Shahim Mohammed of Bajpe elected HIF Qatar's new president
Doha: Shahim Mohammed Sheikh, a resident of Bajpe, Mangaluru, was unanimously elected as the President of the Highland Islamic Forum Qatar unit during the 9th Annual General Body Meeting held in Doha on Friday, January 12, 2024.
The election saw the unanimous selection of other office bearers, including Mohammed Faizel Sheikh as the general secretary and Rizwan Ahmed as the treasurer. Core members of the team, Suhaib Ahmed, Faheem Ahmed, Naveed Ahmed, Shafakath Hussain, Rasheed Abdulhameed Kakinje, and Riyaz, were also chosen.
Sheikh Usman, a member of the Indian Friends Circle and the chief guest, commended the works of HIF, emphasizing the importance of charity in Islam, encompassing both deeds and financial contributions. He particularly praised the young generation for their efforts and applauded the exemplary works carried out by HIF.
The outgoing president, Shafakath Hussain, presided over the meeting, welcoming attendees. Rizwan Ahmed presented the Annual General Report of 2023, highlighting the forum's accomplishments over the past two years.
Various leaders from different organizations attended the meeting, with Faheem Ahmed serving as the master of ceremony.
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Elderly Dalit woman cremated on road after family denied access to village cremation ground in Bihar
Vaishali: An elderly Dalit woman was cremated on a public road in Bihar’s Vaishali district after her family was allegedly prevented from using the village cremation ground, triggering outrage and tension in the area, The Observer Post reported.
The incident occurred on Thursday at Sontho Andhari village under the Goraul police station limits. The deceased, identified as Jhapki Devi (95), belonged to a Mahadalit family. According to locals and police, when her family tried to take her body to the cremation ground, some people blocked the route, leaving the family with no option but to perform the last rites on the road.
Family members and residents said the obstruction has been a long-standing issue. “Every time we take a body for cremation, the way is blocked. This has happened earlier too, but no permanent solution was given,” said a local resident from Manjhi Tola, expressing anger over repeated denial of access.
As tensions rose, the funeral procession stopped at Andhari Gachi Chowk, where the body was placed on a pyre in front of a Shiva temple and cremated on the road. Villagers alleged that the pathway connecting the main road to the cremation ground had been encroached upon by local landowners.
Police and administrative officials later reached the spot. A fire brigade vehicle was deployed to extinguish the pyre, and the road was cleaned after the cremation. Public representatives who arrived at the scene were reportedly chased away by protesting villagers, who accused the administration of ignoring their complaints for years.
Vaishali Superintendent of Police Vikram Sihag said the issue arose due to the absence of a clear path. “Earlier, there was a route to the cremation ground, but some people built a temple on that path. Due to the lack of access, the family carried out the cremation on the road,” he said. He added that discussions were held with local officials and that arrangements would be made to restore access to the cremation ground. “The situation is currently under control,” the SP said.
Block Development Officer Pankaj Kumar Nigam and Circle Officer Divya Chanchal said the area had been cleared and an inquiry was under way. “All aspects will be examined, and steps will be taken to ensure that such incidents do not happen again,” they said.
