How U.P. police tried to keep Azam Khan in jail till the last minute

UTTAR PRADESH :

Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan is greeted by supporters after his release from jail in Sitapur on May 20, 2022. | Photo Credit: PTI

Supreme Court had invoked Article 142 to grant him interim bail 

The Uttar Pradesh police’s efforts to keep Samajwadi Party stalwart Mohd Azam Khan in custody were interrupted as the SP leader walked out of the Sitapur Jail on Friday after more than two years in custody.

While invoking its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution of India to grant him the relief, the Supreme Court had outlined the circumstances under which Khan was implicated in the 88th FIR against him.

To begin with, the court noted that even though this FIR was registered in March 2020 and a charge sheet filed, the U.P. police did not consider implicating Khan in the said case until the Supreme Court started hearing his case this year.

Moreover, the court also noted that while opposing interim bail to Khan in this case, the police had alleged that he had threatened the investigating officer of the case. However, it also pointed out the “sheer coincidence” in the timing of this threat, which was registered by the police as a General Diary entry at 3:04 a.m. on May 17, only hours before the top court was to hear the matter.

Noting that Khan was implicated in this case 1 year and 7 months after a charge sheet had been filed, the court said, “It is not as if that the allegations which are now sought to be made against the petitioner (Khan) could not have been made at that point of time.”

When Khan had approached the Supreme Court earlier this year, there were 87 criminal cases pending against him, of which he had secured bail in 84. As the top court started hearing his plea regarding the delay in bail being granted in the remaining three cases, he was further granted bail in two of them, leaving just one more case for him to get relief in as of the beginning of May.

It was at this point that the U.P. police acted to implicate Khan in the 88th case, where he was not an accused or suspect till May 5, when the police first requested to summon him in the case. As the Supreme Court was told on May 6 that the Allahabad High Court would soon deliver its judgement in the last remaining case, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (Rampur) on the same day passed an order remanding Khan in custody in the 88th case.

While hearing Khan’s case last week, the Supreme Court had also noted a pattern in the police action against him, orally pointing out that the 9-time SP MLA was being arrested in a fresh case every time he was granted bail in a previous one to prolong his incarceration.

Khan, once among the most powerful ministers in the SP-led U.P. government, faced a barrage of FIRs soon after the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in 2017, the first of which came on allegations of forging his son’s birth documents. The bulk of the FIRs (81 out of a total 88) then came in 2019, immediately before and after the Lok Sabha elections that year, all in quick succession.

As per the most recent election filing in 2022, charges have been framed against Khan in just 14 of the 88 cases.

Therefore, considering that he had been granted bail in 87 cases and the circumstances under which he was implicated in the 88th case, the Supreme Court invoked its power under Article 142 for the second time in two days to grant interim bail to him.

The top court had just a day before invoked the same powers to free Rajiv Gandhi-assassination convict A.G. Perarivalan.

Article 142 gives the Supreme Court sweeping powers to pass any such orders or decrees as it may deem fit in the interest of ensuring that “complete justice” is done in any cause or matter pending before it.

These powers are rarely invoked by the court and it has done so notably in its Ayodhya-Ram Janmabhoomi land dispute judgement in 2019, in 1989 while asking Union Carbide to pay $470 million in compensation to Bhopal gas tragedy victims, and in 2016 while banning the sale of liquor within 500 metres of state and national highways in a bid to curb driving accidents.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Other States / by Abhinay Lakshman / New Delhi – May 20th, 2022

Prof. Nilofer Khan assumes charge as Vice-Chancellor of Kashmir University

JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Professor (Retired) Nilofar Khan, who was yesterday appointed as new Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, assumed charge of the office of VC on Friday.

Professor (Retired) Nilofar Khan, who was yesterday appointed as new Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, assumed charge of the office of VC on Friday. 

According to official sources, Khan assumed the charge of the office of Vice Chancellor this morning and was welcomed by the officials on her arrival at the varsity.   

However, since morning a number of people have made a beeline to the office of VC, congratulating her on becoming the head of the valley’s premier institution.  

Prof. Nilofer Khan was appointed as the first female Vice chancellor of Kashmir University by Lieutenant Governor, J&K, Manoj Sinha, who is also the Chancellor of the varsity, by exercising power vested in him under section 12 of Kashmir and Jammu Universities Act 1969.

source: http://www.risingkashmir.com / Rising Kashmir / Home / by RK Online Desk / May 20th, 2022

“I believe in intuition while cooking”, Zohra Seemee

NEW DELHI :

Zohra Seemee(L), her recipe book “Zaykah India Ka”

The month of Ramazan has entered its last leg and thus it is possible that the items on the Iftaar table at dusk must be getting mundane. Here, Awaz-the Voice spoke with Zohra Seeme, author of “Zaykah India ka” and founder of NGO Social Pride Welfare Society about how to pep up the Iftar platter for the family.

