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Javid calls for memorial for Muslim soldiers

Sir Sajid told the BBC: “The National Memorial Arboretum holds a special place in national life and already does so much to commemorate different communities who bravely served…reports Asian Lite News

The government should build a memorial to Muslim soldiers who fought in the First and Second World Wars, former Chancellor Sir Sajid Javid told the BBC.

He said a memorial should be erected at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to “help honour the fallen and educate future generations” about the 140,000 Muslims who “made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.”

He urged current Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to consider the project. Hunt said Treasury officials would “be happy to engage with him to identify how best the government can help make this vision a reality.”

The campaign for a Muslim war memorial was first launched in 2015 in a bid to mark the centenary of the First World War. The World Wars Muslim Memorial Trust aimed to raise £1 million ($1.26 million) for the project.

Permission for it was provisionally granted by the National Memorial Arboretum Landscapes and Memorials Committee last year.

The arboretum’s lead, Mark Ellis, told the BBC: “We wish them the very best in their fundraising efforts and look forward to this fitting tribute to the service and sacrifice of Muslim service personnel being installed and dedicated in the future.”

Sir Sajid told the BBC: “The National Memorial Arboretum holds a special place in national life and already does so much to commemorate different communities who bravely served.

“Muslim service also deserves recognition. A new powerful symbol … will help honour the fallen and educate future generations.” He added: “I hope the chancellor will help make this vision a reality at the Spring Budget.”

A spokesperson for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which cares for the graves, memorials and records of fallen servicemen and women, said: “We regularly collaborate with religion and worldview communities to remember the diverse faiths, beliefs and worldviews held by of all those who gave their lives in the conflicts of the First and Second World Wars.”

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‘EU faces growing Muslim animosity over Gaza war stance’

Waving his mobile phone, he said he had already received messages from some ministers signalling they would not support Ukraine next time there was a vote at the United Nations…reports Asian Lite News

The European Union faces growing animosity across the Muslim world and beyond due to accusations of pro-Israel bias and double standards over the war in Gaza, the bloc’s foreign policy chief has warned.

Josep Borrell said he feared such acrimony could undermine diplomatic support for Ukraine in the Global South and the EU’s ability to insist on human rights clauses in international agreements.

He said the EU had to show “more empathy” for the loss of Palestinian civilian lives in Israel’s war against Hamas, launched in response to the deadly Oct. 7 cross-border assault by the Palestinian militant group.

His comments came in interviews with Reuters during a five-day Middle East trip that took him to the rubble of Kibbutz Be’eri devastated by Hamas, the West Bank, a regional security conference in Bahrain and royal audiences in Qatar and Jordan.

On the trip, which ended on Monday evening, Borrell heard Arab leaders and Palestinian civil society activists complain that the 27-nation EU was not applying the same standards to Israel’s war in Gaza that it applies to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

“All of them were really criticizing the posture of the European Union as one-sided,” Borrell said.

Waving his mobile phone, he said he had already received messages from some ministers signalling they would not support Ukraine next time there was a vote at the United Nations.

“If things continue a couple of weeks like this, the animosity against Europeans (will grow),” he added.

In response to the criticism, Borrell stressed human lives had the same value everywhere and that the EU had unanimously urged immediate humanitarian pauses to get aid to Palestinians in Gaza and quadrupled its humanitarian aid for the enclave.

But Arab leaders want an immediate end to Israel’s bombardment, which has killed at least 13,300 Palestinians, including at least 5,600 children, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run government.

They have lambasted both the EU and the United States for not condemning Israel’s bombing campaign in Gaza, in contrast to the West’s response to the invasion of Ukraine.

Israel has stressed that it is responding to the deadliest attack in its history, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 240 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

It says it is attacking civilian areas as that is where Hamas operates and it is trying to avoid innocent casualties.

As High Representative for foreign policy, Borrell is charged with crafting common positions among EU members.

A neighbor of the Middle East and home to substantial Jewish and Muslim populations, the EU has a major stake in the latest crisis. Although not in the same league as the United States, it has some diplomatic weight in the region, not least as the biggest donor of aid to Palestinians.

