfire or tear gas.

Palestinian leaders have called Monday's events a massacre, and the Israeli tactic of using live fire against the protesters has drawn worldwide concern and condemnation.

Israel has said it is acting in self-defence to defend its borders and communities. Its main ally the United States has backed that stance, with both saying that Hamas, the Islamist group that rules the coastal enclave, instigated the violence.

There were fears of further bloodshed on Tuesday as Palestinians planned a further protest to mark the "Nakba", or "Catastrophe".

That is the day Palestinians lament the creation of Israel in 1948, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were driven from their homes in violence culminating in war between the newly created Jewish state and its Arab neighbours in 1948.

A six-week campaign of border protests dubbed "The Great March of Return" has revived calls for refugees to have the right of return to their former lands, which now lie inside Israel.

It was unclear whether large crowds would turn up at the border on Tuesday for the climax to the campaign after the heavy fatalities suffered on Monday.

Palestinian medical officials say that 104 Gazans have now been killed since the start of the protests and nearly 11,000 people wounded, about 3,500 of them hit by live fire. No Israeli casualties have been reported.

Israeli troops backed by tanks deployed along the border again on Tuesday. The area was relatively quiet early in the day, with many Gazans at the funerals. Protesters are expected to go to the border later.

In Geneva, the UN&nbsphuman rights office condemned what it called the "appalling deadly violence" by Israeli forces and said it was extremely worried about what might happen later.

UN&nbsphuman rights spokesman Rupert Colville said Israel had a right to defend its borders according to international law, but lethal force must only be used a last resort, and was not justified by Palestinians approaching the Gaza fence.

More than 2 million people are crammed into the narrow Gaza Strip, which is blockaded by Egypt and Israel and suffering a humanitarian crisis.

Young victim

Thousands of mourners attended funeral rallies on Tuesday morning, many waving Palestinian flags and some calling for revenge.

"With souls and blood we redeem you martyrs," mourners shouted as they walked in the funeral of two Palestinians in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip.

In Gaza City, hundreds marched in the funeral of eight-month-old Leila al-Ghandour, whose body was wrapped in a Palestinian flag.

"Let her stay with me, It is too early for her to go," her mother cried, pressing the baby's body to her chest.

Speaking at a Gaza hospital earlier, her grandmother said the child was at one of the tented protest encampments that have been set up a few hundred yards inside the border.

"We were at the tent camp east of Gaza when the Israelis fired lots of tear gas," Heyam Omar said.

"When we got back home, the baby stopped crying and I thought she was asleep. I took her to the children's hospital and the doctor told me she was martyred (dead)."

Most of the protesters stay around the tent camps, but groups of youths have ventured closer to the no-go zone along the fence, risking live fire from Israeli troops to roll burning tyres and throw stones.

Some have flown kites carrying containers of petrol that have spread fires on the Israeli side.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ordered a general strike across the Palestinian Territories on Tuesday and three days of national mourning.

Monday's protests were fired by the opening ceremony for the new US&nbspEmbassy in Jerusalem following its relocation from Tel Aviv. The move fulfilled a pledge by US&nbspPresident Donald Trump, who in December recognised the contested city as the Israeli capital.

Palestinians envision East Jerusalem as the capital of a state they hope to establish in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Israel regards all of Jerusalem, including the eastern sector it captured in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed in a move that is not recognised internationally, as its "eternal and indivisible capital".

Most countries say the status of Jerusalem - a sacred city to Jews, Muslims and Christians - should be determined in a final peace settlement and that moving their embassies now would prejudge any such deal.

Netanyahu praised Trump's decisions but Palestinians have said the United States can no longer serve as an honest broker in any peace process. Talks aimed a finding a two-state solution to the conflict have been frozen since 2014.

Netanyahu blamed Hamas for the Gaza violence. Hamas denied instigating it but the White House-backed Netanyahu.

"The responsibility for these tragic deaths rests squarely with Hamas. Hamas is intentionally and cynically provoking this response," White House spokesman Raj Shah told reporters.

Trump, in a recorded message on Monday, said he remained committed to peace between Israel and the Palestinians. He was represented at the embassy ceremony by his daughter Ivanka and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, US&nbspenvoy to the Middle East.

The Trump administration says it has nearly completed a new Israeli-Palestinian peace plan but is undecided on how and when to roll it out.

The United States on Monday blocked a Kuwait-drafted UN&nbspSecurity Council statement that would have expressed "outrage and sorrow at the killing of Palestinian civilians" and called for an independent investigation, UN&nbspdiplomats said.

Monday's violence on the border, which took place as the United States opened its new embassy in Jerusalem

Palestinians rallied in Gaza on Tuesday for the funerals of scores of people killed by Israeli troops a day earlier, while on the Gaza-Israel border, Israeli forces took up positions to deal with the expected final day of a Palestinian protest campaign. Monday's violence on the border, which took place as the United States opened its new embassy in Jerusalem, was the bloodiest for Palestinians since the 2014 Gaza conflict. The death toll rose to 60 overnight after an eight-month-old baby died from tear gas that her family said she inhaled at a protest camp on Monday. More than 2,200 Palestinians were also injured by gunfire or tear gas. Palestinian leaders have called Monday's events a massacre, and the Israeli tactic of using live fire against the protesters has drawn worldwide concern and condemnation. Israel has said it is acting in self-defence to defend its borders and communities. Its main ally the United States has backed that stance, with both saying that Hamas, the Islamist group that rules the coastal enclave, instigated the violence. There were fears of further bloodshed on Tuesday as Palestinians planned a further protest to mark the "Nakba", or "Catastrophe". That is the day Palestinians lament the creation of Israel in 1948, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were driven from their homes in violence culminating in war between the newly created Jewish state and its Arab neighbours in 1948. A six-week campaign of border protests dubbed "The Great March of Return" has revived calls for refugees to have the right of return to their former lands, which now lie inside Israel. It was unclear whether large crowds would turn up at the border on Tuesday for the climax to the campaign after the heavy fatalities suffered on Monday. Palestinian medical officials say that 104 Gazans have now been killed since the start of the protests and nearly 11,000 people wounded, about 3,500 of them hit by live fire. No Israeli casualties have been reported. Israeli troops backed by tanks deployed along the border again on Tuesday. The area was relatively quiet early in the day, with many Gazans at the funerals. Protesters are expected to go to the border later. In Geneva, the UN&nbsphuman rights office condemned what it called the "appalling deadly violence" by Israeli forces and said it was extremely worried about what might happen later. UN&nbsphuman rights spokesman Rupert Colville said Israel had a right to defend its borders according to international law, but lethal force must only be used a last resort, and was not justified by Palestinians approaching the Gaza fence. More than 2 million people are crammed into the narrow Gaza Strip, which is blockaded by Egypt and Israel and suffering a humanitarian crisis. Young victim Thousands of mourners attended funeral rallies on Tuesday morning, many waving Palestinian flags and some calling for revenge. "With souls and blood we redeem you martyrs," mourners shouted as they walked in the funeral of two Palestinians in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip. In Gaza City, hundreds marched in the funeral of eight-month-old Leila al-Ghandour, whose body was wrapped in a Palestinian flag. "Let her stay with me, It is too early for her to go," her mother cried, pressing the baby's body to her chest. Speaking at a Gaza hospital earlier, her grandmother said the child was at one of the tented protest encampments that have been set up a few hundred yards inside the border. "We were at the tent camp east of Gaza when the Israelis fired lots of tear gas," Heyam Omar said. "When we got back home, the baby stopped crying and I thought she was asleep. I took her to the children's hospital and the doctor told me she was martyred (dead)." Most of the protesters stay around the tent camps, but groups of youths have ventured closer to the no-go zone along the fence, risking live fire from Israeli troops to roll burning tyres and throw stones. Some have flown kites carrying containers of petrol that have spread fires on the Israeli side. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ordered a general strike across the Palestinian Territories on Tuesday and three days of national mourning. Monday's protests were fired by the opening ceremony for the new US&nbspEmbassy in Jerusalem following its relocation from Tel Aviv. The move fulfilled a pledge by US&nbspPresident Donald Trump, who in December recognised the contested city as the Israeli capital. Palestinians envision East Jerusalem as the capital of a state they hope to establish in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Israel regards all of Jerusalem, including the eastern sector it captured in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed in a move that is not recognised internationally, as its "eternal and indivisible capital". Most countries say the status of Jerusalem - a sacred city to Jews, Muslims and Christians - should be determined in a final peace settlement and that moving their embassies now would prejudge any such deal. Netanyahu praised Trump's decisions but Palestinians have said the United States can no longer serve as an honest broker in any peace process. Talks aimed a finding a two-state solution to the conflict have been frozen since 2014. Netanyahu blamed Hamas for the Gaza violence. Hamas denied instigating it but the White House-backed Netanyahu. "The responsibility for these tragic deaths rests squarely with Hamas. Hamas is intentionally and cynically provoking this response," White House spokesman Raj Shah told reporters. Trump, in a recorded message on Monday, said he remained committed to peace between Israel and the Palestinians. He was represented at the embassy ceremony by his daughter Ivanka and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, US&nbspenvoy to the Middle East. The Trump administration says it has nearly completed a new Israeli-Palestinian peace plan but is undecided on how and when to roll it out. The United States on Monday blocked a Kuwait-drafted UN&nbspSecurity Council statement that would have expressed "outrage and sorrow at the killing of Palestinian civilians" and called for an independent investigation, UN&nbspdiplomats said.

Gazans bury dead after bloodiest day of Israel border protests

The UN&nbsphuman rights office condemned Monday's&nbsp"appalling deadly violence" by Israeli security forces in Gaza and said it was extremely worried about what might happen later on Tuesday while calling for an independent investigation.

UN&nbsphuman rights spokesman Rupert Colville told a regular UN&nbspbriefing in Geneva that Israel had a right to defend its borders according to international law, but lethal force must only be used a last resort and was not justified by Palestinians approaching the Gaza fence.

Monday's violence on the border, which took place as the United States opened its new embassy in Jerusalem, was the bloodiest for Palestinians since the 2014 Gaza conflict.

There were fears of further bloodshed on Tuesday as Palestinians planned a further protest to mark the "Nakba", or "Catastrophe".

That is the day Palestinians lament the creation of Israel in 1948, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were driven from their homes in violence culminating in war between the newly created Jewish state and its Arab neighbours in 1948.

Monday's violence on the border, which took place as the United States opened its new embassy in Jerusalem, was the bloodiest for Palestinians since the 2014 Gaza conflict

The UN&nbsphuman rights office condemned Monday's "appalling deadly violence" by Israeli security forces in Gaza and said it was extremely worried about what might happen later on Tuesday while calling for an independent investigation. UN&nbsphuman rights spokesman Rupert Colville told a regular UN&nbspbriefing in Geneva that Israel had a right to defend its borders according to international law, but lethal force must only be used a last resort and was not justified by Palestinians approaching the Gaza fence. Monday's violence on the border, which took place as the United States opened its new embassy in Jerusalem, was the bloodiest for Palestinians since the 2014 Gaza conflict. There were fears of further bloodshed on Tuesday as Palestinians planned a further protest to mark the "Nakba", or "Catastrophe". That is the day Palestinians lament the creation of Israel in 1948, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were driven from their homes in violence culminating in war between the newly created Jewish state and its Arab neighbours in 1948.

