Asian Sunday Issue 11

12

First Cousin Marriages – Is it an uncomfortable issue or not?

14

Ghap Shap with former apprentice Sanjay Sood-Smith

24

Are new prevent courses really helping in the fight against terror?

29 NOV 2015

Issue 11

FREE N AT I O N A L

Britain’s FIRST FREE Sunday Newspaper

26

Surge of support floods in for Pakistani Christian convert family

British Muslims

A community

under siege?

Read more on pages 6 and 7

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ASIAN SUNDAY

Issue 11

NEWS Britain’s FIRST FREE Sunday Newspaper

Contact Us Asian Sunday Newspaper 18 East Parade, Bradford, BD1 5EE Enquiries: T.0333 577 0046 info@asiansunday.co.uk

Advertising and Sales

New touchscreen material to end daily smartphone charging British scientists have invented a new type of touchscreen material that requires very little power to illuminate, with vivid colours and high visibility in direct sunlight.The team is already in talks with some big players in consumer electronics to see if their new material can replace current LCD touchscreens over the next few years, sciencealert.com reported.

Developed by Bodie Technologies, a University of Oxford spin-off

company, the new technology could spare the consumers the pains of charging their smartphones daily.

Last year, the researchers published a paper describing how a rigid or flexible display can be formed from microscopic 'stacks' of a material called GST and electrode layers.

Each stack is made of a single 7nanometre-thick layer of GST inserted between two layers of a transparent electrode. This stack is fed a very low-

energy electric current to produce colour images.

The researchers claimed that their ultra-thin display material can produce vivid colour displays at very high resolution, even in bright, direct sunlight.

"This makes them potentially useful for 'smart' glasses, foldable screens, windshield displays, and even synthetic retinas that mimic the abilities of photoreceptor cells in the human eye," the team was quoted as saying.

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DAESH claims responsibility for Bangladesh mosque attack Militant group Daesh (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for the attack on a Shi'ite mosque in Bangladesh's Bogra district, US-based SITE Intelligence group said.

The Islamic State (IS) claimed credit for the November 26, 2015 attack on a Shiite mosque in

Bangladeshs Bogra district, SITE said. The attack occurred on Thursday 26 November.

Two people have been detained in connection with the incident.

Gunmen entered a Shia mosque in Shibganj upazila and opened fire on people praying inside it.

Design & Artwork Karthik Ramamurthy David Jones

Reporters Ayyaz Malik Ayesha Babbar Alison Bellamy Nadeem Saeed Adeeba Sanna Zahoor

Columnists Mr M B

Photography Riaz Ahmed

Accounts Barry Smith

Distribution Arshad Iqbal Zubair

Join us on /AsianSundayNewspaper @AsianSundayNews

Civilians, three policemen injured in US shooting At least three police officers and some civilians were injured in an ongoing shooting in the US state of Colorado on Friday 27 November. News was just coming in as we were going to press Officers from the Colorado Springs Police and the Colorado State Patrol were reported to be at the scene, with their guns pointed in the direction of the Planned Parenthood clinic, Colorado Springs, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We have confirmed that we have three officers that are injured.

There are unknown number of

Eleven year old girl delivers baby sister and routinely goes to school straight after An 11-year-old girl delivered her baby sister completely by herself and then went to school as normal.

Caitlin Burke, from Tamworth, Staffordshire, rushed to help her mother, Tara, when her waters broke suddenly around 5am.

Tara, who started getting contractions in the early morning, had sent her partner, Daniel Burke to drop their youngest daughter to his sister’s house.

But Tara’s water broke just 10 minutes after Daniel left Caitlin then calmly helped her mother through the twohour labour, using only guidance from ambulance staff on the phone, and even managed to unravel the umbilical cord wrapped around the baby.

After the baby, named Elsa-

civilians who have been injured,"Police Lt. Catherine Buckley was quoted by the Denver Post as saying.

"The situation is still unstable, and the shooter is not contained."

More than a dozen police vehicles and ambulances are at the scene.

According to CNN, Colorado Springs police tweeted that the shooting took place on Centennial Boulevard.

The Gazette reported that traffic was shut down in both directions on that road and that customers were told to stay put in a nearby grocery store and shops.

Monet, was delivered, Caitlin then continued her day as normal and went to school.

Caitlin, who is the eldest of five, told the Birmingham Mail that though she was a ‘bit scared and shaky at first’, she is now inspired to be a midwife when she is older.

The mother-of-five said she is ‘so proud’ of Caitlin and amazed by how calm she was throughout.

Guide TOP TIP FOR SKIN It’s not just women

Y best eateries in Bradford & District

Issue 11

men can also banish spots, signs of ageing and dry tight skin.

The products we all shouldn’t go without

by ZARA HASSAN

ASIAN SUNDAY

3

THREE FOODS TO TRY AN AVOID DURING FASTING NEWS

Through the decades, every era has had its own particular fashion trend focusing on prints and styles. We can now

If you’re planning on buying vintage I think you should always start small, shop with something in mind.

Three foods you’ve been item, told are ‘healthy’ that actually and can cause seriouspiece health in my opinion would be aincrease coat. It’sweight something small yet amore statement toproblems. introduce to your other clothes.

cleanser, a good face w•asConcentrated h and an exfoliorange ator. juice – Most concentrated juices can cause problems around the waistline, which include, cranberry, apple and other fruit juices. ious elements outif of the fruit during the concentration You should also invest Buying vintage doesn’t mean designer labels but you’re into designer labels look process. for Dior, from the 50’s or Gucci and water. So contrary to what adverts say it is believed starting your day with a big glass of concentrated juice is a in an eye cream just to really bad decision. brighten that area that . will be gentle to skin.

Tiger's bromance with goat!

• Margarine, is another fat storing but has more serious health It canon cause you tostreet gain weight, out yourpiece good is cholesterol increase your bad cholesterol by A greatfood, modern fashion piece that werisks. still see our high and is wipe a timeless leopard print. building up blockages in your arteries. Butter is a better alternative. Butter has fat in it too, but it’s a saturated fat that your body can burn for fuel instead of building up blockages Images as early as those from ancient Egypt show women rocking leopard spots. in your arteries, like trans fats can do.