 “I learnt cooking after I got married..”, was Zohra Seeme’s reply to how and when she learnt how to cook. Zohra said as shewas distributing ration on behalf of Mahila Panchayat (an NGO she collaborates with) to the needy when Awaz the Voice reached her for a tete-a-tete.

Here’s her top dishes that can be tried this Ramazan:

Potato-Chicken Patty: potatoes boiled and mashed properly are used as a base that are then filled with minced meat of either chicken or mutton. Minced meat or keema that is prepared by roasting it with bare minimum spices and a dash of onions till cooked properly. 

Chane ki dal ke pakodas with Keema (Gram flour fitters filled with minced meat): preparing the gram flour dough by kneading it with a bit luke warm water, add salt to taste, take small portion, roll it flat, fill it with minced meat (as done with potato chicken patty) and just deep fry it or bake it (whatever suits you best). 

Zohra says, “I was the youngest at my place, thus I never touched a thing, but after I got married, my partner ate less but rich food, thus my journey of preparing food started..” “I don’t particularly follow any book, I believe in intuition rather..”, she replies when asked about her mantra behind the delicious recipes.

She adds, “I make up mind as and when I enter the kitchen, I try to think of flavours in my mind and when they click, I try to lay them on the dining table..”

A complete iftar table as laid out by Zohra Seemee

Asked about some oil-less, health conscious recipes she says, “ well, there’s Ghugni (a local name for chana dal soaked overnight and prepared with a dash of lemon, salt, black pepper, and finely chopped onions, tomatoes..”

A healthy potpourri can be prepared by taking sprouts of your choice(soak black gram, green lentils, yellow gram overnight), and just add lemon, salt, black pepper and salad of your choice.

When asked about an all time favourite recipe of her kids she says, “I prepare chicken roast, that is one recipe that is loved by all..”

Here’s the recipe: boil the preferred choice of meat with salt, garlic, ginger and water. Separate the water from the meat when tender. Add a pinch of fine flour (maida), edible food colour and either pan fry or deep fry the same. When done it is served with preferred salad dressing.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Women / by Shaista Fatima, New Delhi / April 24th, 2022

MDMK fields ‘Nizam Maama’ in Palayamkottai

Tirunelveli, TAMIL NADU :

People Welfare Front’s candidate for Palayamkottai K.M.A. Nizam of MDMK. — Photo: A. Shaikmohideen; Fatima Babu, MDMK candidate for Thoothukudi.

A social worker for Thoothukudi and a retired teacher for Nagercoil

The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, a constituent of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam – People’s Welfare Front, has fielded party’s Tirunelveli city district secretary K.M.A. Nizam, popularly known among the Palayamkottai residents as ‘Nizam Maama.’

Though he has not contested any election in the past, Mr. Nizam, a Grade I contractor, has held various positions in the party and is quite popular among the residents of Palayamkottai, thanks to his ‘helping tendency,’ especially to the needy.

When over 3,000 government employees and the teachers laid siege to the Collectorate recently as part of their Statewide indefinite strike, Mr. Nizam provided them lunch – both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, tea and dinner for two days.

Whenever he is approached for providing lunch for the participants of conferences, seminars in colleges here, he would oblige gleefully, saying that those who teach the younger generation should not be allowed to run from pillar to post for their professional needs.

Mr. Nizam will take on DMK’s T.P.M. Mohideen Khan and AIADMK’s A. Thamizh Magan Hussein.

The MDMK has nominated former MLA T. Sadan Thirumalaikumar, a doctor, at Sankarankovil (reserved) segment. He was elected to the Assembly from neighbouring Vasudevanallur (reserved) constituency in 2006 and had unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha polls at Tenkasi (1991 and 2014), Assembly polls at Rajapalayam (1996) and Assembly by-poll in Sankarankovil (2012).

Nagercoil

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has fielded a retired teacher, Rani Selwyn, in Nagercoil constituency.

Ms. Rani is the State deputy secretary of the party’s women’s wing. She unsuccessfully contested for the post of Nagercoil Municipal Chairperson in 1986 and 1996.

The party has fielded 68-year old Sampath Chandra, chairman of the Kanyakumari District Central Cooperative Bank, in Colachel constituency.