But the bloc has struggled for a united stance beyond condemnation of the Hamas attack. It has largely limited itself to support for Israel’s right to defend itself within international law and calls for pauses in fighting.

Individual member countries, meanwhile, such as Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Hungary have stressed strong support for Israel while others such as Ireland, Belgium and Spain have criticized Israel’s military action.

France has called for a humanitarian truce that would pave the way for a cease-fire.

Borrell, a veteran Spanish Socialist politician, last month declared that some of Israel’s actions contravened international law — to the annoyance of some EU member countries.

He avoided such direct public criticism on his trip. He also sought to show understanding for the pain felt by Israelis, recalling his own experience on a kibbutz in the 1960s.

But he said the EU also should do more to demonstrate it also cares about Palestinian lives and this could come through stronger calls for aid to get into Gaza and a renewed push for a Palestinian state under the so-called “two-state solution.”

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Jewish and Muslim leaders join forces on Mitzvah Day

Visiting a synagogue to mark Mitzvah Day, Sir Keir Starmer addressed the concerns of those within his party who would like him to go further than his current position, which is to back a humanitarian pause…reports Asian Lite News

Leaders of the Jewish and Muslim communities came together in a show of unity in north London on Sunday.

At an event to mark Mitzvah Day, an annual day of faith-based social action and charity work, Muslims joined Jews who were making and delivering food parcels in Finchley.

Imam Ibrahim Mogra said he felt it was important to attend the event, held at a Jewish centre, due to the heightened tension between communities since the Israel-Hamas war flared up on 7 October.

The former assistant secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain told Sky News: “There is a lot of pain, many people are suffering and are very, very angry, and it’s important for us to remember at this point that this is not between Muslims and Jews, this is between Israel, an occupying force, and Palestine which is the occupied party in this case.

“So we need to have solidarity between ourselves as communities.”

He was there to support Rabbi Josh Levy, the co-CEO of Progressive Judaism. He expressed concern for the rise in both antisemitism and Islamophobia since the conflict began.

Levy said: “I think everyone is living in a very fractious society, we’re also living with personal grief with anguish at the scenes we’re seeing from Israel-Palestine. So I think for a lot of us it’s really important that we have those moments where we can stand together, can be reminded of our shared humanity and that there’s so much more that we have in common.

He added that such events remind us “that we need to work together in the society we’re building together”.

After thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to the streets of cities and towns around Britain on Saturday, demanding UK politicians call for a ceasefire, Rabbi Levy said: “Most of us would like to see a situation in which peace can be restored to that area.

“Obviously it’s a very complex situation, the grief is not exclusive to one side or to the other, and it’s really important we remember that one of the things that unites us is our grief and the other thing that unites us is our desire to see a peaceful solution to this.”

He added: “This isn’t the time to reduce ourselves to slogans, it isn’t the time we look for simple solutions, because there are no simple solutions to this. This is a complex operation, I think our politicians need to be thoughtful and deliberate in the way they speak about this.”

But Ibrahim Mogra said he does support those MPs who are calling for a ceasefire. “I believe that we need a ceasefire and we need it now, and there has to be another way of resolving this.”

“What other alternative do we have? Do we just continue to watch babies, women, children, the elderly just being bombed every single day?”

But he said MPs should not be made to feel unsafe. “I think it’s very wrong to intimidate anyone, including our politicians” he said.

“They all have taken their positions regarding the situation, it’s very disappointing that the vast majority of them voted against a ceasefire, but that’s politics and that’s democracy.”

On Saturday, demonstrators gathered in the constituency of the Labour leader to call on him to support a ceasefire.

Visiting a synagogue to mark Mitzvah Day, Sir Keir Starmer addressed the concerns of those within his party who would like him to go further than his current position, which is to back a humanitarian pause.

He said: “I think everybody in the party is concerned to do everything they can to alleviate the suffering we’re seeing in Israel and Gaza so in that sense there’s great unity”

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Muslim preacher Choudary in custody on terror charges

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ordered the pair remanded in custody and set their next appearance, at the central criminal courthouse known as the Old Bailey, on August 4…reports Asian Lite News

British Islamist preacher Anjem Choudary was remanded in custody by a UK magistrate on Monday after London’s Metropolitan police charged him with three terrorism offences.