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Zookeepers gave a tiger a live goat to eat… but they made friends instead

OF THE • At number three it’s whole wheat bread. Are you as shocked as we were? Bread is High in Carbs and Can Spike Blood Sugar Levels WEEK Even whole grain bread usually isn’t made out of actual “whole” grains.

Leopard printsa always represent power andis femininity, pin girls like Marilyn Monroe celebrated glamour and sexualBromance seems to be brewing between andup itaswas Keepers said The starches in bread get broken down quickly in the digestive tract Amur and enterno thepacifist bloodstream glucose. This causes a rapid spike in blood sugar and insulin levels. goat and tiger in Russia. A ity tiger is already in this way too. bravado alone that saved the goat’s skin.

Even whole wheat bread spikes blood sugar faster than many chocolate bars. best friends with the goat he for Inwas his given Little Dictionary Fashion Christian Dior spike said “But wearand leopard must have kindtoofthefemininity is a little Most breads are made of pulverized wheat.

They areofeasily digested and rapidly bloodtosugar insulin you levels, which canalead notorious which blood sugar “roller dinner – and the goat has even kicked the ‘Our tigers get live prey twice every week,’ a coaster” and stimulate overeating.

Well, you’re probably all thinking those are the main foods you eat for Suhoor (The Pre-Dawn Meal). bit sophisticated. If you are fair and sweet, don’t wear it...” jungle predator out of his own bed. staff member told the Siberian Times. ‘Tiger Beasure to choose yourself something leopard print from the rails next time you’re on the high street, add a bit of glam into Here are some tips for healthy Suhoor Amur knows very well how to hunt goats your wardrobe print dress, a shirt,heacame cardigan anda even some trousers (if you’re daring enough). Have fun bromancewith in a leopard The unusual duo struck up their and rabbits.

But recently across Suhoor (The Meal) a Siberian zoo,Pre-Dawn where keepers sacrificed the with it and remember always try it on before you buy. goat that he refused to hunt.’

Forthinking suhoor, ithe is imperative to drink plenty of water, eat a good blend of protein, carbohydrates, and essential fat. That’s right, “good fats” have many fat-burning and muscle-building properties, and their imporgoat would make a tasty snack. tance is even Some good suhoor foodsthat include: But instead of agreater blood during bath inRamadan. the enclosure, ‘We think the goat never came across Simple Kind to Eyes the two started trotting around the woods tigers and no-one taught him to be scared of • Protein shake • Raisins or dates • Olive oil – preferably extra virgin (which means it’s cold processed and the Soothing Cream, • Egg whites yolk) out. together, just (1 hanging them. Amur the tiger is quite cautious–This by hiswill help in• Cinnamon • Fibrous vegetables essential fatty acids are preserved) £3.99 from Boots.

• Chicken breast nature and decidedcrease not tothe go feeling to the trouble • Bananas of fullness as well.

• Plenty of water • Oatmeal The tiger named Amur lives at the Far of hunting Timur.’ • All natural peanut butter • Raw, dark Honey Use all these products • Cream of wheat Eastern Safari Park with his new roommate, • Flax seed oil – daily or as advised who staff have christened Timur meaning This story proves you don’t need to be big to and you’ll be amazed iron to symbolise bravery. be brave. It is important to take a solid multi-vitamin, multi-mineral supplement with suhoor as well to make sure daily minimum requirements of key to how great your skin nutrients are met. Avoid high sodium foods like soups, sauces, condiments, gravies, high sodium bread products, and canned meats. Of course looks and feels. Also, eating fried foods and heavy oil items can cause heartburn and problems for you all day so it is best to avoid those if possible! remember to drink lots

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4

ASIAN SUNDAY

Issue 11

NEWS

High Court Appoints first Asian female judge Pavani Reddy, who was the first female Asian to become Managing Partner of a London city law firm on hearing the news told Asian Sunday “It’s very positive news that the first Asian female, Justice Cheema-Grubb QC, has been appointed as a High Court judge. This is a major milestone for Asians working in the legal industry and is particularly outstanding for women from our background.

“This appointment clearly shows that the legal sector is developing and that more glass ceilings are being broken by those from ethnic minorities.

However, there is much work left to be done. Unfortunately Mrs Cheema-Grubb is the only one of

Mrs Justice Cheema -Grubb

The first Asian woman to be appointed as a High Court judge was sworn in on 25 November at a ceremony in London.

But her dream of a high-flying job had nothing to do with the law - she wanted to be an astronaut.

ago, when there were 10.

There is one other Asian High Court judge - Mr Justice Singh.

Lord Thomas said in a speech on diversity in Leeds last month: "The position in the senior judiciary has greatly changed in the past 10 years.

Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas, who welcomed Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb to her new role at a courtroom ceremony, joked: "Nasa's loss is our gain."

The appointment of Bobbie Cheema-Grubb QC as a High Court judge was announced in October. In an official ceremony judges and lawyers gathered at the Royal Courts of Justice in central London to hear her take the oath and to wish her luck in her new position.

The Derby-born 49-year-old was called to the Bar in 1989 and took silk in 2013.

When Mrs Justice May is sworn in next month, it will take the number of women in the High Court to 23 out of a total of 108 (21 per cent) - the highest figure ever.

"In 2005 there were two female judges in the Court of Appeal, but now we have eight.

The number has more than doubled compared to a decade

Pavani Reddy

"In the High Court in 2005 there were 10 women, and now there are 21.

"There has been a steady increase in the number of female circuit judges to one in five; and more than half of all judges in courts and tribunals under 40 years of age are women."

just four ‘non-white’ High Court judges, according to official HM Courts and Tribunals Service records, and diversity in law remains a problem which threatens the industry’s progression.

“Mrs Cheema-Grubb’s achievement is certainly encouraging for women, bringing the number of women High Court judges to 23 out of 108 (21 percent). Yet the lack of women in law continues to be seen, and strikingly, women account for less than one in five of full equity partners in London’s top 10 law firms, whilst the gender pay gap at the top is still alarming.

