Malaysia bestowed its highest civilian award, the Hijra Award, upon prominent Sunni leader Kanthapuram Aboobacker Musliar, making him the first Indian to receive this prestigious honor. The award was presented by Malaysian King Al Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah during a ceremony held at the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

The Hijra Award, instituted by Malaysia in the name of Prophet Mohammed, is dedicated to recognizing distinguished Islamic scholars from around the world and has been awarded on the first day of the Islamic New Year since 2008. It is considered one of the most esteemed prizes in the Islamic world.

The event was graced by several high-ranking Malaysian officials, including Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Minister for Religious Affairs Mohammed Nahim Bin Mukhtar. Mr. Kanthapuram, who was present at the function in a wheelchair, was lauded on stage to receive the prestigious award.

The Malaysian government initiated the Hijra Award to honor international Islamic scholars for their significant contributions to world peace and harmony.

The decision to confer the Hijra Award upon Mr. Kanthapuram was based on his notable efforts in promoting messages of peace and fostering interfaith relations worldwide, as recognized by Malaysia's Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

Expressing his gratitude after receiving the award, Mr. Kanthapuram conveyed that the esteemed recognition by Malaysia would embolden him to expand his activities to broader horizons. He arrived in Malaysia on Monday after accepting an invitation from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

During his visit, the Malaysian Prime Minister and Mr. Kanthapuram engaged in discussions on further enhancing and strengthening cultural ties between Malaysia and India.

Joining Mr. Kanthapuram during the ceremony were Abdul Hakeem Azhari, the managing director of Markaz Knowledge City; Abdussalam, the Knowledge City chief executive officer; and Kuttur Abdurahman Haji, the chairman of Jamiul Futooh maintenance committee.

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Manipal: The Manipal police arrested two accused within 11 hours of registering a bike theft case following a swift investigation.

The accused have been identified as Sharath (26) and Ganesh (31), residents of Netaji Nagar in 80 Badagabettu village.

According to police, a complaint was filed after a motorcycle belonging to Sudarshan was stolen on February 21. The bike had been parked near Veera Maruti Bhajana Mandir in Rahul Nagar, Badagabettu village.

According to the complaint, police traced and arrested the accused and recovered the stolen motorcycle from their possession. The duo was later produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.

Police said over 11 theft cases have been registered against the accused at various police stations, including Manipal, Udupi City, Bhadravati, Koppa, Thirthahalli, Madikeri and Tumakuru.

Further investigation is under way.