UN warns of more Gaza violence, condemns Israel's use of force

On Saturday, the only goods crossing between Gaza and Israel, Kerem Shalom, was closed until further notice. A separate people crossing in northern Gaza remains open.&nbsp

According to reports, Palestinian protesters had ransacked the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza on Friday. The day also saw protests along the border.

No reports of damage were made on the Israeli side of the crossing. According to an army statement, the crossing will remain closed until the damages caused by the protests get fixed.

The crossing is the only way to transport goods, fuel and food in and out of Gaza.

Palestinian protests are expected along the Israeli border on Monday against the moving of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.&nbsp

Palestinian protests are expected along the Israeli border on Monday against the moving of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem

On Saturday, the only goods crossing between Gaza and Israel, Kerem Shalom, was closed until further notice. A separate people crossing in northern Gaza remains open. According to reports, Palestinian protesters had ransacked the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza on Friday. The day also saw protests along the border. No reports of damage were made on the Israeli side of the crossing. According to an army statement, the crossing will remain closed until the damages caused by the protests get fixed. The crossing is the only way to transport goods, fuel and food in and out of Gaza. Palestinian protests are expected along the Israeli border on Monday against the moving of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Only Gaza-Israel goods crossing gets closed after violent protests

Thousands of Peruvians took to the streets on Saturday marching against abortion in capital city Lima.

Anti-abortion demonstrations were&nbsp;promoted by the Roman Catholic Church and evangelical groups.

Protestors and campaigners marched down Brazil Avenue, one of the main roads of the Peruvian capital, from the city centre to the Costa Verde.

A counter march was also organized by abortion rights campaigners. Pro-abortion campaigners maintained that rape victims&nbsp;should be entitled to an abortion.

Anti-abortion and right-wing groups estimate a total of 100,000 abortions take place in Peru every year. The groups also maintain that complications from botched abortions are a leading cause of death in Peruvian women.&nbsp;

Latin America and the Caribbean battle some of the world's most restrictive and regressive abortion laws. Peru identifies abortion as an illegal procedure exclusive to pregnant women who face a threat to their life or health.

(With inputs from Reuters)

A counter march was organized by abortion rights campaigners

Thousands of Peruvians took to the streets on Saturday marching against abortion in capital city Lima. Anti-abortion demonstrations were promoted by the Roman Catholic Church and evangelical groups. Protestors and campaigners marched down Brazil Avenue, one of the main roads of the Peruvian capital, from the city centre to the Costa Verde. A counter march was also organized by abortion rights campaigners. Pro-abortion campaigners maintained that rape victims should be entitled to an abortion. Anti-abortion and right-wing groups estimate a total of 100,000 abortions take place in Peru every year. The groups also maintain that complications from botched abortions are a leading cause of death in Peruvian women. Latin America and the Caribbean battle some of the world's most restrictive and regressive abortion laws. Peru identifies abortion as an illegal procedure exclusive to pregnant women who face a threat to their life or health. (With inputs from Reuters)

Thousands of Peruvians protest abortion in capital city Lima

Israeli troops fired live rounds and tear gas at Palestinians who thronged the Gaza-Israel frontier and rampaged at a border terminal on Friday as part of a long-running protest, injuring about 1,100 people.

Medics said around 82 people were shot and wounded with live fire, another 800 treated for gas inhalation and the rest for other injuries along the Gaza side of the 25-mile (40-km) border fence, where Palestinians set up tent encampments on March 30 for what they call "The Great March of Return".

Youths rolled burning tyres to within 300 metres (yards) of the fence, trying to use the smoke as cover for throwing stones across it while eluding Israeli snipers. Army gunfire has killed at least 43 Palestinians on the frontier over the last month.

Protesters said they used slingshots to down two small Israeli observation drones. The army confirmed the drone losses.

Hundreds of Palestinians entered Kerem Shalom, an industrial crossing point on the border. One of them said over social media that they had "torched rooms used by the Occupation (Israel)."

The Israeli army issued footage showing fires at Kerem Shalom, but said the damage was limited to the Palestinian side.

"The rioters are damaging the pipes that carry fuel and gas from Israel into the Gaza Strip," the army said in a statement.

Facing international censure over its use of live fire in the protests, the Israeli army says it is protecting its border and takes such action only when protesters, some hurling firebombs and trying to plant explosives, approach too closely.

On Friday, troops faced "10,000 Palestinians participating in riots in six locations along the Gaza Strip border," it said.

As Israel celebrates its 70th birthday, Palestinians mourn what they call the "Nakba" (Catastrophe) of their people's mass dispossession during the conflict that broke out in 1948.

"Give us a state"

Two-thirds of the two million Palestinians in Gaza are war refugees or their descendants. The protests have seen thousands gather - in greater numbers on Fridays - to demand access to their families' lost homes or lands, now in Israel.

Israel rules that out, concerned it would lose its Jewish majority. Alternatives, such as accommodating refugees and their descendants in a future Palestinian state, have been discussed in peace talks that date back to 1993 but which are now stalled.

"If it wasn't for the occupation we would have lived as free as people like in other countries," Ahmed, 24, said at a protest site east of Gaza City. "If they don't allow us back, at least they should give us a state."

Israel says the protests have been organised by Hamas - an Islamist group that controls Gaza and is sworn to Israel's destruction - to provide cover for attacks, and that most of the dead were militants. Palestinians deny those allegations.

Israel, which withdrew settlers and soldiers from Gaza in 2005 after a 38-year occupation, has expanded its settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

An added focus this year is President Donald Trump's decision to begin moving the US&nbsp;Embassy to Jerusalem on May 14, the 70th anniversary of Israel's founding.

Trump's moves angered Palestinian leaders, who have refused to talk to his administration, accusing it of pro-Israel bias. Israel's government celebrated the U.S. decision, saying it recognised the "reality" that Jerusalem was the historic capital of the Jewish people.

Visiting the Middle East earlier this week, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lent his support to Israel's handling of the border protests. "We do believe the Israelis have a right to defend themselves," he said.

Medics said around 82 people were shot and wounded with live fire, another 800 treated for gas inhalation and the rest for other injuries along the Gaza side of the 25-mile (40-km) border fence

Israeli troops fired live rounds and tear gas at Palestinians who thronged the Gaza-Israel frontier and rampaged at a border terminal on Friday as part of a long-running protest, injuring about 1,100 people. Medics said around 82 people were shot and wounded with live fire, another 800 treated for gas inhalation and the rest for other injuries along the Gaza side of the 25-mile (40-km) border fence, where Palestinians set up tent encampments on March 30 for what they call "The Great March of Return". Youths rolled burning tyres to within 300 metres (yards) of the fence, trying to use the smoke as cover for throwing stones across it while eluding Israeli snipers. Army gunfire has killed at least 43 Palestinians on the frontier over the last month. Protesters said they used slingshots to down two small Israeli observation drones. The army confirmed the drone losses. Hundreds of Palestinians entered Kerem Shalom, an industrial crossing point on the border. One of them said over social media that they had "torched rooms used by the Occupation (Israel)." The Israeli army issued footage showing fires at Kerem Shalom, but said the damage was limited to the Palestinian side. "The rioters are damaging the pipes that carry fuel and gas from Israel into the Gaza Strip," the army said in a statement. Facing international censure over its use of live fire in the protests, the Israeli army says it is protecting its border and takes such action only when protesters, some hurling firebombs and trying to plant explosives, approach too closely. On Friday, troops faced "10,000 Palestinians participating in riots in six locations along the Gaza Strip border," it said. As Israel celebrates its 70th birthday, Palestinians mourn what they call the "Nakba" (Catastrophe) of their people's mass dispossession during the conflict that broke out in 1948. "Give us a state" Two-thirds of the two million Palestinians in Gaza are war refugees or their descendants. The protests have seen thousands gather - in greater numbers on Fridays - to demand access to their families' lost homes or lands, now in Israel. Israel rules that out, concerned it would lose its Jewish majority. Alternatives, such as accommodating refugees and their descendants in a future Palestinian state, have been discussed in peace talks that date back to 1993 but which are now stalled. "If it wasn't for the occupation we would have lived as free as people like in other countries," Ahmed, 24, said at a protest site east of Gaza City. "If they don't allow us back, at least they should give us a state." Israel says the protests have been organised by Hamas - an Islamist group that controls Gaza and is sworn to Israel's destruction - to provide cover for attacks, and that most of the dead were militants. Palestinians deny those allegations. Israel, which withdrew settlers and soldiers from Gaza in 2005 after a 38-year occupation, has expanded its settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. An added focus this year is President Donald Trump's decision to begin moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem on May 14, the 70th anniversary of Israel's founding. Trump's moves angered Palestinian leaders, who have refused to talk to his administration, accusing it of pro-Israel bias. Israel's government celebrated the U.S. decision, saying it recognised the "reality" that Jerusalem was the historic capital of the Jewish people. Visiting the Middle East earlier this week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lent his support to Israel's handling of the border protests. "We do believe the Israelis have a right to defend themselves," he said.

Israeli troops fire shots, tear gas at Gaza protesters, 1,100 Palestinians hurt

Thousands of people of conitnued protests for the third consecutive day in Pamplona, Spain against the gang rape accused sentence by the court.

According to reports at least 35,000 people marched in streets as they raised slogans like "it's not sexual abuse, it's rape''. The police informed media that the protests remain peaceful.

In 2016 during the Spain's famous bull running festival&nbspfive men allegedly gang-raped an 18 year-old woman. However the court has setenced them for sexual abuse which is a lesser offence under Spanish law than the gang rape.&nbsp

They also shot a video of the incident and posted on their whatsapp group name&nbsp'La manda' an english translation is "the wolf pack".

On Thursday the court of Navarre region in Spain setenced all five accused to nine years in prison for ''a continued crime of sexual abuse'' promoting massive protests across the country including&nbspBarcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Pamplona and Alicante.

According to a report&nbspby the Spain's daily prosecutors had sought 22 years of sentence for each accused with more serious charges.

The public outcry has also led spain's&nbspgovernment to consider changes in their rape law.

The sexual abuse laws of Spain are much lighter in nature as they do not inlcude violence or intimidation.

For a person to be accused of rape, an evidence of violence or intimdation must exist for the offence to be proved prompting a painful debate of how much victim should fight with out getting killed and still get recognised as victim.

However, media reports say that the video which was found in accused phone the victim is seen protesting mildly as she felt trapped and was afraid.

The demonstrators has called the court's verdict a stepback for women's security.

A petition seeking disqualification of the judges who ruled the decision is also circulating online and has gathered 102 million signatures so far.

The victim is said to&nbspappeal further in the&nbspcase.