Choudary, 56, faces charges of belonging to a proscribed organisation, addressing meetings to encourage support for a proscribed organisation, and directing a terrorist organisation, the force said.

A 28-year-old Canadian, Khaled Hussein, was also ordered held in custody after he was charged with membership of a proscribed organisation.

Both appeared separately at Westminster Magistrates Court in London, which heard that the charges relate to “an extreme form of Islam”.

“The charges relate to the proscribed organisation al-Muhajiroun, also known as the Islamic Thinkers Society,” prosecutor Nick Price said.

“Criminal proceedings against Choudary and Hussein are now active and they each have the right to a fair trial,” he added.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ordered the pair remanded in custody and set their next appearance, at the central criminal courthouse known as the Old Bailey, on August 4.

Choudary, from east London, wore a black jacket and glasses and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address during Monday’s 30-minute court hearing. The high-profile preacher was not asked to enter any pleas to the three charges.

A lawyer for Hussein, who is from Edmonton in the Canadian province of Alberta, said he would not be entering a plea. The defendant spoke — in a Canadian accent — only to confirm his name, date of birth, and address.

He is alleged to have been in “close contact” with Choudary online to provide “a platform” for the group’s views for around two years, the court heard. Counter-terror officers investigating alleged membership of the proscribed organisation arrested both men last Monday, the Metropolitan police said.

Officers detained Choudary in east London and held Hussein at Heathrow Airport after he arrived on a flight.

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‘Muslim gangs in prisons are forcing conversion’

Collin also recommended the government to conduct an immediate review of the claims that inmates are being forcibly radicalized and converted in jail as well as the issue of faith-based gangs…reports Asian Lite News

On April 25, 2023, Collin Bloom, an independent faith advisor appointed by the UK government released his report “The Bloom Review” which made several alarming revelations. The report states that prisoners in jails across Britain are being converted to Islam by Muslim inmates and are also being provided ‘protection’ on converting.

The report adds that Qurans were left on the beds of the new prisoners and they were given the choice to either “convert or get hurt”.

“Failure to identify as a Muslim meant that at best the new prisoner would be denied ‘protection’ from the dominant Muslim gang on that wing, or at worst the new prisoner would be subjected to violence and intimidation from that same gang,” Bloom said.

He said, however, that the government must “redouble” its efforts to “reinforce the distinctions between extremist Islamism and Islam and between Islamist extremists and Muslims.”

The paper goes on to highlight certain statistics to highlight the frequency of in-prison conversions. Muslims made up around 18% of the prison population in 2021, an increase from 8% in 2002.192 “However, the Muslim male prisoner population in London prisons is reportedly almost 30%, which is considerably higher than the 15% in the general London population (as recorded in the 2021 Census),” the report reads.

Collin also recommended the government to conduct an immediate review of the claims that inmates are being forcibly radicalized and converted in jail as well as the issue of faith-based gangs.

Additionally, the report mentions that the Hindus make up for the lowest levels of prison rates of any religion but have the highest employment rates.

Excerpt from The Bloom Review

In his 159-page report, Bloom asserts that “insufficient action” has been undertaken and continues, saying: “There is one burning injustice from which this Government should not shrink, and that is the issue of forced and coercive marriages.

Some of the most pressing issues within the few Sikh communities in Britain, notably the strife brought on by the “extremist fringe ideology within the pro-Khalistan movement, have been brought to light by Collin Bloom.

“Propagating hate and divisions, trying to brainwash youth to cause divisions and hate in India, [is] really sad. [Some Sikh extremist groups] are using places of worship to fund or getting funds under the name of faith and spearheading hate, these types of organisations shouldn’t be allowed to operate in our great country,” the report reads.

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London News UK News

Sadiq Khan’s appeal to Hindus, Muslims

Reflecting on his personal journey, Sadiq Khan, born to a British-Pakistani family in South London, wrote, “My grandparents were from India…reports Asian Lite News

London mayor Sadiq Khan appealed to Hindu and Muslim communities to “not allow the politics of the sub-continent to spill over” into the UK.