Tuticorin

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam , a strong ally of DMDK –PWF, has fielded Fathima Babu (64), former Associate Professor of English, St. Mary’s College, in Thoothukudi. Ms. Babu is a familiar face in Thoothukudi. She is a social worker and an environmental activist. Thoothukudi Mayoral election during 2011 saw Ms. Babu as one of key contenders.

She has held various responsibilities such as Executive Committee Member of Thoothukudi Town Beautification, Senate member of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, and State Convener of Fishermen Movements of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. This candidate was conferred with ‘Greenpeace International Award’ in recognition of her efforts to protect the planet’s environment. Thoothukudi district administration honoured her at the Republic Day celebration in 2011 for outstanding social service.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Tamil Nadu / by Madurai Bureau / Tirunelveli / April 17th, 2016

Meet Mohammed Shamim, The Delhi Gravedigger Dealing With The Dead During COVID-19

NEW DELHI :

As the number of COVID victims rose in Delhi, more and more bodies needed a final resting place.

And that’s probably why Cemetery Supervisor Mohammed Shamim at ITO cemetery had no choice but to turn families away and risk his life to bury those who died of COVID-19. “I am fighting corona daily. I have not taken a single day off since the lockdown and come to the cemetery every day. I don’t even go to my home and sleep here only as no other person is ready to come here,” Shamim said.

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Gravedigger Mohammed Shamim brings a rope to use for burial of a coronavirus victim at a graveyard in Delhi. The death toll from coronavirus in Delhi has reached a reported 176.

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Shamim instructs relatives of a coronavirus victim before burial at a graveyard. As of May 20, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India stand at 1,07,819. 

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“I’ve been burying the dead for the last two decades. But until now, I’ve never been scared for my own life,” he said to AFP.

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Shamim sanitises his gloves before the burial of a COVID-19 victim. He always keeps a santiser bottle with him.

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He uses his mobile phone after a burial.

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Shamim rests in his room after the burial of a COVID-19 victim. He has moved his four daughters to his parents’ house to prevent the risk of them catching the disease.

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Mohammed Shamim prepares a rope to use it to lower a body into a grave.

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Here, he’s seen directing an ambulance carrying the victims of COVID-19.

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He talks to the relatives and asks them to put on protective suits, gloves, and masks for the burial ceremony.

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“People just refuse to come help with the burial. What can you do? I have to step in,” he said, describing “heartbreaking” scenes, like when only a wife and a small child came to the funeral of one man.

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Shamim receives a rope to use for the burial of a coronavirus victim at a graveyard. “I always felt safest around the dead and most vulnerable in the outside world. Now I find it difficult to sleep at night,” he said.

Inputs From AFP

source: http://www.indiatimes.com / India Times / Home> Trending> Social
Relevance / by Bhupinder Singh / Inputs fr9om AFP / July 21st, 2020

Jamiat Offers Legal Assistance to Karoli Riot Victims

RAJASTHAN / NEW DELHI :

The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind taking stock of the devastation in the aftermath communal violence  in Karoli.

After visiting the riot-hit area, a delegation of the JUH held the district administration responsible for the riots saying if not for inept handling of the situation, the riots would not have taken place.

New Delhi :

A delegation of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JUH) visited Karoli, Rajasthan, to take stock of the situation there in the aftermath of the devastating communal violence that took place there last month. During the visit the delegation met the victims of the riots and assured them legal assistance.

The delegation, on the direction of President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Maulana Mahmood A Madani, assessed the on-going rehabilitation activities in the riot-hit area. During the riots, miscreants had burnt down 77 shops of which 67 belonged to Muslims. What’s shocking is that a large number of people belonging to the victim community have been arrested for the violence so far.

The delegation headed by Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi, JUH general secretary met with the district superintendent of police (SP) and district magistrate (DM) over the issue. During the visit, Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi noted that apart from tearing apart social fabric of the country such kind of riots adds to the woes of common man at a time when the country’s economy is going through a rough patch.

The delegation headed by Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi met with the district superintendent of police (SP) and district magistrate (DM) during their visit to Karoli.

He said, “No country is built in the air but it constitutes its people, houses, shops, cities and towns, trees, roads, and vehicles, harming any of them amounts to harming the nation.”

The JUH held the district administration responsible for the riots. It said if not for inept handling of the situation, the riots would not have taken place.

Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi asked the SP how the rally with DJ blaring hate-filled songs and slogans was allowed to pass through a sensitive area while it was banned for 20 years. The government and the administration should always be vigilant about the sensitive areas so that sectarian elements do not vitiate the atmosphere by holding such rallies.

The delegation noted that the riots were the handiwork of some vested interests who wanted to create a rift between the two communities for political gain. It demanded action against the communal outfit which engineered the riots. It said action against individuals won’t serve any purpose.