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Issue 11

ASIAN SUNDAY

COVER STORY

British Muslims A community under siege?

by Nadeem Saeed As the horrors of coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris were unfolding on our TV screens and social media, one community across Europe and Britain was more worried than others. After every act of violence perpetrated in a Western country in the name of Islam, Muslims are expected to denounce vociferously the groups who claimed responsibility of the attacks. If they do not do this publicly they are suspected as terrorist-sympathisers and condoning their acts.

Hate crimes against Muslims shoot up manifold after every terrorist incident. In the week following the attacks of November 13 in Paris, as many as 115 Islamophobic hate crimes were reported, a staggering increase of more than 300 per cent compared to the preceding weeks.

Muslim Council of Britain issued a statement the very next day of the Paris attacks saying “British Muslim communities are equally appalled by the violence, and angered by those who commit abhorrent acts in the name of religion. The perpetrators do not represent us; their views are perverse and self-serving.” The council also placed adverts titled “With one voice, British Muslims condemn the Paris attacks unreservedly” in Daily Telegraph and Mail Online.

But that could not stop hate crimes against the country’s Muslim population.

Hate crimes against Muslims shoot up manifold after every terrorist incident. In the week following the attacks of November 13 in Paris, as many as 115 Islamophobic hate crimes were reported, a staggering increase of more than 300 per cent compared to the preceding weeks.

The figures were compiled by the Tell Mama helpline, which records incidents of verbal and physical attacks on Muslims and mosques in the UK. They are likely to be a considerable underestimate of the actual attacks because it is understood that many of the victims would not have contacted police or

Muslims praying

Issue 11

ASIAN SUNDAY

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COVER STORY

Prime Minister David Cameron has accused British Muslims of ‘quietly condoning’ some of the ideologies that drives Daesh hostilities and normalise hatred of ‘British values’ community groups out of fear. Most of the victims of hate crimes were Muslim girls and women aged from 14 to 45 clad in traditional Islamic dress.

Muslims not only become target of hate crimes, surveys and polls are also rolled out within days of an incident to gauge their loyalty and to see how much they ascribe to the extremist ideologies of Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and the so-called Islamic State (ISIS/Daesh).

Right wing media would unashamedly manipulate results of the polls if they are not as they wished them to be. Sun splashed a headline on 23 November 2015 “1 in 5 Brit Muslims’ sympathy for jihadis” on the basis of a survey it commissioned to pollster Survation.

Questions asked in the survey were deceptive and manipulation of the data was so obvious that newspapers like Guardian, Independent and Mirror had to run reports critical of Sun’s divisive approach.

At the time of writing as many as 25, 500 people have filed an online petition asking the Attorney General to charge the newspaper (The Sun) with incitement under section 19 of Public Order Act 1986.

In the wake of mounting criticism, even Survation has to issue a

Flowers laid down at Le Petit Cambodge Carillon to pay tribute to those killed in Paris shootings

statement to distance itself from The Sun’s interpretation of its data. The statement reads: “We do not support or endorse the way in which this poll’s findings have been interpreted. Survation categorically objects to the use of any of our findings by any group, as has happened elsewhere on social networks, to incite racial or religious tensions.”

One of the questions asked in the survey was about the level of sympathy with young Muslims who have left the UK to join fighters in Syria. Only 5.3 per cent of the respondents chose to have lot of sympathy while 14.5 per cent expressed some sympathy. Of the respondents, 71 per cent showed no sympathy at all with young Muslims who have joined fighters in Syria. The pollster had not defined what it meant by sympathy, though later when the questionnaire was questioned it clarified “sympathy does not amount to support”.

Exact number of British Muslims who have left to take part in Syrian civil war is unknown but it is thought that it could be few hundreds to a couple of thousands. More than 80 per cent of them are believed to have joined Daesh ranks.

At least 60 young girls and women have also reached the Daesh land from Britain.

British Muslims on social media confronting backlash from Paris attacks

Prime Minister David Cameron accused British Muslims of ‘quietly condoning’ some of the ideologies that drives Daesh hostilities and normalise hatred of ‘British values’.

Later in October while unveiling a new counter-terrorism plan, Mr Cameron remarked “we know that extremism is really a symptom; ideology is the root cause. But the stakes are rising, and that demands a new approach”.

The new approach includes moves to prevent radical material from being posted online and to bar anyone who expresses conviction to commit terrorist crimes or extremist activities from working with children. A panel will examine the application of Shariah law in Britain, and another will seek to ensure that schools, colleges, local authorities and health services are protected against infiltration by extremists.

But Mr Cameron did not name the ideology causing extremism. Is not it the Saudi-sponsored conservative ideology? Clerics of the same ideology run majority of mosques and allied religious schools in Britain. But you cannot name it because it involves risk of offending moneyed friends in the Gulf.

Followers of the same ideology have been used as proxies to topple unfavourable regimes in

Exact number of British Muslims who have left to take part in Syrian civil war is unknown but it is thought that it could be few hundreds to a couple of thousands.

More than 80 per cent of them are believed to have joined Daesh ranks.

Afghanistan and Libya. And the same tactics are employed in Syria which though have resulted in the rise of Daesh, an outcome President Obama has interpreted as “unintended consequence”.

remained face of the terror until he was annihilated in a drone strike a couple of weeks ago. In June this year, Dewsbury’s Talha Asmal, 17, blew himself in a suicide attack in Iraq while fighting for Daesh.

The ultra conservative British Muslims and some of their sympathisers on the left of political spectrum often blame British foreign policy in radicalisation of Muslim youth. But interestingly they would welcome western interventions in the name of Afghan Jihad and building up of Free Syrian Army. They, however, would be critical of dethroning Taliban from Kabul and installing a Shiadominant government in Baghdad after removing Sunni Saddam Hussein.

A startling Channel 4 documentary “ISIS: The British Women Supporters Unveiled” aired on 23 November 2015 is an eye opener of how some British women are glorifying Jihadis and promoting an ideology that is supportive of the so-called Islamic State.