 
&nbsp

According to reports at least 35,000 people marched in streets as they raised slogans like 'it's not sexual abuse, it's rape'. The police informed media that the protests remain peaceful

Thousands of people of conitnued protests for the third consecutive day in Pamplona, Spain against the gang rape accused sentence by the court. According to reports at least 35,000 people marched in streets as they raised slogans like "it's not sexual abuse, it's rape''. The police informed media that the protests remain peaceful. In 2016 during the Spain's famous bull running festival&nbspfive men allegedly gang-raped an 18 year-old woman. However the court has setenced them for sexual abuse which is a lesser offence under Spanish law than the gang rape. They also shot a video of the incident and posted on their whatsapp group name 'La manda' an english translation is "the wolf pack". On Thursday the court of Navarre region in Spain setenced all five accused to nine years in prison for ''a continued crime of sexual abuse'' promoting massive protests across the country including&nbspBarcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Pamplona and Alicante. According to a report&nbspby the Spain's daily prosecutors had sought 22 years of sentence for each accused with more serious charges. The public outcry has also led spain's&nbspgovernment to consider changes in their rape law. The sexual abuse laws of Spain are much lighter in nature as they do not inlcude violence or intimidation. For a person to be accused of rape, an evidence of violence or intimdation must exist for the offence to be proved prompting a painful debate of how much victim should fight with out getting killed and still get recognised as victim. However, media reports say that the video which was found in accused phone the victim is seen protesting mildly as she felt trapped and was afraid. The demonstrators has called the court's verdict a stepback for women's security. A petition seeking disqualification of the judges who ruled the decision is also circulating online and has gathered 102 million signatures so far. The victim is said to&nbspappeal further in the&nbspcase.

Spain: More than 30,000 people protest against Pamplona gang rape

Armenian police detained three opposition leaders on Sunday and held nearly 200 protesters during the latest demonstrations against the appointment of the former President Serzh Sarksyan as prime minister.

Protesters accuse Sarksyan of clinging to power after he was appointed premier this month following 10 years as president. Tens of thousands of opponents have marched through the capital Yerevan, blocking streets in the city centre and staging sit-ins.

Under a revised constitution approved in a 2015 referendum, most state powers have shifted to the prime minister while the presidency has become a largely ceremonial post.

Police said in a statement that opposition politician Nikol Pashinyan and two other lawmakers had been "forcibly removed" from the protest. A Reuters reporter witnessed the 'red berets', as Armenian special forces are known, grab one lawmaker by his hands and feet and carry him behind the police cordon.

The public prosecution service confirmed the three opposition leaders had been detained on suspicion of organising an illegal protest.

Almost 200 people have been taken to police stations by law enforcement, Interfax news agency cited police representatives as saying. Seven people had been taken to hospital, the Ministry of Health said in a statement.

According to the law, the detainees must either be released within 72 hours, or a criminal case can be opened against them, leading to a longer-term arrest.

Opposition leader Pashinyan had earlier held talks with Sarksyan, who walked out of the meeting after accusing his opponents of trying to "blackmail" the authorities.

"This is not talks, not a dialogue, it's just an ultimatum, blackmail of the state, of the legitimate authorities," Sarksyan had said.

Armenia seceded from the Soviet Union in 1991 but remains dependent on Russia for aid and investment. Many Armenians accuse the government of corruption and mishandling an economy that has struggled to overcome the legacy of central planning.

Noisy protests

Demonstrators continued to march in large numbers in the capital, blowing vuvuzelas and sounding car horns, despite earlier attempts by police to break up the march with batons and shields.

The police called on protesters to stop the situation from escalating, Interfax news agency said, quoting an official statement.

"If these demands are not fulfilled, the police has the right to take demonstrators into custody and to use force," Interfax cited the statement as saying.

In a statement, the European Union's foreign policy arm called for more dialogue and a peaceful resolution.

"All those who have been detained while exercising their fundamental right of assembly in accordance with the law must be released immediately," it said.

"It is of utmost importance that all parties involved show restraint and act responsibly."

Parliament voted last Tuesday to allow Sarksyan to become premier, angering opposition leaders.

"I am telling you: you have no understanding of the situation in the country. The situation is different to the one you knew 15-20 days ago," Pashinyan had told Sarksyan on Sunday.

"The situation in Armenia has changed, you don't have the power of which you are told. In Armenia, the power has passed to the people," he said.

Protesters accuse Sarksyan of clinging to power after he was appointed premier this month following 10 years as president

Armenian police detained three opposition leaders on Sunday and held nearly 200 protesters during the latest demonstrations against the appointment of the former President Serzh Sarksyan as prime minister. Protesters accuse Sarksyan of clinging to power after he was appointed premier this month following 10 years as president. Tens of thousands of opponents have marched through the capital Yerevan, blocking streets in the city centre and staging sit-ins. Under a revised constitution approved in a 2015 referendum, most state powers have shifted to the prime minister while the presidency has become a largely ceremonial post. Police said in a statement that opposition politician Nikol Pashinyan and two other lawmakers had been "forcibly removed" from the protest. A Reuters reporter witnessed the 'red berets', as Armenian special forces are known, grab one lawmaker by his hands and feet and carry him behind the police cordon. The public prosecution service confirmed the three opposition leaders had been detained on suspicion of organising an illegal protest. Almost 200 people have been taken to police stations by law enforcement, Interfax news agency cited police representatives as saying. Seven people had been taken to hospital, the Ministry of Health said in a statement. According to the law, the detainees must either be released within 72 hours, or a criminal case can be opened against them, leading to a longer-term arrest. Opposition leader Pashinyan had earlier held talks with Sarksyan, who walked out of the meeting after accusing his opponents of trying to "blackmail" the authorities. "This is not talks, not a dialogue, it's just an ultimatum, blackmail of the state, of the legitimate authorities," Sarksyan had said. Armenia seceded from the Soviet Union in 1991 but remains dependent on Russia for aid and investment. Many Armenians accuse the government of corruption and mishandling an economy that has struggled to overcome the legacy of central planning. Noisy protests Demonstrators continued to march in large numbers in the capital, blowing vuvuzelas and sounding car horns, despite earlier attempts by police to break up the march with batons and shields. The police called on protesters to stop the situation from escalating, Interfax news agency said, quoting an official statement. "If these demands are not fulfilled, the police has the right to take demonstrators into custody and to use force," Interfax cited the statement as saying. In a statement, the European Union's foreign policy arm called for more dialogue and a peaceful resolution. "All those who have been detained while exercising their fundamental right of assembly in accordance with the law must be released immediately," it said. "It is of utmost importance that all parties involved show restraint and act responsibly." Parliament voted last Tuesday to allow Sarksyan to become premier, angering opposition leaders. "I am telling you: you have no understanding of the situation in the country. The situation is different to the one you knew 15-20 days ago," Pashinyan had told Sarksyan on Sunday. "The situation in Armenia has changed, you don't have the power of which you are told. In Armenia, the power has passed to the people," he said.

Armenian police detain almost 200 in protests

One person was killed on Saturday when Madagascar police fired teargas at opposition demonstrators protesting against new electoral laws they say are designed to lock out their candidate from a presidential election due this year.

Olivat Rakoto, director of the Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona hospital in the city, said they had received 17 people with injuries from midday (0900 GMT) to 3 p.m. (1200 GMT).

"One person came but we could do nothing for him when he arrived," she said, referring to the dead person, one of the 17.

Rakoto did not comment on the nature of the injuries but some witnesses at the hospital said some injuries were caused by landing gas canisters. There was no immediate comment from the government or police.

Supporters of Marc Ravalomanana, a former leader of the Indian Ocean island nation, say the new electoral laws are designed to prevent him running in the election. The opposition is also contending provisions on campaign financing and access to media in the laws.

Ravalomanana, who was deposed in a 2009 coup, has teamed up with the man who succeeded him, Andy Rajoelina, to oppose the laws pushed by President Hery Rajaonarimampianina.&nbsp;

Hundreds of protesters gathered in the centre of the capital early on Saturday to protest against the laws which were enacted by parliament earlier this month, before police fired dozens of teargas canisters at the crowd.

One opposition lawmaker accused the government of attacking opposition MPs while carrying out their work and demanded the president's resignation.

"Hery Rajaonarimampianina has to resign, he attacks members of Parliament which are in the line of their duty," said Paul Bert Rahasimanana who represents a constituency in the capital.&nbsp;

"We just wanted to do some report on the adoption of electoral laws and he sends us forces of repression."

Police later retreated from the scene outside the mayor's office, leaving about 1,000 opposition supporters protesting peacefully.&nbsp;

"We are here because we need freedom of speech and because we do not agree with the authoritarian government," said Fafah Rasoanirina, a 24-year old protester.

The opposition says the law requires a presidential candidate to produce a report on all previous judicial convictions, which could be a disadvantage for their candidate. Ravalomanana was convicted by a court when he was in exile after the 2009 coup for a range of offences.

He has already said he will run in the election due before the end of this year through the precise date has yet to be set. 
&nbsp;

Madagascar police on Saturday fired teargas at opposition demonstrators protesting against new electoral laws

One person was killed on Saturday when Madagascar police fired teargas at opposition demonstrators protesting against new electoral laws they say are designed to lock out their candidate from a presidential election due this year. Olivat Rakoto, director of the Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona hospital in the city, said they had received 17 people with injuries from midday (0900 GMT) to 3 p.m. (1200 GMT). "One person came but we could do nothing for him when he arrived," she said, referring to the dead person, one of the 17. Rakoto did not comment on the nature of the injuries but some witnesses at the hospital said some injuries were caused by landing gas canisters. There was no immediate comment from the government or police. Supporters of Marc Ravalomanana, a former leader of the Indian Ocean island nation, say the new electoral laws are designed to prevent him running in the election. The opposition is also contending provisions on campaign financing and access to media in the laws. Ravalomanana, who was deposed in a 2009 coup, has teamed up with the man who succeeded him, Andy Rajoelina, to oppose the laws pushed by President Hery Rajaonarimampianina. Hundreds of protesters gathered in the centre of the capital early on Saturday to protest against the laws which were enacted by parliament earlier this month, before police fired dozens of teargas canisters at the crowd. One opposition lawmaker accused the government of attacking opposition MPs while carrying out their work and demanded the president's resignation. "Hery Rajaonarimampianina has to resign, he attacks members of Parliament which are in the line of their duty," said Paul Bert Rahasimanana who represents a constituency in the capital. "We just wanted to do some report on the adoption of electoral laws and he sends us forces of repression." Police later retreated from the scene outside the mayor's office, leaving about 1,000 opposition supporters protesting peacefully. "We are here because we need freedom of speech and because we do not agree with the authoritarian government," said Fafah Rasoanirina, a 24-year old protester. The opposition says the law requires a presidential candidate to produce a report on all previous judicial convictions, which could be a disadvantage for their candidate. Ravalomanana was convicted by a court when he was in exile after the 2009 coup for a range of offences. He has already said he will run in the election due before the end of this year through the precise date has yet to be set.

One killed, 16 injured as Madagascar police disperse protests

Israeli troops shot dead four Palestinians on the Gaza-Israel border on Friday, bringing to 35 the death toll among Palestinians protesters demanding the right to return to their former homeland.