“We should be eternally on our guard against extremist forces who seek to stoke up tensions between our communities for their own selfish ends. Everyone in the UK and around the world should have the right to live in peace and to practice their religion without fear or threats,” the London mayor said.

The appeal came after a spate of violent clashes between Hindu and Muslim communities in the eastern England city of Leicester following an India-Pakistan cricket match.

Sadiq Khan urged against letting “current or past tensions, and the wider politics of the region, be used as a pretext to stir up trouble on our streets”. “British Muslims and British Hindus should always be allies, not adversaries,” he added.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Sadiq Khan, born to a British-Pakistani family in South London, wrote, “My grandparents were from India. My parents from Pakistan. I was born and raised in London and am proud to call Britain my home. But like many Londoners who can trace their family history to different parts of the world, I feel a strong connection with my heritage, which means both India and Pakistan are dear to me and hold a special place in my heart.”

ALSO READ-Hindu-Muslim joint statement appeals for peace in Leicester

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Hindu-Muslim joint statement appeals for peace in Leicester

Das said the recent violence and attacks on individuals was heartbreaking for the entire community and not part of their faiths…reports Asian Lite News

Days after violent clashes erupted in the eastern English city of Leicester over an India-Pakistan cricket match, leaders of the Hindu and Muslim communities in the city issued a joint statement appealing for harmony. Calling for immediate cessation of violence, the community leaders demanded that “inciters of hatred” leave the city alone.

President of Leicester’s ISKCON temple Pradyumna Das read out the joint statement outside a mosque.

“This is a statement of unity between the Hindu and Muslim community. We, the family of Leicester stand in front of you, not only as Hindus and Muslims, but as brothers and sisters. Our two faiths have lived harmoniously in this wonderful city for over half a century. We arrived in this city together. We faced the same challenges together.

Das said the recent violence and attacks on individuals was heartbreaking for the entire community and not part of their faiths.

“We fought our racist haters togethers, and collectively made this city a beacon of diversity. That is why, today, we are saddened and heartbroken to see the eruption of tension and violence, physical attacks on innocent individuals and unwarranted damage to property are not a part of a decent society, and indeed, not part of our faiths. What we have seen is not what we are about.”

“Our message to anyone that sows disharmony between us is clear: we will not let you succeed,” he said.

“We ask all to respect the sanctity of religious places, both mosques, and mandirs alike — whether provocation with loud music, flag bearing, derogatory chants, or physical attacks against the fabric of worship. This is not acceptable nor upheld by our faiths,” the statement read, adding the city has “no place for any foreign extremist ideology that causes division”.

On August 28, a series of violence triggered in Leicester city after India won the Asia Cup T20 match against Pakistan.

Several videos and reports have also been circulating on social media about Pakistani organised gangs seen vandalising and terrorising Hindus in the city.

According to the Leicestershire Police, a 20-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon during clashes.

“The sentence is reflective of the fact that this was a serious offence and he has ended up with time in prison,” said Rob Nixon, Temporary Chief Constable at Leicestershire Police.

“We will not stand for this unrest in our city. There is an extensive policing operation ongoing, acting on information and reports of gatherings and offering community reassurance. Be reassured: we are working to keep you safe and to arrest and bring to justice those that are causing harm in our communities,” he said.

The Indian High Commission in London has condemned the violence and called for the protection of those affected. “We strongly condemn the violence perpetrated against the Indian Community in Leicester and vandalisation of premises and symbols of Hindu religion. We have strongly taken up this matter with the UK authorities and have sought immediate action against those involved in these attacks. We call on the authorities to provide protection to the affected people,” the High Commission’s statement read.

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Tulu queen who united Hindus, Muslims against Portuguese

Ullal port was a prosperous port and hub of the spice trade to the outer world and the Portuguese, Dutch and British had clearly set their eyes on it…reports Asian Lite News

Rani Abbakka, the great Tulu queen regarded as the first female freedom fighter of India, is not only known for her valour who repulsed the Portuguese army, but also her strength to unite people of different faiths against the armed forces of a foreign state.