Their criticism of the foreign policy is loaded with sectarian partisan approach. In the early days of Syrian crisis the same people, who were critical of the invasion of Iraq, wanted Western powers to bomb Assad and his army; and they were frustrated when it did not happen exactly.

The pull of the message of Daesh for Jihad and protection of the caliphate, which it claims has been established under the leadership of Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, has allured many of young British Muslim men and women. British national Mohammed Emwazi aka Jihadi John

Muslims are though a small minority (5 per cent) of the overall population in the UK but Islam is the second largest religion with a population of 2.7 million. Of them, two-thirds are of Asian descent.

Half of the Muslim population is British born.

The controversial Sun-Survation poll found that only 3 per cent of the Muslims feel that “it is not important for British Muslims to integrate into British society” but the sense of British and Muslim identity is equally important for 76 per cent of the Muslims.

But that overwhelming majority of British Muslims is caught between increasingly sceptical state institutions, hostile media and the tiny minority of their fellow Muslims who think mixing with ‘others’ is infidelity.

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Issue 11

ASIAN SUNDAY

NEWS

Air rage passenger jailed after causing damage and biting police officer Jasbir Singh Bharaj, 46, threatened to punch staff, smashed up his entertainment console and bit the police officer who arrested him An air rage passenger who threatened to punch cabin crew, made lewd gestures at a hostess and bit a police officer has been

jailed.

Jasbir Singh Bharaj, 46, was labelled by one flight attendant as the “worst passenger he had ever encountered” after he went on the rampage on a flight from Dubai to Birmingham Airport.

Birmingham Crown Court heard Bharaj threatened to punch an air hostess in the face and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to an in-flight entertainment console.

He also made sexually explicit gestures to a female member of staff, dipping his fingers in his wine and rubbing them on his crotch.

The court heard Bharaj was travelling back from seeing his estranged wife in Dubai when he became aggressive.

It is believed that the captain of the flight arranged for police to meet the flight airside and they boarded the plane before any of the passengers could leave. Once the police arrived, he continued to be verbally aggressive.

He shouted “f*****g Muslims” and called police officers “white w*****s”, reports the Birmingham Mail. He is also believed to have bit the on duty PC on the arm in the police car.

Bharaj, of Downing Drive, Leicester, was sentenced to a total of 11 months at Birmingham Crown Court for his actions aboard the Emirates plane on September 16 last year.

“Baby Imran’s suffering in those last few days is unimaginable,” he said.

Angela Price was also convicted of causing or allowing Imran to suffer severe physical harm because of the untreated nappy rash.

Luton mother and grandmother jailed over starving baby to death A mother and grandmother have each been jailed for eight years for starving a seventh month old baby to death.

Jessica Price, 24, and Angela Price, 62, were convicted at Luton Crown Court of not seeking help and allowing his death.

Luton Crown Court heard how the pair “wilfully neglected” the boy.

The seven-month-old boy had lost 17 per cent of his body

weight in just a few days while under their care.

Luton, did nothing as his weight dropped, the court heard.

The boy, named only as “Baby Imran”, had sunken eyes as a result of dehydration and was found dead by his mother in January 2014.

The court heard how the house constantly reeked of cigarette smoke and with added concerns about the clutter inside and cramped conditions.

It followed a series of failings to co-operate with health visitors and professionals since his premature birth in June 2013.

Passing sentence, Judge Foster said Imran had been suffering from an untreated nappy rash so severe a paediatric nurse described it as the worst she had ever seen.

Both defendants, of Morris Close,

He added: “Babies are completely helpless and rely entirely for their wellbeing upon the care of parents and others responsible for them.”

The pair were also found guilty of cruelty to a person under 16 by failing to provide adequate food and drink.

Her granddaughter had admitted a charge of cruelty in relation to the nappy rash.

A Serious Case Review of the pair’s interactions with health professionals during Imran’s life is due to be published.

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Issue 11

ASIAN SUNDAY

NEWS

India’s intolerance row intensifies following Bollywood actor Amir Khan’s remarks his wife suggested they leave India After his intolerance remarks created a furore, actor Aamir Khan on Wednesday issued a statement clarifying that neither he nor his wife have any intention of leaving India.

50-year-old Aamir, who drew flak from BJP and a section of film fraternity for expressing his “alarm and despondency” over the rise in recent incidents of intolerance, came out with a statement, saying he is “proud to be an Indian”.

“First let me state categorically that neither I, nor my wife Kiran, have any intention of leaving the country. We never did, and nor would we like to in the future.

Anyone implying the opposite has either not seen my interview or is deliberately trying to distort what I have said,” Aamir’s statement to the press read.

“India is my country, I love it, I feel fortunate for being born here, and this is where I am staying,” the actor said.

first time, she said, should we move out of India… She fears for her child, she fears about what the atmosphere around us will be.”

Aamir, however, said he stands by earlier statements and showed no signs of bowing down to severe criticism.

To all those people who are calling me anti-national, I would like to say that I am proud to be Indian, and I do not need anyone’s permission nor endorsement for that.To all the people shouting obscenities at me for speaking my heart out, it saddens me to say you are only proving my point,” he further said.

Veteran Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah hwoever, has expressed concern over Aamir Khan’s intolerance remark saying that it may cause further problems for the Muslims of India.

The actor had kicked up a political storm with his remarks at a function in Delhi on Monday about his wife expressing fear for their child in the current atmosphere.

In an exclusive interview with India Today, the actor said that he has never thought of moving out of the country. “I don’t think he [Aamir] should have said this. Regardless of what he feels, we Muslims do not need any further aggravation of our feeling of persecution,” Shah told India Today

He had said, “Kiran and I have lived all our life in India. For the

“I think, a person like Aamir saying a thing like this is going to create a

Veteran actor NaseerUddin Shah

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan

fear psychosis, and that’s the last thing Muslims in India need at the moment,” he added.

Although Shah said he didn’t feel ‘hounded’ oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman expressed solidarity with Aamir Khan over growing intolerance in India and admitted that he too faced a situation similar to that of the

actor recently.

