Latest news with #MMK
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
MMK demands Muslim representation, repeal of Waqf Act at Madurai conference
1 2 Madurai: Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) president M H Jawahirullah on Sunday called for proportional political representation for Muslims and demanded the repeal of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, alleging it was unconstitutional and aimed at dismantling minority institutions. Addressing a state-level public conference organised by the MMK in Madurai, he said the party's struggle was not for power but to uphold secularism, protect minority rights, and promote inclusive governance. Thousands of supporters took part in a four-kilometre rally from P C Perungayam junction to Amma Thidal near Vandiyur Toll Plaza, carrying party flags and placards while raising slogans in support of Muslim representation and Waqf protection. City police deployed additional forces and enforced traffic diversions to ensure order. In his speech, Jawahirullah said that despite making up over 14% of the population, Muslims remain severely under-represented in Indian politics. "We need at least 80 Muslim MPs in the Lok Sabha to match our population. In the Chennai Corporation, only four out of 200 councillors are Muslim. Every party, from the panchayat level to Parliament, must address this imbalance," he said. He urged both ruling and opposition parties, including DMK, Congress, and AIADMK, to ensure fair representation for Muslims. "That is the purpose of this conference," he said. Slamming the recent amendments to the Waqf Act, he claimed they were designed to weaken the Waqf boards and seize their properties. "The BJP government is using the new portal as a tool to loot Waqf assets. We are prepared to launch protests similar to the farmers' agitation if the Act is not repealed," he warned. The conference passed 10 resolutions. Key among them were demands for proportional political representation for Muslims, the repeal of the amended Waqf Act, and the establishment of a fully functional Waqf Development Corporation. The MMK also called for a ban on EVMs and VVPATs, citing a lack of trust in the system. Other resolutions condemned Israel for "genocide" in Palestine and criticised US support. The party demanded that India sever ties with Israel, ban the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, and take a strong stand at the UN. The MMK also condemned Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar's recent remarks on removing 'secularism' and 'socialism' from the Constitution. It praised the Tamil Nadu government for standing up to "fascist forces" and called for Muslim identity and history to be included in school curricula. It also sought better facilities at the Sikkandar Dargah on Thiruparankundram hill in Madurai and improved conditions for undertrial Muslim prisoners. "This is not about electoral seats or political gain," Jawahirullah concluded. "This is about dignity, rights, and a rightful place for Muslims in this country." MMK MLA Abdul Samad, speaking earlier, vowed that the party would resist any attempt to implement the Waqf Act in its current form.
The Hindu
06-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Manithaneya Makkal Katchi urges ECI to drop use of EVMs; wants ballot paper system reintroduced
Demanding the Election Commission of India to drop the electronic voting machines (EVM) and reintroduce the old system of ballot paper in elections, the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) appealed to all political parties to support it in larger democratic interest. Passing nine resolutions at its conference held in Madurai on Sunday, the members said that the EVMs had led to numerous doubts over their genuineness. The ballot paper alone had stood the tests in very many aspects in the past and hence, the governments should restore it in full faith. MMK president Jawahirullah, who was in the chair, led the rally taken out by the members marking the conference. The meeting urged the governments to give more rights, especially, political rights, to Muslims through a resolution. Out of the 4,123 Assembly seats in the country, only 296 among them were Muslims, which was 7.18 %. Likewise, it was still more lesser representation in Parliament, where it was a meagre 4.4 %. In panchayats, municipalities and corporations, it was far from satisfaction for the Muslims, as the number of elected representatives stood very low, the resolution said. On Tiruparankundram Sikkandar dargah row, the MMK conference said that as per the Places of Worship Special Provision Act of 1991, the governments shall protect and provide amenities to the people offering prayers at the dargah. Condemning the vice-president of India Jagdeep Dhankar for his 'irresponsible' speech at a meeting held in New Delhi recently on amending the Constitution, the members said that the Vice-President held a Constitutional position. Hence, he should not speak like a BJP spokesperson. The Wakf Amendment Act should be dropped forthwith in the larger interest of the minorities and the Union government should drop its mischievous plans. Harming the minorities would be condemned and the Tamil Nadu government should continue its role in protecting the Muslims. In his address, Mr Jawahirullah said that the governments should ensure safety and security for the minorities as per the Constitution. The joblessness under the BJP rule had risen and the privatisation of industries had resulted in erosion of public sector undertakings. He said that nation's external affairs policies towards Muslim nations was highly objectionable and India should stop its support to Israel on the Palestinian issue.