The delegation included Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi, Maulana Ghayyur Ahmad Qasmi, Senior Organizer of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Maulana Noman, Vice-President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Rajasthan, Maulana Muhammad Younus, Maulana Anis, JUH district president Karoli, Mufti Islam, Hafiz Luqmanan, Maulana Mahboob, Hafiz Babuddin, Mufti Islam, Hafiz Liaqat, Haji Abdul Hai among others.

source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Big Story> India / May 18th, 2022

U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibet Uzra Zeya to visit India and Nepal

Bihar,INDIA / North Carolina / Washington, U.S.A. :

U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues Uzra Zeya. File | Photo Credit: AFP

U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues Uzra Zeya will travel to India and Nepal this week to deepen cooperation on human rights and democratic governance goals with the two nations, the State Department has announced.

Ms. Zeya, the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights and an India-American, is expected to visit Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh during her visit to India.

Dharamsala is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government-in-exile.

“Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights and U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues Uzra Ms. Zeya will travel May 17–22 to India and Nepal to deepen cooperation on human rights and democratic governance goals, and to advance humanitarian priorities,” the State Department said on May 16.

“She will also discuss partnering with India and Nepal during this Year of Action for the Summit for Democracy. The delegation will include U.S.AID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia Anjali Kaur,” it added.

It will be the first high-level contact between the U.S. and the Tibetan leadership after Joe Biden became President in January last year.

In New Delhi, people familiar with the development said last month that Ms. Zeya will hold talks with the Dalai Lama and other senior leaders of the Tibetan Government in exile in Dharamsala, signalling the Biden administration’s commitment to the Tibetan cause.

Last month, Tibetan exile leader Penpa Tsering paid a visit to Washington D.C. and met Ms. Zeya. Tsering — the elected head of Tibet’s India-based exile Government the Central Tibetan Administration — had also met House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other congressional leaders.

China considers the 14th Dalai Lama as a political exile who has attempted to split Tibet from China under the guise of religion.

According to the people cited above, key issues relating to the Tibetan cause are likely to figure in the talks.

As the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues, Ms. Zeya has been coordinating the Biden administration’s policies, programmes and projects relating to the Tibetan cause.

Ms. Zeya was sworn-in as the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights by Secretary of State Antony Blinken on July 14 last year.

On December 20, she was concurrently appointed as the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues.

The U.S. has been consistently supporting the Tibetan cause notwithstanding China’s strong objection.

In 2020, the U.S. came out with legislation reaffirming the absolute right of Tibetan people to choose a successor to the Dalai Lama and the preservation of Tibet’s environment.

After the U.S. Congress passed the legislation, China had accused Washington of meddling in its internal affairs.

China has been insisting that the selection of the next Dalai Lama has to be decided within Chinese territory and that it has to have a say in the matter.

The issue of a successor to the 14th Dalai Lama, who has been living in exile in Dharamsala since 1959, gained traction as he turned 86 in July last year.

Mr. Blinken had met a representative of the Dalai Lama during his visit to New Delhi last year.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> International / by PTI / Washington, May 17th, 2022

Shafakath Hussain is the new President of HIF Qatar unit

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA / Doha, QATAR :

Shafakath Hussain

Shafakath Hussain from Mangaluru was unanimously elected as the president of the HIF Qatar unit here on Friday. The election was held at the annual general body meeting of the forum at Doha.

Shahim Mohammed  was elected as general secretary and Suhaib Ahmed as treasurer of the forum.

HIF outgoing president Rizwan Ahmed  presided over the meeting and welcomed the gathering. 

General Secretary Shahim Mohammed gave power point presentation of work done by forum in past 2 years and gave details about work done during the pandemic period.

Leaders of various organisations attended the meeting that was compered by Suhaib Ahmed.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / February 11th, 2022

After PM’s praise, Inayat Khan posted to Araria

Agra, UTTAR PRADESH / Patna, BIHAR :

Inayat Khan in her office
Inayat Khan in her office

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi showered praises on IAS officer Inayat Khan for her phenomenal work as the District Magistrate of Sheikhpura, one of the backward districts of Bihar covered under the Aspirational Districts Programme for development, she has been posted to Araria in the Seemanchal region of Bihar. 

During the video conferencing on 24 January, the Prime Minister praised the young DM for her work related to women’s health, malnutrition and education. 

The Prime Minister acknowledged Inayat’s efforts and said that the change in the Sheikhpura district of Bihar was only because of her constant efforts.