The music maestro was referring to a fatwa issued against him by Mumbai-based Muslim academy for composing music for an Iranian film a few months back.

Subsequently, his scheduled concerts in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh were cancelled.

This also prompted Hindu

Music Maestro A R Rahman

extremists to bring up the issue of religious conversions. They invited the composer to “re-convert to Hinduism” and said it was time for Rahman’s “ghar wapsi”.

The debate of intolerance in India continues.

What are your views? Drop us a line or share your views on Twitter.

Issue 11

ASIAN SUNDAY

11

NEWS

Britain flexing for another war?

A photo from July 2013 showing Syrian government forces patrolling in the central city of Homs

by NadEEm SaEEd Aftershocks of ‘Paris Attacks’ are being felt in Westminster as Prime Minister David Cameron has presented his case for air-strikes in Syria once again while Labour under Jeremy Corbyn is in disarray on the question of whether to support the military action or not.

Cameron unsuccessfully sought parliamentary support for military action against Bashar al-Assad in

2013. But this time he is seeking to bomb ISIS. After the terrorist attacks in Paris it seems the atmosphere is favourable to his Syrian adventure.

Though Jeremy Corbyn has spelt out his opposition to the military action in a letter to his parliamentary party but he is facing the toughest challenge since being elected leader of the Labour party just two-andhalf-months ago. His deputy TomWatson and shadow foreign secretary Hilary Ben are convinced of what they call “compelling case”

for airstrikes to make Britain safer.

The Prime Minister told MPs that there was a strong legal justification for extending the current military action in Iraq, on grounds of selfdefence and the recent UN Security Council resolution.

The UNSC resolution (No. 2249) however does not provide any legal basis for military action, nor does itinvoke chapter seven of the UN charter that authorises the use of force. A Russian amendment has been accepted in the resolution

which references the principle of state sovereignty and infers Syria's right to self-defence.

Experts say it is not clear that how the UK forces will strike in Syria while respecting Syrian state sovereignty as how Iraq’s request for military help in combating ISIS could be stretched to Syria. MPS are also sceptical of the prime minister’s claim that 70,000 Free Syrian Army troops will take control of the territory that ISIS will leave after the proposed military action.

Chairman of the Defence Select

Committee, Julian Lewis, said the large number of "non-Islamist, moderate, credible ground forces" was a revelation to him.

Cameron needs to convince the Conservative backbencher who thwarted his first attempt to launch air strikes in Syria in 2013 and also get enough Labour MPs on board to make up for any rebellion on his own side.

David Cameron says he will hold a Commons vote on Syria air strikes if he thinks he can win it, possibly as early as next week.

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ASIAN SUNDAY

Feature

First cousin marriages – is it an uncomfortable issue – or not?

IT MAY be controversial to some, but the topic of ‘first cousin marriage’ seems to have hit the headlines again. Whatever your view on it, marrying your cousin remains a realistic and legal option among the Pakistani community, with more than half of Pakistani marriages in the UK taking place between blood relatives, be it a first cousin or more distant relative.

The rest of British society may view marrying within families as an added pressure to firmly follow family traditions or even believe that the marriages are forced or arranged. Quite often, they are for love, with full co-operation from all parties involved. But now one Yorkshire MP is calling for first cousin marriage to be banned altogether.

Shipley Conservative MP Philip Davies says it should be outlawed to protect ‘future generations’ and children from serious health issues.

It is currently legal for first cousins to marry under British law, But Mr Davies has told Parliament that not enough was being done to tackle the issue, for fear it might offend some minority ethnic communities.

The tradition is also common among some other South Asian communities and in some Middle Eastern countries.

Mr Davies told the House of Commons: “The evidence is clear.

Marriage between first cousins can lead to serious health issues. Is

it not about time the government considered the only proper solution to this, which is outlawing the practice in this country?”

British Pakistanis are 13 times more likely to have children with genetic disorders than the general population - they account for just over 3 per cent of all births, but have just under a third of all British children with such illnesses.

But Ms Ellison said: “I have written to the public health director in Bradford asking about what they are doing locally to address this, and I suggest it would be extremely useful if Mr Davies followed up on that and I would be extremely happy to hear how that conversation goes.”

A medical study carried out by Born in Bradford for the NHS, found that the percentage of ‘first cousin marriages’ was around 37 per cent in Bradford. And within that group, there was an increased risk of a baby being born with a congenital anomaly.

Out of 5,127 babies of Pakistani origin, there were 1,922 babies who were the offspring of first cousins. Some women in the study were married to more distant relations (that is not first cousins) and the rates of marriage to any blood relative was 59.3 per cent in Bradford.

Professor Neil Small, from the Born in Bradford study, told the Asian Sunday: “We have done work on how to discuss genetic risk with families who practice consanguinity.

There are about 1 billion people in the world who live in communities where such marriage is customary.

Consanguinity is not a characteristic just of Pakistani families.

“We have found some indications of positive impacts on mother’s health from being in a consanguineous

”

by Alison Bellamy

Mr Davies welcomed this move and told the Asian Sunday: “It is rather an uncomfortable issue but regardless of religion or tradition, I feel health is vitally important.”

Former Keighley Labour MP Anne Cryer also campaigned about first cousin marriage nationally, calling for it to be stopped. union, but we have not yet analysed data on babies that might give some insight into this.

“There are also disabilities caused by non-genetic causes, but they can’t be linked to cousin marriage.”

He said that the key figures here for the Pakistani community – 31 per cent of anomalies could be attributed to consanguinity, the majority of anomalies are not linked to cousin marriage: the risk of having a baby with a congenital anomaly in a consanguineous marriage is about 1 in 17 (that is 6 per cent of babies with and 94 per

cent without).

The MP Mr Davies has previously criticised the Government for failing to clamp down on first cousin marriage and urged them to focus on the genetic effects consanguineous marriage has on children born to relations and its cost to the NHS, rather than any concern change may cause offence.

Let us know what you think? Email newsdesk@asiansunday.co.uk or join the debate on our Facebook page or twitter @AsianSundayNews.