Gazans used catapults and sling-shots to launch stones at Israeli forces, and some Palestinians brought wire-cutters to cut through the border fence, ignoring leaflets dropped by the Israeli military warning residents not to approach the frontier.

The deaths included a 15-year-old boy shot dead in northern Gaza, Palestinian health officials said. At least 100 people were wounded by Israeli gunfire, the officials said.

The planned six-week protest campaign reached its half-way point on Friday, which saw smaller crowds than in recent weeks. As the numbers peaked during the afternoon Israeli soldiers called out warnings in Arabic over loudspeakers to anyone who approached the border fence.

Black plumes of smoke from piles of burning tyres billowed over the area, and stretcher-bearers rushed to carry the wounded to first aid posts.

The protest began on March 30, and has seen tent encampments spring up near the Israeli-imposed restricted zone along the 40km (25-mile) border fence. The protesters have revived demands for Palestinian refugees to regain their ancestral homes in what is now Israel.&nbsp;

The protests are scheduled to culminate on May 15, when, according to Hamas leader Ismail Haniya, the Gaza scenes would be replicated elsewhere on Israel's frontiers.

"I say to our people everywhere, be prepared for a human deluge on all of the borders of Palestine, inside the occupied land and outside the occupied land," he said on a visit to one of the border camps. "I say to the (Israeli occupiers) your time is gone."

Israel's use of live fire has drawn international criticism but the Israeli government says it is protecting its borders and takes such action when protesters come too close to the border fence.

The Israeli military said that around 3,000 Palestinians were involved in the latest protest, and that its troops responded "with riot dispersal means and are firing in accordance with the rules of engagement."

Israel accuses Hamas, the Islamist militant group which rules Gaza, of staging riots and trying to carry out attacks. Hamas denies this. Although organisers say the main protest is intended to be peaceful, some protesters have advanced toward the border from the encampments to hurl stones and burning tyres near the fence.

On Friday they fitted kites with cans of flammable liquid, which they flew across the border to start fires in Israel.

"We aim to distract the soldiers from shooting and wounding or killing our people," said Mohammad Abu Mustafa, 17, who lost his right leg a few months ago after being shot by an Israeli soldier. Israel's Foreign Ministry tweeted a photograph of one kite daubed with a swastika flying through the sky trailing flames.

Packed in

More than 2 million Palestinians are packed into the narrow coastal enclave. Israel withdrew its troops and settlers from Gaza in 2005 but maintains tight control of its land and sea borders. Egypt also restricts movement in and out of Gaza on its border.

The protest campaign, dubbed The Great March of Return, is leading up to May 15, when Palestinians mark Nakba Day, or the Day of Catastrophe, commemorating their displacement around the time of Israel`s founding in 1948.

It takes place at a time of growing frustration over the prospects for an independent Palestinian state. Peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians have been stalled for several years and Israeli settlements in the occupied territories have expanded.&nbsp;

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's decision last year to recognise disputed Jerusalem as Israel's capital further fueled Palestinian anger.&nbsp;

In an apparent sign of concern over the bloodshed on the border, the Israeli-American Hollywood actress Natalie Portman announced she was pulling out of a ceremony in Israel to accept a million-dollar prize because of "distressing" events in the country.

In a statement, the Genesis Prize Foundation quoted a representative for Portman as saying: "Recent events in Israel have been extremely distressing to her and she does not feel comfortable participating in any public events in Israel."

It gave no further details of her reasons. But the foundation said it "admires her humanity, and respects her right to publicly disagree with the policies of the government of Israel".

Israel's culture minister, Miri Regev, suggested the actress was supporting the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement, which aims to isolate Israel economically over its treatment of Palestinians. Israel sees the BDS movement as an attempt to delegitimise it.

The Genesis Prize is awarded to individuals for excellence in their professional fields and "who inspire others through their dedication to the Jewish community and Jewish values"

Despite the warnings, two Palestinians were killed and 12 wounded by Israeli gunfire

Israeli troops shot dead four Palestinians on the Gaza-Israel border on Friday, bringing to 35 the death toll among Palestinians protesters demanding the right to return to their former homeland. Gazans used catapults and sling-shots to launch stones at Israeli forces, and some Palestinians brought wire-cutters to cut through the border fence, ignoring leaflets dropped by the Israeli military warning residents not to approach the frontier. The deaths included a 15-year-old boy shot dead in northern Gaza, Palestinian health officials said. At least 100 people were wounded by Israeli gunfire, the officials said. The planned six-week protest campaign reached its half-way point on Friday, which saw smaller crowds than in recent weeks. As the numbers peaked during the afternoon Israeli soldiers called out warnings in Arabic over loudspeakers to anyone who approached the border fence. Black plumes of smoke from piles of burning tyres billowed over the area, and stretcher-bearers rushed to carry the wounded to first aid posts. The protest began on March 30, and has seen tent encampments spring up near the Israeli-imposed restricted zone along the 40km (25-mile) border fence. The protesters have revived demands for Palestinian refugees to regain their ancestral homes in what is now Israel. The protests are scheduled to culminate on May 15, when, according to Hamas leader Ismail Haniya, the Gaza scenes would be replicated elsewhere on Israel's frontiers. "I say to our people everywhere, be prepared for a human deluge on all of the borders of Palestine, inside the occupied land and outside the occupied land," he said on a visit to one of the border camps. "I say to the (Israeli occupiers) your time is gone." Israel's use of live fire has drawn international criticism but the Israeli government says it is protecting its borders and takes such action when protesters come too close to the border fence. The Israeli military said that around 3,000 Palestinians were involved in the latest protest, and that its troops responded "with riot dispersal means and are firing in accordance with the rules of engagement." Israel accuses Hamas, the Islamist militant group which rules Gaza, of staging riots and trying to carry out attacks. Hamas denies this. Although organisers say the main protest is intended to be peaceful, some protesters have advanced toward the border from the encampments to hurl stones and burning tyres near the fence. On Friday they fitted kites with cans of flammable liquid, which they flew across the border to start fires in Israel. "We aim to distract the soldiers from shooting and wounding or killing our people," said Mohammad Abu Mustafa, 17, who lost his right leg a few months ago after being shot by an Israeli soldier. Israel's Foreign Ministry tweeted a photograph of one kite daubed with a swastika flying through the sky trailing flames. Packed in More than 2 million Palestinians are packed into the narrow coastal enclave. Israel withdrew its troops and settlers from Gaza in 2005 but maintains tight control of its land and sea borders. Egypt also restricts movement in and out of Gaza on its border. The protest campaign, dubbed The Great March of Return, is leading up to May 15, when Palestinians mark Nakba Day, or the Day of Catastrophe, commemorating their displacement around the time of Israel`s founding in 1948. It takes place at a time of growing frustration over the prospects for an independent Palestinian state. Peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians have been stalled for several years and Israeli settlements in the occupied territories have expanded. US President Donald Trump's decision last year to recognise disputed Jerusalem as Israel's capital further fueled Palestinian anger. In an apparent sign of concern over the bloodshed on the border, the Israeli-American Hollywood actress Natalie Portman announced she was pulling out of a ceremony in Israel to accept a million-dollar prize because of "distressing" events in the country. In a statement, the Genesis Prize Foundation quoted a representative for Portman as saying: "Recent events in Israel have been extremely distressing to her and she does not feel comfortable participating in any public events in Israel." It gave no further details of her reasons. But the foundation said it "admires her humanity, and respects her right to publicly disagree with the policies of the government of Israel". Israel's culture minister, Miri Regev, suggested the actress was supporting the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement, which aims to isolate Israel economically over its treatment of Palestinians. Israel sees the BDS movement as an attempt to delegitimise it. The Genesis Prize is awarded to individuals for excellence in their professional fields and "who inspire others through their dedication to the Jewish community and Jewish values"

Israeli troops kill four more Palestinians in border protest

India stood up Sunday to protest the recent Unnao and Kathua gang rapes.&nbsp;

Protests were held in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Aligarh, Bhopal, and Goa and Kerala.&nbsp;

The Mumbai protest began at Bandra's Carter Road.&nbsp;

Ekta Kapoor had earlier tweeted: "Everyone should come. Whatever religion, gender or belief you belong to. For humanity, for justice..."&nbsp;

The Delhi protest is being held at Parliament Street where, news reports said, Swati Maliwal, the chief of the Delhi Women's Commission, is holding a hunger strike.

The Kathua and Unnao gang rapes have left the nation in shock.&nbsp;

In the first attack, an eight-year-old girl was kept captive in a temple in Kathua, Jammu. The child was sedated and gang-raped repeatedly.&nbsp;

The alleged mastermind was a retired revenue official and policemen were allegedly involved in the crime.&nbsp;

The Unnao gang rape only came to light when the girl and her family tried to immolate themselves outside the residence of the Uttar Pradesh chief minister.&nbsp;

The girl said she had been raped by the BJP MLA from Unnao Kuldeep Singh Sengar and his associates in May 2017 but had got no justice.&nbsp;

The girl's father died a few days later. He was reportedly beaten by Sengar's brother in front of the police who allegedly did nothing because of the MLA's clout.&nbsp;

Sengar's brother has been arrested. Sengar himself was finally arrested only after the CBI took over the case.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Protest held over <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unnao?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Unnao</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kathua?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kathua</a> rape cases at Carter Rd in Mumbai's Bandra <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a> <a href="https://t.co/u3aCXue1fE">pic.twitter.com/u3aCXue1fE</a>
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Protest held at Parliament Street against Unnao & Kathua rape cases. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/JPAAiIgKMT">pic.twitter.com/JPAAiIgKMT</a>
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&nbsp;

Protests were held in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Aligarh, Bhopal, and Goa and Kerala

India stood up Sunday to protest the recent Unnao and Kathua gang rapes. Protests were held in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Aligarh, Bhopal, and Goa and Kerala. The Mumbai protest began at Bandra's Carter Road. Ekta Kapoor had earlier tweeted: "Everyone should come. Whatever religion, gender or belief you belong to. For humanity, for justice..." The Delhi protest is being held at Parliament Street where, news reports said, Swati Maliwal, the chief of the Delhi Women's Commission, is holding a hunger strike. The Kathua and Unnao gang rapes have left the nation in shock. In the first attack, an eight-year-old girl was kept captive in a temple in Kathua, Jammu. The child was sedated and gang-raped repeatedly. The alleged mastermind was a retired revenue official and policemen were allegedly involved in the crime. The Unnao gang rape only came to light when the girl and her family tried to immolate themselves outside the residence of the Uttar Pradesh chief minister. The girl said she had been raped by the BJP MLA from Unnao Kuldeep Singh Sengar and his associates in May 2017 but had got no justice. The girl's father died a few days later. He was reportedly beaten by Sengar's brother in front of the police who allegedly did nothing because of the MLA's clout. Sengar's brother has been arrested. Sengar himself was finally arrested only after the CBI took over the case. Protest held over #Unnao & #Kathua rape cases at Carter Rd in Mumbai's Bandra #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/u3aCXue1fE — ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2018 × Protest held at Parliament Street against Unnao & Kathua rape cases. #Delhi pic.twitter.com/JPAAiIgKMT — ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2018 ×

India stands up to protest against Kathua, Unnao gang rapes

Chinese microblogging website, Sina Weibo, announced removing "homosexual" content from its platform. The move has enraged the online gay community in China prompting a storm of online protests. The hashtag "I am gay" has now taken over the Chinese social media.