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Inayat Khan interacting with Pm Narendra Modi in a virtual conference

Inayat Khan, 35, was born in Agra and did her B.Tech from Anand Engineering College. She cleared her UPSC in 2011 with an All-India rank of 176 and was allotted Bihar cadre. 

After working for India’s leading IT firm for one year before writing her UPSC examination to become a civil servant. job to serve the country. She cleared the exam in 2011. 

Inayat Khan’s first posting was as an assistant collector in the Patna district and the second one as the SDO in Rajgir.  

It was in Bhojpur where she was posted as District Development Commissioner (DM) that Inayat Khan was nicknamed a ‘tough officer’ as she got officer CCTV cameras and biometric attendance installed in offices in every block. 

She was a stickler for discipline and work culture. From surprise inspections to visiting the station premises personally to taking walks on foot in the district, Inayat did her best to improve the governance and service of the public at the hands of the government machinery.

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Inayat Khan

Besides making news with her strict demeanor and work ethic, Inayat has also adopted the children of the martyrs. 

The Aspirational Districts Programme is an initiative by the Government of India implemented by NITI Aayog with the help of various stakeholders to improve the living standards of people in aspirational districts. There are 112 Aspirational districts identified throughout the nation covering a minimum of one from each state in India. 

Recently, the state of Bihar was appointed with new DMs in 13 districts. Inayat Khan was allotted Araria district .

The district is a Muslim majority area and people are socially and economically backward. Her posting has given hope to the locals that Inayat Khan would work out a solution to the problems of the area. 

Inayat Khan made headlines when she adopted the kids of the martyr soldiers.

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Inayat Khan during her inspection tour

After the Pulwama attack, Inayat Khan remained in the headlines for her duty. She never announced the adoption of the daughters of Ratan Thakur and Sanjay Kumar of Bihar, who were martyred in the Pulwama attack.  

She not only donated her two-day salary but also made officers posted in Sheikhpura district donate their one-day salary to the fund for the families of the Pulwama martyrs. 

On a personal front, Inayat lives a simple life. She even has a housing loan from LIC to pay off for the financial year 2021-22. This came to the fore when she declared her movable and immovable property at the end of the fiscal year.  

According to the details as recorded on the website, the DM has about one kg of gold and Rs 3.50 lakh deposit in the bank.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> India / by Seraj Anwar, Patna / May 13th, 2022

Abdul Razak Puttur is new President of South Kanara Muslim Welfare Association Doha

Dakshina Kannada (South Canara), KARNATAKA / Doha, QATAR :

Doha:

South Kanara Muslim Welfare Association a charitable organization, hailing from southern Part of Karnataka State, elected Mr. Abdul Razak Puttur, as its new President for 2022 -2024 at their recently held 29th Annual General Body Meeting.

The Annual Meeting started with the recitation of Holy Quran by Master. Shazil Jameel.

Outgoing President Mr Abdul Majeed presided over the function and briefed the members about the committee’s activities during the year 2020 and 2021. Kasim Udupi Welcomed the Gathering., Nasir Ullal and Sathar Montepadav Submitted Annual Report and Financial Report. Vote of thanks was given by Abdul Razzak Puttur.

The committee unanimously elected Mr Abdul Razak Puttur as President for the term 2022-2024. Other officer bearers for the proposed term are: Mr Abdul Kasim Udupi and Mr. Mohammed Shareef (Vice Presidents), Mr Mohammed Imran Bantwal (General Secretary), Ismail MN(joint Secretary) Mr Abdul Nasir Ullal, (Treasurer), Afzal Jameel (Joint Treasurer), Mr.Shameer Mahin, Mr. Mansoor, Mr.Sathar, Mr.Imthiaz and Mr.Imran (Event Secretaries) The new committee also selected Abdul Majeed Moodbidre, Firoz Kundapura, Ibrahim Beary, Abdul Majeed Haleyangadi, Abdulla Monu, and Ismail Jokatte as the advisor committee members. Nasir Manjeshwar, Suhaib Ahmed, Rizwan Ahmed, Abdul Hameed Haleyangadi, Abdul Khader Hanan, Rasheed Kakkinje, Ameer Hamza, Adam, saleem Ullal, Ilyas Beary, Abbu Jokatte, Abdul Rasheed, Abdul Khader Jeelani were elected as event coordinators.

The new President Abdul Razak Puttur congratulated the outgoing team for successfully completing their tenure. He expressed his gratitude to the committee members and promised that with the new team he is confident of taking the eminent legacy of SKMWA to newer heights. The event concluded with the vote of thanks by Vice President Abdul Kassim Udupi.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / May 15th, 2022