Health Minister Jane Ellison said the issue was ‘quite complex’, there were ‘localised challenges’ and some specialist clinicians were looking at the issue across the area.

WHY CAN FIRST COUSIN MARRIAGE BE A HEALTH PROBLEM? We all have two copies of every gene. If you inherit one variant gene you will not fall ill.

If, however, a child inherits a copy of the same variant gene from each of its parents it will develop one of these illnesses.

The variant genes that cause genetic illness tend to be very rare. In the general population the likelihood of a couple having the same variant gene is a hundred to one.

In cousin marriages, if one partner has a variant gene the risk that the other has it too is far higher - more like one in eight.

”

Home of traditional South Asian and continental cuisine

Come and taste the experience 113 Psalters Lane - Rotherham - S61 1DL www.aarisrestaurant.com T. 01709 550077

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ASIAN SUNDAY Issue 11

GHAP SHAP with former Apprentice and new food entrepreneur Sanjay Sood-Smith

Before appearing on the Apprentice Sanjay Sood-Smith was a senior manager responsible for the online sales strategy of three national banking brands. In his previous role as a bank manager, he increased the ranking of his branch from the nine hundreds nationally to thirtieth in the space of six months - and aged just 23. Subsequently, he was put in charge of 14 retail branches in London. Like many Sanjay was ambitious and appeared on The Apprentice in 2014 with the hope of becoming Lord Sugar’s new business partner.

Unfortunately, Sanjay was the fifteenth candidate to be fired by Lord Sugar, however despite not being able to win over Lord Sugar with his fitness database business plan Sanjay didn’t give up on his business ambitions. We caught up with the dashing entrepreneur as he recently launched his brand new food venture – Tuk In Seems you have been busy since appearing on the Apprentice with your new business venture. Would you like to tell our readers a little more about it?

Absolutely! I’ve been working hard to create Tuk In – a brand new lunchtime

product which is basically curry-in-anaan! We take delicious and authentic tasting curries, mix them with succulent pilau rice and seal them in a fluffy naan to create a great and convenient meal that takes just 30 seconds in the microwave.

Some people would say having a curry for lunch is too heavy. What are your thoughts?

I would say Tuk In and I’d be surprised if they still felt the same way after! A big heavy and rich curry with lots of rice and bread then maybe it would be too heavy.

What we’ve done is work really hard to get the balance just right so that it is satisfying and tasty but without being too heavy or bloating. It really does work!

You were fired from The Apprentice by Lord Sugar mainly because he didn’t think your fitness database idea was a good business. Was he right? Is that why you have chosen to launch Tuk-In instead?

I still stand by that idea and think it would work – although maybe not to make the millions that I had quoted in my business plan! In fact I’ve seen a site that is being developed that looks suspiciously

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similar to my business idea! Ultimately though I came up with that idea to fit into something that I thought Lord Sugar would buy into as well as relating to previous experience given that I used to work in Digital Banking. What I’ve always been truly passionate about is Indian food and that’s what I’ve been focusing on since leaving the show.

How has life been for you since The Apprentice?

It really has been fantastic – it was a truly life changing experience. I quit my banking job and went and spent a bit of time running a restaurant to get some foody experience. I didn’t take a gap year before or after University so it was good to have some time to be able to do some travelling as well and really work out what I wanted to do next. Then I set to work on Tuk In and it’s been a whirlwind. Really hard work but lots of fun too – between that and the public speaking I do life has been pretty hectic!

In your audition video for The Apprentice, you said that if you had a choice between friendship and profit, you would choose profit. Do you keep in touch with any of your Apprentice colleagues?

Ha-ha! Well you have to remember you play a game just to get on to The Apprentice and part of that is saying outrageous things that you don’t necessarily mean. So absolutely I’m still in touch with quite a few of them. Roisin launched a food business earlier this year so it’s been great getting some advice off her, Mark who won is a mate and his company is designing the website for Tuk In, and I see Lauren, James, Solly, Katie, Ella Jade and Bianca from time to time too! Solomon is like the little brother I never had.

What do you think of the current contestants on The Apprentice?

I’m warming up to it now – I thought it started off quite slow. Elle was a favourite of mine so I’m disappointed she’s been voted off and I really liked Sam too. It’s starting to get a bit feistier now that the numbers are dwindling and there’s more fireworks in the boardroom which I’m loving. They seem quite a credible bunch this year with not as many comedy characters which brings a different dynamic.

Whose your favourite to win and why?

I really like Charleine. I think she’s sharp and clever and she has a good way with people but also that ruthless streak which Lord Sugar definitely looks for.

you spend so much time stressing and strategizing and fighting and working that you forget what an amazing process it is to be a part of. It’s only in hindsight that I came out of the process and realised how much fun it had been. I’d also say to take risks and put yourself forward, there were a couple of times I wish I had done that more because you only get one shot at it and fortune favours the brave!

If you were able to spend a day in the house with the remaining contestants on The Apprentice what tips would you give each of them?

Last year you ‘came out’ about your sexuality what kind of an impact (if any) has this had on your personal and professional life?

I’d tell them to enjoy it a bit more!

Looking back that is my biggest regret,

So I actually came out when I was 17 so I’ve been out a while – I just decided to use the platform that The Apprentice gave

me to talk about it a bit more. I think it’s good that all different types of people are represented in the media – particularly in the Asian community where kids might not have many role models to look to. It was great to be able to use the interviews post The Apprentice to be able to shine light on those issues.

We understand you’re now trying to campaign on LGBT equality and empowering young people and people in the workplace on being comfortable with their sexuality.

Can you tell us a little more about that?

I work with the charity Stonewall as one of their School Role Models where I go

and volunteer talking in schools to kids and telling my story as a way to give them someone who is relatable to but also happens to be gay. It’s really rewarding and to be able to engage with the children on those kind of topics. I’ve had lots of messages from young people saying it has helped them in some way and even given them the confidence to come out. We need to invest in the youth to make this country great in the future. I also do a fair bit of public speaking about diversity in the workplace and have worked with business such as KPMG and Lloyds Banking Group on those topics.