In a statement, Weibo said that it has begun a clean-up campaign that aims to remove "illegal" content that is suggestively pornographic in nature and may promote violence.&nbsp;

The campaign will run for three-months and will also crackdown on video games, like Grand Theft Auto,&nbsp;with violent themes.

The ruling Communist Party has been aiming to purge the Internet of content that deviates from its "core values of socialism".&nbsp;

Weibo, so far, is reported to have removed some 56,240 items in a bid to implement China's new cybersecurity law. The Twitter-like platform registers around 400 million active users every month.&nbsp;

The announcement and the removal of homosexual content from the platform have provoked a flood of reactions&nbsp;from Chinese internet users. Many&nbsp;have been protesting online using the hashtag "I am gay".&nbsp;

Users have described Weibo's move as discriminatory. Some opine that the Mangas removed from the platform were not pornographic.&nbsp;

Despite decriminalising&nbsp;homosexuality in 1997, China continues to hold conservative attitudes. President Xi Jinping is believed to advocate a stronger promotion of socialist ideology in society.

The Chinese kingpins, who sought to get rid of the presidential term limit for General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, made headlines a few months back for reportedly banning the English alphabet 'N' and recently the world-famous cartoon character, the honey-loving bear Winnie the Pooh from its online territories.&nbsp;

Letter 'N' was temporarily banned. Many suggested Chinese censors targetted the mathematical expression of disapproval -- as the expression “N > 2” in mathematics has 'N'&nbsp;as an unknown signifier for an unknown quantity, here referring to Xi’s possible presidential tenure.&nbsp;

Microblogging website Weibo announced banning 'homosexual' content on its platform

Chinese microblogging website, Sina Weibo, announced removing "homosexual" content from its platform. The move has enraged the online gay community in China prompting a storm of online protests. The hashtag "I am gay" has now taken over the Chinese social media. In a statement, Weibo said that it has begun a clean-up campaign that aims to remove "illegal" content that is suggestively pornographic in nature and may promote violence. The campaign will run for three-months and will also crackdown on video games, like Grand Theft Auto, with violent themes. The ruling Communist Party has been aiming to purge the Internet of content that deviates from its "core values of socialism". Weibo, so far, is reported to have removed some 56,240 items in a bid to implement China's new cybersecurity law. The Twitter-like platform registers around 400 million active users every month. The announcement and the removal of homosexual content from the platform have provoked a flood of reactions from Chinese internet users. Many have been protesting online using the hashtag "I am gay". Users have described Weibo's move as discriminatory. Some opine that the Mangas removed from the platform were not pornographic. Despite decriminalising homosexuality in 1997, China continues to hold conservative attitudes. President Xi Jinping is believed to advocate a stronger promotion of socialist ideology in society. The Chinese kingpins, who sought to get rid of the presidential term limit for General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, made headlines a few months back for reportedly banning the English alphabet 'N' and recently the world-famous cartoon character, the honey-loving bear Winnie the Pooh from its online territories. Letter 'N' was temporarily banned. Many suggested Chinese censors targetted the mathematical expression of disapproval -- as the expression “N > 2” in mathematics has 'N' as an unknown signifier for an unknown quantity, here referring to Xi’s possible presidential tenure.

'I am gay' protests break out in China

Following the protests in Chennai against the IPL match on Tuesday, the police have registered case against lyricist Vairamuthu Ramasamy, director P Bharathiraja and MLA Karunas including 500 others involved.

The case has been registered in the Triplicane police station near Chennai.

Also, 21 workers of Naam Tamilar Katchi who were holding protests against the match have been arrested and sent to the Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai. They are also charged with beating up policemen on duty.

Protests were staged in Chennai on Tuesday against the conduct of IPL matches between Kolkata and Chennai.

The protests were carried out amid rising demand for Cauvery Management Board.The state has been protesting for long&nbsp;against the government for not setting up the Cauvery Management Board despite the Supreme Court's direction.

Over hundreds of activists of pro-Tamil outfits like Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK), Naam Tamizhar, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and some Muslim groups staged road blockade at the arterial Anna Salai and TTK Salai. 
Tamil film celebrities, director Bharathirajaa and national award-winning lyricist Vairamuthu among others also joined the agitation.

&nbsp;

The police have registered a case against lyricist Vairamuthu Ramasamy, director P Bharathiraja and MLA Karunas including 500 other involved in the protest

Following the protests in Chennai against the IPL match on Tuesday, the police have registered case against lyricist Vairamuthu Ramasamy, director P Bharathiraja and MLA Karunas including 500 others involved. The case has been registered in the Triplicane police station near Chennai. Also, 21 workers of Naam Tamilar Katchi who were holding protests against the match have been arrested and sent to the Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai. They are also charged with beating up policemen on duty. Protests were staged in Chennai on Tuesday against the conduct of IPL matches between Kolkata and Chennai. The protests were carried out amid rising demand for Cauvery Management Board.The state has been protesting for long against the government for not setting up the Cauvery Management Board despite the Supreme Court's direction. Over hundreds of activists of pro-Tamil outfits like Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK), Naam Tamizhar, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and some Muslim groups staged road blockade at the arterial Anna Salai and TTK Salai. Tamil film celebrities, director Bharathirajaa and national award-winning lyricist Vairamuthu among others also joined the agitation.

IPL protest: Case registered against over 500 protesters, 21 arrested

Protests intensified in the city today against the conduct of IPL matches amid raging Cauvery demonstrations, with police chasing away agitators in some places.

One incident of agitators burning yellow jerseys, the attire of Chennai players, was also reported.

Hundreds of activists of pro-Tamil outfits like Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK), Naam Tamizhar, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and some Muslim groups staged road blockade at the arterial Anna Salai and TTK Salai, affecting traffic movement, police said.

Tamil film celebrities, director Bharathirajaa and national award-winning lyricist Vairamuthu among others also joined the agitation.

In some places, protesters clashed with police.

The protesters are calling for Chennai's match against Kolkata to be dropped because of the Centre’s inaction in setting up a Cauvery Management Board.&nbsp;

Over 350 people were arrested. And security has been heightened around the MA Chidambaram stadium where Chennai is scheduled to take on Kolkata today at 8 pm.&nbsp;

The threat of more protests prompted police to step up security for the cricketers, including during their journey to the stadium from their hotel.

The CSK team suffered a slight delay on its onward trip to the stadium for the match due to the disruption.

The Chidambaram stadium has been turned into a virtual fortress with 4,000 policemen including commandos and members of the Rapid Action Force deployed for security. Today's IPL tie is the first in Chennai since 2015.&nbsp;

Police were seen chasing away protesters on the arterial Anna Salai which bore the brunt as scores of protesters staged agitation on this key road, resulting in traffic snarls. 
Some protesters were seen raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not establishing the Cauvery Management Board, an issue on which Tamil Nadu political parties including DMK and other outfits have been agitating for the past one week.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla met Union Home Secretary Rajeev Gauba to speak with him him about security arrangements for the matches to be held in Chennai. Gauba repportedly assured Shukla that appropriate arrangements had been made.

The protesters are calling for Chennai's match against Kolkata to be dropped because of the Centre’s inaction in setting up a Cauvery Management Board.

Protests intensified in the city today against the conduct of IPL matches amid raging Cauvery demonstrations, with police chasing away agitators in some places. One incident of agitators burning yellow jerseys, the attire of Chennai players, was also reported. Hundreds of activists of pro-Tamil outfits like Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK), Naam Tamizhar, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and some Muslim groups staged road blockade at the arterial Anna Salai and TTK Salai, affecting traffic movement, police said. Tamil film celebrities, director Bharathirajaa and national award-winning lyricist Vairamuthu among others also joined the agitation. In some places, protesters clashed with police. The protesters are calling for Chennai's match against Kolkata to be dropped because of the Centre’s inaction in setting up a Cauvery Management Board. Over 350 people were arrested. And security has been heightened around the MA Chidambaram stadium where Chennai is scheduled to take on Kolkata today at 8 pm. The threat of more protests prompted police to step up security for the cricketers, including during their journey to the stadium from their hotel. The CSK team suffered a slight delay on its onward trip to the stadium for the match due to the disruption. The Chidambaram stadium has been turned into a virtual fortress with 4,000 policemen including commandos and members of the Rapid Action Force deployed for security. Today's IPL tie is the first in Chennai since 2015. Police were seen chasing away protesters on the arterial Anna Salai which bore the brunt as scores of protesters staged agitation on this key road, resulting in traffic snarls. Some protesters were seen raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not establishing the Cauvery Management Board, an issue on which Tamil Nadu political parties including DMK and other outfits have been agitating for the past one week. Meanwhile, IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla met Union Home Secretary Rajeev Gauba to speak with him him about security arrangements for the matches to be held in Chennai. Gauba repportedly assured Shukla that appropriate arrangements had been made.

Cauvery row: Protests grip Chennai as IPL game against Kolkata kicks off, 4,000 cops deployed at stadium

The Rajya Sabha was today adjourned till 2 pm without transacting any legislative business after the Congress-led opposition created an uproar over various issues including softening of provisions of the SC/ST Atrocities Act.

Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu called the protests, which have not allowed any business to be transacted since the House met on March 5, as a "murder of democracy".

No sooner had 12 new members taken an oath of office that opposition members trooped into the well of the House displaying placards in support of their demand and shouting slogans.

While MPs belonging to the Congress and the BSP were protesting against softening of certain provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Tamil parties - DMK and AIADMK demanded immediate constitution of the Cauvery Water Management Board for the division of river water between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Members of the TDP and KVP Ramachandra Rao of the Congress held placards demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh.

"Narendra Modi - Dalit Virodhi" (Narendra Modi is anti- Dalit), shouted Congress and BSP members. They also shouted, "Dalit virodhi yeh sarkar, nahi chalegi, nahi chalegi" (This anti-Dalit government will not be tolerated).

TDP MPs raised 'Save Andhra" slogans.

Naidu expressed displeasure over repeated disruptions since Parliament met early last month for the second half of the Budget session.

He requested members to return to their seats and at least pass the anti-corruption bill.

"You want these kinds of ugly scenes to be seen every day by people," he said referring to slogan shouting and placards trying to block his view.

"What is the difference between people shouting slogans outside and here," he asked. "You have not transacted any business including important legislations. People want legislations."

He said a handful of people were obstructing proceedings over their agenda. 
Naidu said any issue be it banking scam, Cauvery waters, Andhra special package, Dalit act or Kashmir issue can be discussed.

Its unfortunate that debate on these issues is not happening despite the Chair permitting it and the government willing to discuss it, he said.

"You are testing the patience of the people. This is not good for democracy. This is murdering democracy," he said. "Entire country is agitated, depressed."

"Have some discussion and allow some bills to be passed," he requested an unrelenting opposition.

He noted that just two days were left before the session ends on Friday and it was imperative that some legislative business was transacted today and tomorrow.