The queen hails from Karnataka, which is, currently, communally divided. A region witnessing revenge killings among Hindus and Muslims, this state has a great lesson to learn from the legacy of Rani Abbakka, when Muslims and Hindus unitedly fought under her leadership against the Portuguese.

Rani Abbakka Chowta was the first Tuluva queen from Ullal province of the present Dakshina Kannada district. She represented the Chowta dynasty which ruled Tulu Nadu, comprising strategic regions of coastal Karnataka.

The Portuguese forces, after establishing their rule in Goa, turned their focus on capturing Mangaluru, Ullal ports. The brave Rani Abbakka, who left her husband and came back to her father, repulsed the Portuguese attacks for four decades, leading the army from the front.

She is regarded as one of the foremost woman warriors and bravest of the fighters. Historians say Rani Abbakka has not been given her due place in India’s as well as Karnataka’s history.

Abbakka’s uncle Tirumalaraya crowned her as the queen of Ullal. She married Lakshmappa Arasa Bangaraja II. However, the marriage did not last very long, as Rani Abbakka returned to Ullal.

Ullal port was a prosperous port and hub of the spice trade to the outer world and the Portuguese, Dutch and British had clearly set their eyes on it.

Knowing about the crouching foreign forces waiting for a chance to take over Ullal, the local chieftains united, forgetting their communal reservations.

Rani Abbakka gave equal representation to Hindus, Jains and Muslims. During her rule in the 16th century, the coastal region was an example of unity and integrity for the entire nation, as Hindus and Muslims stood shoulder to shoulder in every aspect.

When the Portuguese, unable to find traitors, came to know that Rani Abbakka’s estranged husband nursed a deep grudge against her, they launched attacks on Ullal from 1555 to 1568.

After Ullal was captured, Rani Abbakka took shelter in a mosque. She gathered an army and launched an attack on the Portuguese, in no time. Her army fought with valour and killed General Joao Peixoto after which the Portuguese had to retreat.

She forged an alliance with the Bijapur Sultan and the Calicut (Kerala) rulers. However, she was captured by the Portuguese army and sent to jail later.

Folklore has it that even in prison she revolted and died fighting. Her tale has been told through Yakshagana, the famous local art form of the region.

The Veera Rani Abbakka Utsava is held every year to commemorate her bravery and awards are given in her name. In 2003, the Indian postal department issued a special cover on Rani Abbakka. The bronze statues of the late queen are installed in Ullal and Bengaluru. The Indian Coast Guard Ship ICGS is named after Rani Abbakka.

Karnataka, which is presently in the news for Hindu-Muslim clashes, was once united and together repulsed attacks by foreign occupying forces.

The foreign enemies could not find internal enemies and destroy their local kingdoms as Hindus, Muslims and Jains were united. Patriots are still waiting for the day when people of different faiths will unite against the common enemy.

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Humanity trumps religion as Hindu offers space for Namaz

He said: “It is a responsibility of each citizen of India to maintain the law and order situation. It was my little step towards helping people. I welcome Muslim people to offer namaz at my place.”…reports Asian Lite News.

Stories of humanity and brotherhood continue to strengthen society. One such report was received from Gurugram, where a Hindu man offered the roof of his house for Friday namaz.

The man, Akshay Rao said: “I offered the land to the Muslim community as it was facing problems post objections raised by right wing outfits. The right wing outfits have raised objection to Muslims offering namaz in open spaces, post which 50 per cent of such prayers could not be held. Such an initiative can help to maintain harmony in the society. I will also provide the roof of my property, where every Friday, some people can comfortably offer prayers.”

He said: “It is a responsibility of each citizen of India to maintain the law and order situation. It was my little step towards helping people. I welcome Muslim people to offer namaz at my place.”

More than 25 people can offer prayers at the place offered by Rao.

Meanwhile, Muslim representatives have demanded that the district administration should open the 19 mosques under the Waqf Board, which are currently unused, for offering namaz.

Welcoming Rao’s initiative, Muslim Ekta Manch chairman Haji Shehzad Khan, said: “It’s a good initiative that a Hindu brother nearby gave his place to offer Friday prayers. There is a dispute regarding open Namaz in sector 12 of Gurugram. We are peace-loving people and do not want to disturb law and order.”

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