Asian Sunday would like to wish you all the success with your campaign and your new business venture. Thank you.

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Charity

Langar Aid goes to Syrian border During times of hostility and when religion is being misinterpreted and misused to disrupt peace and inflict misery upon others, there is some comfort as despite the risks members of the Sikh Community via Langar Aid travel to the borders of Syria to help those in dire need.

The Sikh Langar is traditionally a meal, open to all regardless

of socio-economic background, provided free of cost served at Gurdwaras. An extension of the humanitarian UK based Khalsa Aid, called the Langar Aid, decided to take the langar to Syria, one of the most violent, unstable zones in the world today, in order to relieve helpless refugees of hunger.

Located 10 km from the Syrian

border, accessible to the refugees, the Langar Aid, which was set up by Khalsa Aid founder, Ravinder Singh, has been at work for over a year now, feeding anyone in need.

Ravinder initially travelled to the region to see how civilians could be helped, last August. He went to Erbil in Iraq and near Duhok close to the Syrian border, where

he started the Langar Aid through which he and many volunteers have helped provide food to those who had fled Daesh atrocities and lived in refugee camps.

In an interview with IB Times he said “We provided food and aid to many Assyrian Christians in Erbil and to Yazidis in the Kurdish region near the Syria border, both of whom had been persecuted by Isis.

“They would show us photos of girls who were abducted by Isis and family members who were killed. We heard very raw, emotional tales of suffering. And I feel that the world has particularly let down the Yazidis, who belong to one of the oldest religions,” Langar Aid has provided food and machinery to local workers and have been preparing food in buildings provided by the local Kurdish officials.

The support of machinery was provided by Khalsa Aid and free power was supported and came from the local government of Dhulok. Help has also been received from Greece and Serbia.

Over the past year, the group has provided fresh bread to about 14,000 to 16,000 refugees per day.

While most of the volunteer members have Sikh roots, a number of European volunteers too, participate in this brave act of humanity, knowing full well that Daesh were just a few kilometres away.

Volunteers of Langar Aid distributing food to refugees

“Thankfully, we did not see any shelling or violence near our camp at the border. But when I was walking on the street in Erbil, a car bomb exploded just a few hundred meters away,” Singh, recounted to IB Times “We have to be very careful in such places. You never know which car can blow up near you.

But we have chosen to be here and we continue with our service,” he said.

Khalsa Aid has also set up a base in Lebanon where thousands of Syrian refugees have fled to, and the team has helped provide books and materials to a local school and are also sending wood to ensure the refugees have protection against the harsh winter.

They are also supporting refugees from the Middle East, who are seeking sanctuary in Europe, with operations to provide hot meals, water and clothing in Serbia, Croatia and Greece.

Many have applauded the work of Langar Aid, especially during times of violence and suffering, it’s heart-warming to see members of the Sikh Community risk their own lives to reach out and help those in need.

For anyone who wants to learn more about the work of Langar Aid, there is a Facebook page set up and further details can be obtained by visiting their website www.khalsaaid.org

MY COMMUNITY

Your Local News from

YORKSHIRE REGION

IN THIS ISSUE World's oldest and longest married couple celebrate their birthday

Top celebs visit Bradford's oldest Curry House And much more.....

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MY COMMUNITY

Over 40 women ‘dance to end violence’

by Alison Bellamy

A DULL November afternoon was brightened up when a ‘flash mob’ of dancers gave a surprise performance in Centenary Square, Bradford.

The ‘dance to end violence’ was held to mark the start of 16 days of action by West Yorkshire Police and other partner organisations, to help people affected by domestic or sexual violence.

Crowds were taken by surprise when more than 40 women, some dressed in orange, the colour of the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, started dancing.

The troupe, led by Gil Burns, performed a five minute piece to American writer producer Tena Clark’s ‘Break the Chain,’ which has been staged around the world.

Under the new strategy, pupils affected by domestic violence will receive support at school, while

children and parents attending family centres will be encouraged to seek help as soon as possible.

It marks the beginning of a fiveyear plan which will involve professionals intervening earlier to prevent situations escalating and violence and abuse being repeated.

The initiative will also see the police working more intensively with the perpetrators of domestic violence, in an attempt to cut reoffending rates.

The police will also issue conditional cautions, which refer domestic violence offenders to programmes designed to help them change their pattern of behaviour.

And services for male victims of domestic abuse, including those in same-sex relationships, will continue.

The new district-wide strategy was developed by Bradford’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Strategic Board, currently chaired by Police District Commander, Chief

Superintendent Simon Atkin.

Chief Supt Atkin, who attended the event, said: “The dance was a brilliant stance against domestic and sexual violence of any kind. The police are working together with lots of partner organisations to help people who are suffering. We are here to help.

Staying Put initiative in Bradford, said: “This has been a successful event to get a positive message across and to help end violence against women and men who may be suffering.”

Staying Put works with abused women, making sure they are not

forced out of their own home and can feel safe from further abuse.

More information on domestic abuse, including ways to report and support agencies is available at the website www.westyorkshire.police. uk/domesticabuse or see www. stayingput.uk.net.

“I would say to people to seek advice and help. Make that first step. You will receive the necessary support and advice to break the cycle of abuse.”

The United Nations estimates that 1 in 3 women have experienced physical or sexual violence, mostly by an intimate partner.

Councillor Arshad Hussain, executive member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said: “This is a creative way of getting the message out.

“Violence against people is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Yasmin Khan, director of the

British Asians warned not to keep gold valuables at home

by Alison Bellamy POLICE in West Yorkshire have warned people not to keep large amounts of jewellery, especially Asian gold, in the house.

The British Asian community is known to traditionally preserve family jewellery for generations, and keep it safe at home or even on display.

£707.42 per troy ounce, making it a valuable commodity for thieves.

Gold is currently selling for

But police in Bradford say they are now increasing patrols, to prevent burglars from striking at residential properties.

Items can be melted down and soon become untraceable.

Inspector Tom Horner, of Bradford West Neighbourhood Policing Team, urged house holders to step up their home security and to move valuable to a safety deposit box in a bank.