With the slogan-shouting continuing, he adjourned proceedings till 2 pm.

Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu called the protests, which have not allowed any business to be transacted since the House met on March 5, as a "murder of democracy"

The Rajya Sabha was today adjourned till 2 pm without transacting any legislative business after the Congress-led opposition created an uproar over various issues including softening of provisions of the SC/ST Atrocities Act. Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu called the protests, which have not allowed any business to be transacted since the House met on March 5, as a "murder of democracy". No sooner had 12 new members taken an oath of office that opposition members trooped into the well of the House displaying placards in support of their demand and shouting slogans. While MPs belonging to the Congress and the BSP were protesting against softening of certain provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Tamil parties - DMK and AIADMK demanded immediate constitution of the Cauvery Water Management Board for the division of river water between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Members of the TDP and KVP Ramachandra Rao of the Congress held placards demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh. "Narendra Modi - Dalit Virodhi" (Narendra Modi is anti- Dalit), shouted Congress and BSP members. They also shouted, "Dalit virodhi yeh sarkar, nahi chalegi, nahi chalegi" (This anti-Dalit government will not be tolerated). TDP MPs raised 'Save Andhra" slogans. Naidu expressed displeasure over repeated disruptions since Parliament met early last month for the second half of the Budget session. He requested members to return to their seats and at least pass the anti-corruption bill. "You want these kinds of ugly scenes to be seen every day by people," he said referring to slogan shouting and placards trying to block his view. "What is the difference between people shouting slogans outside and here," he asked. "You have not transacted any business including important legislations. People want legislations." He said a handful of people were obstructing proceedings over their agenda. Naidu said any issue be it banking scam, Cauvery waters, Andhra special package, Dalit act or Kashmir issue can be discussed. Its unfortunate that debate on these issues is not happening despite the Chair permitting it and the government willing to discuss it, he said. "You are testing the patience of the people. This is not good for democracy. This is murdering democracy," he said. "Entire country is agitated, depressed." "Have some discussion and allow some bills to be passed," he requested an unrelenting opposition. He noted that just two days were left before the session ends on Friday and it was imperative that some legislative business was transacted today and tomorrow. With the slogan-shouting continuing, he adjourned proceedings till 2 pm.

Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm following uproar

India erupted in violence Monday as Dalit protesters went on the rampage against an alleged dilution of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.&nbsp;

At least nine people were killed in North India, as the protesters blocked trains, clashed with police and set fire to vehicles across several states during a nationwide bandh.&nbsp;

Six people were killed in Madhya Pradesh, at least five of them in the crossfire between the police and protesters. Three other people died, two in Uttar Pradesh and one in Alwar, Rajasthan.&nbsp;

The Army and paramilitary forces were also put on standby in Punjab.

The Union Home Ministry, which rushed 800 anti-riot policemen to MP and UP, asked all states to take preventive steps and maintain public order to ensure safety of lives and property.

Transport, mobile and internet services were hit in many states with over 100 trains getting affected due to protests.&nbsp;

The protests follow a March 20 Supreme Court order banning the automatic arrest and filing of cases against people accused under the act. The court had wanted to protect "honest" public servants discharging bona fide duties from being blackmailed with false cases under the Act but the Dalits believe the order may lead to an increase in violence against the community (which already faces massive discrimination at the hands of upper caste and OBC Hindus.&nbsp;

While some states had ordered closure of educational institutions as a precautionary measure, incidents of arson, firing and vandalism were reported from MP, UP, Rajasthan, Bihar and Punjab, among other places.

In UP, nearly 75 persons including 40 policemen were injured in violent protests in various parts of the state. Police have detained nearly 450 people there.

In Rajasthan, 26 people including nine policemen were injured in Alwar.

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Home Minister Rajnath Singh appealed for peace, while Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the government was not a party to the Supreme Court decision on the SC/ST Act and "respectfully" did not agree with its reasoning behind the verdict.

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The Government of India has advised all states to maintain law and order and we are ready to provide assistance to any state that may require so.
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Prasad also said the government has filed a very comprehensive review petition in the matter.

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, a prominent Dalit leader and head of NDA constituent LJP, appreciated the government's quick decision.

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad alleged that incidents of atrocities on Dalits and minorities have increased in the country since the NDA came to power in 2014, while AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal extended his support to the protesting groups.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed for peace and urged the people not to vitiate law and order, as violence was reported from many districts including Azamgarh where protesters torched two state-run buses, injuring several passengers. 
As protests turned violent in Agra, Hapur, Meerut in western UP, Director General of Police (DGP), O P Singh, said, "We have sought more force from the Centre that will be deployed there."

Many trains, including premier Rajdhani and Shatabdi expresses, were stopped by protestors while some were short-terminated.

A group of about 2,000 people disrupted trains at the Hapur station as well, disrupting the movement of many goods trains, railway officials added.

The CBSE has already postponed Class 12 and Class 10 examinations scheduled to be held today in Punjab at the request of the state government in view of the 'Bharat Bandh'.

In the national capital region, protesters squatted on tracks at several places, stopping trains, including the Dehradun Express and the Ranchi Rajdhani, while a Northern Railway official said services were also disrupted by a mob in Ghaziabad.

Shouting slogans of "Jai Bhim", the protesters also blocked roads affecting traffic movement, police said.

In Patna, protesters stormed the railway station, forced closure of ticket counters and squatted on tracks disrupting movement of a number of trains.

Normal life was also affected in several parts of Odisha where activists of different Dalit groups put up road blockades.

Major towns and cities of Gujarat also witnessed protests while civic-run transport services were halted after some of the buses were targeted by agitators.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Six people were killed in Madhya Pradesh, two in UP, and one in Rajasthan

India erupted in violence Monday as Dalit protesters went on the rampage against an alleged dilution of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. At least nine people were killed in North India, as the protesters blocked trains, clashed with police and set fire to vehicles across several states during a nationwide bandh. Six people were killed in Madhya Pradesh, at least five of them in the crossfire between the police and protesters. Three other people died, two in Uttar Pradesh and one in Alwar, Rajasthan. The Army and paramilitary forces were also put on standby in Punjab. The Union Home Ministry, which rushed 800 anti-riot policemen to MP and UP, asked all states to take preventive steps and maintain public order to ensure safety of lives and property. Transport, mobile and internet services were hit in many states with over 100 trains getting affected due to protests. The protests follow a March 20 Supreme Court order banning the automatic arrest and filing of cases against people accused under the act. The court had wanted to protect "honest" public servants discharging bona fide duties from being blackmailed with false cases under the Act but the Dalits believe the order may lead to an increase in violence against the community (which already faces massive discrimination at the hands of upper caste and OBC Hindus. While some states had ordered closure of educational institutions as a precautionary measure, incidents of arson, firing and vandalism were reported from MP, UP, Rajasthan, Bihar and Punjab, among other places. In UP, nearly 75 persons including 40 policemen were injured in violent protests in various parts of the state. Police have detained nearly 450 people there. In Rajasthan, 26 people including nine policemen were injured in Alwar. #WATCH #BharatBandh over SC/ST protection act:Shots fired during protests in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior pic.twitter.com/p8mW36qL0s — ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2018 × #BharatBandh over SC/ST protection act: Police lathicharges protesters in #Haryana's Yamunanagar. pic.twitter.com/a6mWooQbOX — ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2018 × #BharatBandh over SC/ST protection act: Bus vandalized & set ablaze during protest in Azamgarh. pic.twitter.com/smRy8IdG9w — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 2, 2018 × #BharatBandh over SC/ST protection act: Visuals of vehicles set ablaze during protest in Muzaffarnagar. pic.twitter.com/r5FsdkfD3M — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 2, 2018 × Home Minister Rajnath Singh appealed for peace, while Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the government was not a party to the Supreme Court decision on the SC/ST Act and "respectfully" did not agree with its reasoning behind the verdict. The Government of India has advised all states to maintain law and order and we are ready to provide assistance to any state that may require so. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 2, 2018 × Prasad also said the government has filed a very comprehensive review petition in the matter. Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, a prominent Dalit leader and head of NDA constituent LJP, appreciated the government's quick decision. Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad alleged that incidents of atrocities on Dalits and minorities have increased in the country since the NDA came to power in 2014, while AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal extended his support to the protesting groups. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed for peace and urged the people not to vitiate law and order, as violence was reported from many districts including Azamgarh where protesters torched two state-run buses, injuring several passengers. As protests turned violent in Agra, Hapur, Meerut in western UP, Director General of Police (DGP), O P Singh, said, "We have sought more force from the Centre that will be deployed there." Many trains, including premier Rajdhani and Shatabdi expresses, were stopped by protestors while some were short-terminated. A group of about 2,000 people disrupted trains at the Hapur station as well, disrupting the movement of many goods trains, railway officials added. The CBSE has already postponed Class 12 and Class 10 examinations scheduled to be held today in Punjab at the request of the state government in view of the 'Bharat Bandh'. In the national capital region, protesters squatted on tracks at several places, stopping trains, including the Dehradun Express and the Ranchi Rajdhani, while a Northern Railway official said services were also disrupted by a mob in Ghaziabad. Shouting slogans of "Jai Bhim", the protesters also blocked roads affecting traffic movement, police said. In Patna, protesters stormed the railway station, forced closure of ticket counters and squatted on tracks disrupting movement of a number of trains. Normal life was also affected in several parts of Odisha where activists of different Dalit groups put up road blockades. Major towns and cities of Gujarat also witnessed protests while civic-run transport services were halted after some of the buses were targeted by agitators. (With inputs from PTI)

Bharat Bandh protests: As violence sweeps across India, death toll rises to 9

Six persons were killed and several others, including policemen, sustained injuries in violent protests in Madhya Pradesh during the nationwide bandh called today by Dalit outfits against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Curfew was clamped in three districts including Bhind, where the Army was called in to control the situation.

"Two people were killed in Gwalior while one person each died in Bhind and Morena districts during the violence," Inspector General (law and order) Makrand Deoskar told PTI.

Three&nbsp;other people were killed in the protests, two in Uttar Pradesh, and one in Alwar, Rajasthan, taking the total toll to nine.&nbsp;

Incidents of stone-pelting, arson and loot were also reported from several parts of the state during the protest, he said, adding that further details are awaited. 
 
A student leader, identified as Rahul Pathak, died in firing in Morena district, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Umesh Shukla told PTI.

Pathak was allegedly shot by agitators and he succumbed to injuries enroute to hospital, he said.

As the violence escalated, curfew was imposed in the entire city, Shukla said.

The protesters also stopped a train in Morena, the police said.

Curfew was also imposed in Gwalior and Bhind districts following violence, officials said.&nbsp;Gwalior Commissioner B M Sharma said, "Curfew has been imposed in several parts of the Gwalior city following violence during the protest."

The Tahtipur, Gola Ka Mandir, Hazira and Morar police station areas in Gwalior were brought under the purview of the curfew, a senior official said.

Curfew was also imposed in Bhind city, and Mehgaon, Lahar, Gohad and Machand areas of the district, Bhind Superintendent of Police Prashant Khare said.

The Army has been called in Bhind to control the situation, Khare said.