United News of India
30-06-2025
- United News of India
Myanmar authorities seize 900,000 stimulant tablets in southern Bago in latest drug bust
Naypyidaw, June 30 (UNI) Myanmar authorities have confiscated 900,000 stimulant tablets in the southern Bago region, according to a report by the state-owned daily Myanma Alinn on Monday. This significant seizure highlights the ongoing struggle against illicit drug trafficking within the country. Acting on a tip-off, anti-narcotics police intercepted a vehicle in Waw township in Bago on 24 June. Following a search, officers discovered the large consignment of drugs and subsequently arrested three suspects in connection with the illicit haul. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is approximately MMK 1.35 billion kyats ($0.64 million). Further investigations into the operation are understood to be ongoing. This latest bust in Bago comes amidst Myanmar's persistent battle against drug production and trafficking, particularly of synthetic stimulants like methamphetamine (often in tablet form, known as 'Yaba'). The country, especially its northern Shan State, lies at the heart of the "Golden Triangle," a notorious region for illicit drug manufacturing that borders Thailand, Laos, and China. Despite efforts by various authorities, the complex geopolitical landscape and the presence of numerous armed groups in remote areas often facilitate the widespread production and movement of narcotics. Seizures of this scale are a regular occurrence, underscoring the deep-rooted nature of the drug trade in Myanmar and the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement.
Barnama
22-06-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Perak Targets Enforcing Vape Sales Ban In Oct
IPOH, June 22 (Bernama) -- The state government is targeting the banning of electronic cigarettes or vapes sales in October throughout Perak. Perak Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said a working paper on the matter is being drafted by the Perak State Health Department (JKN). 'We have instructed the Perak JKN led by its director Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha to ensure that this working paper can be completed as soon as possible. 'The working paper will also be brought to the State Executive Council (MMK) to decide on its enforcement, which I am targeting around October,' he said. He said this when met after officiating the Orthopedic Symposium Programme: Latest Developments and Best Practices in the Orthopedic Field organised by the Perak Community Specialist Hospital (PCSH) at the Kinta River Front Hotel here, today. On June 4, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad explained that the state government is comprehensively examining the need to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes in Perak. Saarani said the matter had been raised in the MMK but there were several matters that needed to be comprehensively refined. Meanwhile, Sivanesan said that although he admitted that the action would cause uneasiness among vape operators, it would benefit the people overall, especially in terms of health. "We are ready (for complaints) about this matter and for us what is good for the people we will continue," he said.
The Sun
22-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Perak targets enforcing vape sales ban in Oct
IPOH: The state government is targeting the banning of electronic cigarettes or vapes sales in October throughout Perak. Perak Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said a working paper on the matter is being drafted by the Perak State Health Department (JKN). 'We have instructed the Perak JKN led by its director Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha to ensure that this working paper can be completed as soon as possible. 'The working paper will also be brought to the State Executive Council (MMK) to decide on its enforcement, which I am targeting around October,' he said. He said this when met after officiating the Orthopedic Symposium Programme: Latest Developments and Best Practices in the Orthopedic Field organised by the Perak Community Specialist Hospital (PCSH) at the Kinta River Front Hotel here, today. On June 4, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad explained that the state government is comprehensively examining the need to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes in Perak. Saarani said the matter had been raised in the MMK but there were several matters that needed to be comprehensively refined. Meanwhile, Sivanesan said that although he admitted that the action would cause uneasiness among vape operators, it would benefit the people overall, especially in terms of health. 'We are ready (for complaints) about this matter and for us what is good for the people we will continue,' he said. In addition, he said more than 90 individuals consisting of orthopedic specialists from all over the country participated in the programme organised by PCSH. He said it should be emulated by other private hospitals in Perak because it aims to provide knowledge and assist in disseminating the latest technology used in the field now.