A person, identified as Mahavir Singh (32), died in the firing in Bhind district where while two others suffered serious injuries and were referred to a hospital in Gwalior, Bhind's chief medical and health officer J P S Kushwaha said.

In Jhabua, protesters looted shops during the agitation, triggering tension in the tribal town.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan appealed to the protesters to maintain peace in the state as the Centre has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court.

Protests were also held in the state capital Bhopal with agitators blocking a road on the Board Office Square near the statue of Dalit icon Dr B R Ambedkar.

More than two dozen vehicles were damaged, several of them torched by the protesters, eyewitnesses said.

In Morena district, the Chhattisgarh Express was stopped by protesters and was till at the station, they said.

The Supreme Court had on March 20 diluted certain provisions of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, in a bid to protect 'honest' public servants discharging bona fide duties from being blackmailed with false cases under the Act.

The verdict is being widely criticised by the Dalits and the Opposition, who claim that dilution of the Act will lead to more discrimination and crimes against the backward community.&nbsp;

The deaths took place in Madhya Pradesh where curfew was clamped on three districts, in one of which the army was called in to control the situation

Six persons were killed and several others, including policemen, sustained injuries in violent protests in Madhya Pradesh during the nationwide bandh called today by Dalit outfits against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Curfew was clamped in three districts including Bhind, where the Army was called in to control the situation. "Two people were killed in Gwalior while one person each died in Bhind and Morena districts during the violence," Inspector General (law and order) Makrand Deoskar told PTI. Three other people were killed in the protests, two in Uttar Pradesh, and one in Alwar, Rajasthan, taking the total toll to nine. Incidents of stone-pelting, arson and loot were also reported from several parts of the state during the protest, he said, adding that further details are awaited. A student leader, identified as Rahul Pathak, died in firing in Morena district, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Umesh Shukla told PTI. Pathak was allegedly shot by agitators and he succumbed to injuries enroute to hospital, he said. As the violence escalated, curfew was imposed in the entire city, Shukla said. The protesters also stopped a train in Morena, the police said. Curfew was also imposed in Gwalior and Bhind districts following violence, officials said. Gwalior Commissioner B M Sharma said, "Curfew has been imposed in several parts of the Gwalior city following violence during the protest." The Tahtipur, Gola Ka Mandir, Hazira and Morar police station areas in Gwalior were brought under the purview of the curfew, a senior official said. Curfew was also imposed in Bhind city, and Mehgaon, Lahar, Gohad and Machand areas of the district, Bhind Superintendent of Police Prashant Khare said. The Army has been called in Bhind to control the situation, Khare said. A person, identified as Mahavir Singh (32), died in the firing in Bhind district where while two others suffered serious injuries and were referred to a hospital in Gwalior, Bhind's chief medical and health officer J P S Kushwaha said. In Jhabua, protesters looted shops during the agitation, triggering tension in the tribal town. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan appealed to the protesters to maintain peace in the state as the Centre has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court. Protests were also held in the state capital Bhopal with agitators blocking a road on the Board Office Square near the statue of Dalit icon Dr B R Ambedkar. More than two dozen vehicles were damaged, several of them torched by the protesters, eyewitnesses said. In Morena district, the Chhattisgarh Express was stopped by protesters and was till at the station, they said. The Supreme Court had on March 20 diluted certain provisions of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, in a bid to protect 'honest' public servants discharging bona fide duties from being blackmailed with false cases under the Act. The verdict is being widely criticised by the Dalits and the Opposition, who claim that dilution of the Act will lead to more discrimination and crimes against the backward community.

Bharat Bandh protests: Death toll rises to 9 as violence sweeps across India

About 200 people demonstrated in Sacramento on Saturday to protest the fatal police shooting of Stephon Clark, in the latest of nearly two weeks of rallies since the unarmed black man was gunned down in his grandmother's yard.

Another vigil with about 150 people was held on Saturday night, and a protester was hit by a Sacramento sheriff's vehicle, according to a video posted on the internet and the Sacramento Bee newspaper.

The newspaper said the protester was taken to a hospital by the fire department and later released with bruises.

The sheriff's office said in a statement early on Sunday that protesters were yelling and kicking the patrol car. "The collision occurred while the patrol vehicle was travelling at slow speeds," it said.

The statement also said that the patrol car was damaged with dents and a shattered rear window from the protesters. The California Highway Patrol and the sheriff's office are investigating the incident.

Saturday's demonstration brought together a multi-racial crowd, many holding signs such as "Stop Police Rage" and "Power to the People". It was led by retired National Basketball Association player Matt Barnes, who grew up in the area and had two stints with the Sacramento Kings franchise.

The death of Clark, a 22-year-old father of two, was the latest in a string of killings of black men by police that have triggered street protests and fuelled a renewed national debate about bias in the U.S. criminal justice system.

"We're here today to raise awareness, to come together peacefully and to have some accountability for the officers, not only in Sacramento but across the country, who have been doing this," Barnes told the Sacramento Bee.

Some of Clark's relatives attended the gathering in a city plaza. It followed a more heated protest overnight, during which demonstrators yelled expletives at police clad in riot gear.

Clark was shot on the night of March 18 by police responding to a report that someone was breaking windows. Police said the officers feared he had a gun, but that he was later found to have been holding a cellphone.

Police have said he was moving towards officers in a menacing way. The shooting was captured on a body cam video released by police.

On Friday, an attorney for Clark's family released a private autopsy showing most of the eight bullets that hit Clark struck him in the back, contradicting the police version of events.

Clark was shot six times in the back, once in the side and once in the leg, said the attorney, Benjamin Crump.

"This independent autopsy affirms that Stephon was not a threat to police and was slain in another senseless police killing under increasingly questionable circumstances," Crump said.

The Sacramento Police Department said it would have no further comment until after the release of the findings of an official autopsy by the county coroner, and a review by state and local prosecutors.

In several days of sporadic protests, protesters have blocked traffic and twice delayed fans from reaching games played by the Kings at the Golden 1 Center.

Another vigil with about 150 people was held on Saturday night, and a protester was hit by a Sacramento sheriff's vehicle, according to a video posted on the internet and the Sacramento Bee newspaper.

About 200 people demonstrated in Sacramento on Saturday to protest the fatal police shooting of Stephon Clark, in the latest of nearly two weeks of rallies since the unarmed black man was gunned down in his grandmother's yard. Another vigil with about 150 people was held on Saturday night, and a protester was hit by a Sacramento sheriff's vehicle, according to a video posted on the internet and the Sacramento Bee newspaper. The newspaper said the protester was taken to a hospital by the fire department and later released with bruises. The sheriff's office said in a statement early on Sunday that protesters were yelling and kicking the patrol car. "The collision occurred while the patrol vehicle was travelling at slow speeds," it said. The statement also said that the patrol car was damaged with dents and a shattered rear window from the protesters. The California Highway Patrol and the sheriff's office are investigating the incident. Saturday's demonstration brought together a multi-racial crowd, many holding signs such as "Stop Police Rage" and "Power to the People". It was led by retired National Basketball Association player Matt Barnes, who grew up in the area and had two stints with the Sacramento Kings franchise. The death of Clark, a 22-year-old father of two, was the latest in a string of killings of black men by police that have triggered street protests and fuelled a renewed national debate about bias in the U.S. criminal justice system. "We're here today to raise awareness, to come together peacefully and to have some accountability for the officers, not only in Sacramento but across the country, who have been doing this," Barnes told the Sacramento Bee. Some of Clark's relatives attended the gathering in a city plaza. It followed a more heated protest overnight, during which demonstrators yelled expletives at police clad in riot gear. Clark was shot on the night of March 18 by police responding to a report that someone was breaking windows. Police said the officers feared he had a gun, but that he was later found to have been holding a cellphone. Police have said he was moving towards officers in a menacing way. The shooting was captured on a body cam video released by police. On Friday, an attorney for Clark's family released a private autopsy showing most of the eight bullets that hit Clark struck him in the back, contradicting the police version of events. Clark was shot six times in the back, once in the side and once in the leg, said the attorney, Benjamin Crump. "This independent autopsy affirms that Stephon was not a threat to police and was slain in another senseless police killing under increasingly questionable circumstances," Crump said. The Sacramento Police Department said it would have no further comment until after the release of the findings of an official autopsy by the county coroner, and a review by state and local prosecutors. In several days of sporadic protests, protesters have blocked traffic and twice delayed fans from reaching games played by the Kings at the Golden 1 Center.

Autopsy prompts more protests over killing of black man in California

Malaysia's parliament has been witnessing protests against the government's plan to redraw electoral boundaries. The move is likely to favour the ruling coalition in general elections that will be held soon.

Prime Minister Najib Razak is likely to press for a parliamentary approval today for the redrawn boundaries. Critics believe that the move, in case it materialises, is likely to worsen malapportionment leading to drawing of constitutional boundaries on racial lines to ensure electoral victory for the ruling coalition.

The protesters want the plan to be withdrawn and legal challenges cleared in the court.

The National Front coalition has faced severe setbacks in the last two elections including losing popular vote to the opposition for the first time in 2013.&nbsp

Najib also figures at the centre of a multibillion-dollar financial scandal.&nbsp

The protesters want the plan to be withdrawn and legal challenges cleared in the court

Malaysia's parliament has been witnessing protests against the government's plan to redraw electoral boundaries. The move is likely to favour the ruling coalition in general elections that will be held soon. Prime Minister Najib Razak is likely to press for a parliamentary approval today for the redrawn boundaries. Critics believe that the move, in case it materialises, is likely to worsen malapportionment leading to drawing of constitutional boundaries on racial lines to ensure electoral victory for the ruling coalition. The protesters want the plan to be withdrawn and legal challenges cleared in the court. The National Front coalition has faced severe setbacks in the last two elections including losing popular vote to the opposition for the first time in 2013. Najib also figures at the centre of a multibillion-dollar financial scandal.

Malaysia: Protests simmer over government's attempt to redraw electoral boundaries

Opposition Congress today protested against former minister Y S Chowdary&#39;s remarks on the previous UPA regime over the division of Andhra Pradesh, forcing adjournment of proceedings in Rajya Sabha till 3 pm.

Congress members trooped into the Well of the House shouting slogans after TDP MP Chowdhary said the division of Andhra Pradesh in 2014 was carried out in a &quot;hasty, unjust and unscientific&quot; manner.

Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said the former minister had been allowed permission under Rule 241 to make a statement on reasons for quitting the Union Cabinet.

The TDP&#39;s two ministers had resigned after the party pulled out of the government over the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh.

Chowdary began by thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party leader N Chandrababu Naidu for giving him an opportunity to be part of the Cabinet and then went on to state that he was making the statement to set the perspective right and &quot;separate truth from propaganda&quot;.

He said the division of Andhra Pradesh in 2014 was done in a &quot;hasty, unjust and unscientific manner&quot; and the government of the time should have kept to states at par for 10 years.

The comment drew a sharp reaction from the Congress members who shouted in protest and started moving into the Well.

Naidu asked Chowdary not to deviate from the approved text of the statement and anything that he said beyond it would not go on record.

But this did not satisfy the Congress members who started to move into the Well with some holding placard supporting a special package for Andhra Pradesh.

Naidu said the House was not a place to play politics and adjourned the proceedings till 2 pm.

Earlier the House mourned the death of its former member Hamida Habibullah.

Hamida, a qualified nurse who served in the military hospital in Lucknow till World War-II, died on March 13 at the age of 101 years.

A social worker, she represented the state of Uttar Pradesh from April 1976 to April 1982, Naidu said.

&quot;In passing away of Shrimati Hamida Habibullah, the country has lost a distinguished Parliamentarian, an able administrator and a dedicated social worker,&quot; Naidu said reading an obituary reference. 
Members stood in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of the departed.&nbsp;

Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said that the House was not a place to play politics and adjourned the proceedings till 2 pm

Opposition Congress today protested against former minister Y S Chowdary's remarks on the previous UPA regime over the division of Andhra Pradesh, forcing adjournment of proceedings in Rajya Sabha till 3 pm. Congress members trooped into the Well of the House shouting slogans after TDP MP Chowdhary said the division of Andhra Pradesh in 2014 was carried out in a "hasty, unjust and unscientific" manner. Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said the former minister had been allowed permission under Rule 241 to make a statement on reasons for quitting the Union Cabinet. The TDP's two ministers had resigned after the party pulled out of the government over the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh. Chowdary began by thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party leader N Chandrababu Naidu for giving him an opportunity to be part of the Cabinet and then went on to state that he was making the statement to set the perspective right and "separate truth from propaganda". He said the division of Andhra Pradesh in 2014 was done in a "hasty, unjust and unscientific manner" and the government of the time should have kept to states at par for 10 years. The comment drew a sharp reaction from the Congress members who shouted in protest and started moving into the Well. Naidu asked Chowdary not to deviate from the approved text of the statement and anything that he said beyond it would not go on record. But this did not satisfy the Congress members who started to move into the Well with some holding placard supporting a special package for Andhra Pradesh. Naidu said the House was not a place to play politics and adjourned the proceedings till 2 pm. Earlier the House mourned the death of its former member Hamida Habibullah. Hamida, a qualified nurse who served in the military hospital in Lucknow till World War-II, died on March 13 at the age of 101 years. A social worker, she represented the state of Uttar Pradesh from April 1976 to April 1982, Naidu said. "In passing away of Shrimati Hamida Habibullah, the country has lost a distinguished Parliamentarian, an able administrator and a dedicated social worker," Naidu said reading an obituary reference. Members stood in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of the departed.

Rajya Sabha adjourned over TDP MP's remarks

Hundreds of people marched through Myanmar&#39;s largest city Yangon to oppose amendments to a protest law. Activists fear new law would limit free speech.

Amendments to the 2011 Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession law proposes maximum three-year prison term for those hold protests and demonstrations that challenge the security and rule of the land.

As per the amendment, organisers of the protests will be required to provide details of the budget and source of their funds in order to be able to stage any protest or demonstration.

The changes to the law are being backed by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi&#39;s ruling party, National League for Democracy.&nbsp;

&ldquo;If they are trying to make it difficult to protest, the authorities that rule the country - the parliament, judiciary and government - cannot hear the true opinions of the people,&rdquo; said Zaw Yan, a farmers&#39; rights activist.

Nearly 190 Myanmar civil society groups have signed a petition against the amendment.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Activists fear new law would limit free speech

Hundreds of people marched through Myanmar's largest city Yangon to oppose amendments to a protest law. Activists fear new law would limit free speech. Amendments to the 2011 Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession law proposes maximum three-year prison term for those hold protests and demonstrations that challenge the security and rule of the land. As per the amendment, organisers of the protests will be required to provide details of the budget and source of their funds in order to be able to stage any protest or demonstration. The changes to the law are being backed by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling party, National League for Democracy. “If they are trying to make it difficult to protest, the authorities that rule the country - the parliament, judiciary and government - cannot hear the true opinions of the people,” said Zaw Yan, a farmers' rights activist. Nearly 190 Myanmar civil society groups have signed a petition against the amendment. (With inputs from Reuters)

Myanmar: Locals stage protests as parliament debates new curbs on demonstrations

A plan for India to build a military base on an outlying Seychelles island has won favour among the archipelago nation&rsquo;s politicians, but some hostility from its people.

Late last month, India and the Seychelles&nbsp;signed a revised agreement&nbsp;granting India permission to construct a military base on the Seychelles&#39;&nbsp;Assumption Island, roughly 1,650 kilometers (1,025 miles) east of mainland East Africa.

The base on Assumption Island is to be funded by India and shared by the two countries&rsquo; militaries.

The deal was struck in principle in 2015 during a visit to the Seychelles by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but progress since has been slow.&nbsp;The deal&nbsp;will provide India with a crucial military staging point in what is fast becoming a critically strategic region.

The government of the Seychelles, based in Victoria on Mahe Island 1,135 kilometres (705 miles) northeast of Assumption, says the base will help coastguards to patrol its 1.3 million square kilometre (500,000 square mile) exclusive economic zone for illegal fishing, drug trafficking and piracy.

India plans to invest $550 million dollars in building the base to help it ensure the safety of its vessels in the southern Indian Ocean. It also says the base will be a resource for other shipping nations.

&ldquo;Assumption is very close to the Mozambique Channel where much of the international trade is transiting, and not just for India but for other countries as well, and our interest is that our trading vessels are safe,&rdquo; said India&rsquo;s ambassador in Victoria, Ausaf Sayeed.

India has had a military cooperation agreement with the Seychelles since 2003 and the deal would give it use of the Assumption base for up to 30 years. Indian soldiers would be deployed on the island and help train Seychelles&rsquo; troops.

&ldquo;What we did in relation to the first agreement is to clarify some points that could give rise to litigation,&rdquo; said Frank Ally, the Seychelles&rsquo; attorney general.

He said these included a prohibition on any nuclear uses of the island or weapons storage. India is also not allowed to use Assumption in war.

Seeking to allay fears the government has made available to the public some details of the classified defence agreement. Nevertheless, the project remains controversial with small weekly demonstrations in the capital.

Indian presence in the Seychelles is a sensitive matter. Some fear an influx of Indian workers who, they say, might come to dominate the economy, while others consider a foreign power building a military base an affront to sovereignty and national pride.

&ldquo;The Seychelles can make its own military base, I am against any foreign military presence!&rdquo; said Guilmert Corgat, a businessman in Victoria who attended a town hall meeting on the plan in late February.

&ldquo;If this deal is so good for the Seychelles, why don&rsquo;t we hold a referendum?&rdquo; asked Alexia Amesbury, a lawyer.

During the discussions, foreign minister Barry Faure was forced to insist the government was not giving the island away, &ldquo;because Assumption belongs to the Seychelles&rdquo;.

Opponents of the plan also cite Assumption&rsquo;s relative proximity to Aldabra atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to the world&rsquo;s largest population of giant tortoises.

Environmentalists worry about the possible impact of a large military presence so close to an ecosystem that has survived precisely because of the absence of people.

Despite the dissenting voices, Sayeed remains positive that parliament will ratify the new agreement when it reopens this month.

With the opposition, like the government, broadly in favour of the base, though against too many concessions to India, the diplomat&rsquo;s optimism may be well-founded.

&ldquo;I think politicians and people who see the positive side of this cooperation will be in favour, and I am convinced that it will pass,&rdquo; he said.

(with inputs from AFP)

The deal was struck in principle in 2015 during a visit to the Seychelles by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but progress since has been slow.

A plan for India to build a military base on an outlying Seychelles island has won favour among the archipelago nation’s politicians, but some hostility from its people. Late last month, India and the Seychelles signed a revised agreement granting India permission to construct a military base on the Seychelles' Assumption Island, roughly 1,650 kilometers (1,025 miles) east of mainland East Africa. The base on Assumption Island is to be funded by India and shared by the two countries’ militaries. The deal was struck in principle in 2015 during a visit to the Seychelles by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but progress since has been slow. The deal will provide India with a crucial military staging point in what is fast becoming a critically strategic region. The government of the Seychelles, based in Victoria on Mahe Island 1,135 kilometres (705 miles) northeast of Assumption, says the base will help coastguards to patrol its 1.3 million square kilometre (500,000 square mile) exclusive economic zone for illegal fishing, drug trafficking and piracy. India plans to invest $550 million dollars in building the base to help it ensure the safety of its vessels in the southern Indian Ocean. It also says the base will be a resource for other shipping nations. “Assumption is very close to the Mozambique Channel where much of the international trade is transiting, and not just for India but for other countries as well, and our interest is that our trading vessels are safe,” said India’s ambassador in Victoria, Ausaf Sayeed. India has had a military cooperation agreement with the Seychelles since 2003 and the deal would give it use of the Assumption base for up to 30 years. Indian soldiers would be deployed on the island and help train Seychelles’ troops. “What we did in relation to the first agreement is to clarify some points that could give rise to litigation,” said Frank Ally, the Seychelles’ attorney general. He said these included a prohibition on any nuclear uses of the island or weapons storage. India is also not allowed to use Assumption in war. Seeking to allay fears the government has made available to the public some details of the classified defence agreement. Nevertheless, the project remains controversial with small weekly demonstrations in the capital. Indian presence in the Seychelles is a sensitive matter. Some fear an influx of Indian workers who, they say, might come to dominate the economy, while others consider a foreign power building a military base an affront to sovereignty and national pride. “The Seychelles can make its own military base, I am against any foreign military presence!” said Guilmert Corgat, a businessman in Victoria who attended a town hall meeting on the plan in late February. “If this deal is so good for the Seychelles, why don’t we hold a referendum?” asked Alexia Amesbury, a lawyer. During the discussions, foreign minister Barry Faure was forced to insist the government was not giving the island away, “because Assumption belongs to the Seychelles”. Opponents of the plan also cite Assumption’s relative proximity to Aldabra atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to the world’s largest population of giant tortoises. Environmentalists worry about the possible impact of a large military presence so close to an ecosystem that has survived precisely because of the absence of people. Despite the dissenting voices, Sayeed remains positive that parliament will ratify the new agreement when it reopens this month. With the opposition, like the government, broadly in favour of the base, though against too many concessions to India, the diplomat’s optimism may be well-founded. “I think politicians and people who see the positive side of this cooperation will be in favour, and I am convinced that it will pass,” he said. (with inputs from AFP)

India plans military base in Seychelles, fosters controversy

Ethiopia&#39;s state of emergency imposed on Friday includes a ban on protests and publications that incite violence, Defence Minister Siraj Fegessa said on Saturday.

The move was made a day after Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn announced his surprise resignation in a televised speech on Thursday, saying he wanted to smooth the way for further reforms.

&nbsp;

The move was made a day after Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn announced his surprise resignation

Ethiopia's state of emergency imposed on Friday includes a ban on protests and publications that incite violence, Defence Minister Siraj Fegessa said on Saturday. The move was made a day after Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn announced his surprise resignation in a televised speech on Thursday, saying he wanted to smooth the way for further reforms.

Ethiopia bans protests, publications that incite violence during emergency rule

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