He said: “While burglary is a crime that can affect everyone, we are aware that criminals can target homes where they think large amounts of valuable Asian gold jewellery is being kept.

“We would advise people not to

keep large amounts of jewellery at home, but to store it in a safety deposit box at a bank.

“If people prefer to keep their jewellery at home, they should invest in an approve British Standard safe that is securely fixed to the wall or floor.

“With the longer hours of darkness now upon us, everyone should take the opportunity to review their home security and take common sense precautions.

Always lock your doors and satisfy yourself who is calling before you answer, particularly at night.”

He also advised making sure windows were secured before going to bed and using timeswitches on lights.

“We are currently running

specific operations to target burglars and are putting additional patrols into key areas to reassure residents and deter offenders, but we also need people to take a few minutes to think about their home security,” Insp Horner added.

The police have previously issued detailed guidelines to the community to prevent crime, including details of safes, insurance, keeping an inventory of jewellery owned, keeping photographs of the items, to use forensic marking to identify jewellery and to register all valuables individually with their insurers, particularly those items which are antique, irreplaceable or of great sentimental value.

Free home security advice is available online from your local police force.

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MY COMMUNITY

Bradford Council plans to introduce Rate Relief scheme to attract businesses and jobs to the district.

Help with business rates could be on the way for new and expanding firms in Bradford, Shipley, Ilkley, Keighley and Bingley.

Bradford Council is intending to introduce a two-year discretionary rate relief scheme from April 2016 to attract businesses and jobs to the district.

The proposed Business Rate Relief Programme will go before a meeting of the Council’s Executive on Tuesday, December 1.

Bradford Council leader Coun David Green, said: “The aim of the scheme is to encourage eligible businesses to deliver their growth ambitions, attract and increase investment, create new jobs and bring empty buildings back into use.

“Businesses in key sectors such as finance, legal, leisure and retail, advanced manufacturing, green technologies, creative and digital industrial and some social enterprises will be given priority.”

It follows on from the successful Bradford City Centre Growth Zone scheme, jointly funded by the Council and the Government, which has resulted in 152 new businesses benefitting from a business rate rebate and created 304 jobs.

Applicants will be required to submit an application form along with two years full accounts, a three-year cash flow forecast, proof or ownership/valid lease and planning applications/consents.

Over the longer term the scheme will provide a sustainable growth in business rates within the district - one of the Council’s New Deal propositions - and help reduce levels of unemployment.

Cinema Operator Announced for The Broadway, Bradford The Light, providing a unique cinema experience, to be joined by four new restaurants The Light, the UK’s most exciting new cinema brand, has signed up to operate Meyer Bergman’s new state-of-the-art cinema in Bradford, part of an extension to the recently opened Broadway shopping centre which is managed

by Westfield.

The extension, granted outline planning consent by Bradford Council in August 2015, includes a six-screen, 780 seat cinema and four restaurants, totalling 35,000 sq ft additional space in The Broadway.

This cinema-anchored development will create around 100 new jobs.

The cinema and restaurants will be located on Broadway and Charles Street, creating further linkages between The Broadway shopping centre and the rest of Bradford City Centre.

Together with The Light, terms have been agreed with two of the four restaurants, with the other two under offer. The operators of these restaurants will be announced

shortly.

Commenting on the plans a Meyer Bergman spokesperson said: “We’re thrilled that The Light has agreed to open its first luxury cinema in Yorkshire by coming to Bradford. Bringing on board such a high quality operator is a real vote of confidence in Bradford, and shows how The Broadway is helping to revolutionise retail in Bradford City Centre.

“Since opening on 5th November, The Broadway has gone from strength to strength, seeing 250,000 visitors in its first four days of trading and real interest in filling the few remaining retail units.

“Opening a fantastic new cinema and great new restaurants is a natural next step forward for The Broadway, and we look forward to these plans further aiding the regeneration of Bradford City Centre and supporting the nighttime economy.”

Keith Pullinger, CEO of The Light said: “We currently operate three

cinemas in the UK, and committed to opening at ten further sites, all now in development. What struck us, and what convinced us that The Broadway was the right location for our cinema, is that real sense of momentum and energy you feel when walking around Bradford.

“It’s clear that the opening of The Broadway has given Bradford a real boost, and that Bradford is a city on the up. It’s a city we can’t wait to be a part of.

“At The Light, we aim to provide a unique entertainment experience in a friendly, relaxed environment that offers excellent customer service

and value for money. We look forward to bringing that experience to Bradford very soon.”

After being granted outline planning consent in August 2015, a reserved matters application is now with Bradford Council to finalise the details of the cinema and restaurants. Construction work is scheduled to begin on the extension in early 2016.

Bradford Council Leader, Cllr David Green, said: “It’s great that a luxury cinema such as The Light has the confidence to come and be part of

our city.

“Having a new cinema and four new restaurants adjacent to The Broadway further boosts the fantastic cultural dimension of our city centre. I really believe that Bradford is now offering the full package that defines a great city.

“If we can offer different types of shops such as the major names in The Broadway, and more unique shops such as will appear in the Sunbridge Wells project, along with different types of restaurants and cinemas, then there is all the more reason for people to come here.”

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MY COMMUNITY

World’s oldest married couple celebrate joint birthdays with good old Bhangra A husband and wife – who are the world’s oldest married couple – have celebrated their joint birthdays.

Karam Chand, aged 110, and his wife Kartari, 103, were both born in November and have a combined age of 213.

They celebrated with four generations of their family which included their son Paul Chand, (one of eight) who sang popular Punjabi songs to a packed room of friends and family.

People of all faiths and backgrounds had gathered in the room at the Castel Hotel pub, which is owned by the family to celebrate the momentous occasion. The atmosphere was

merry and went into rapturous laughter when Paul asked the audience who were mainly a nonAsian and non-Punjabi speaking audience to join in with the song ‘Gur naal ishk mitha’ sung by world famous artist Malkit Singh.

Whilst Paul sang the main song lyrics and played his harmonium the crowd accompanied the chorus with ‘ho ho’ The couple were delighted with the entertainment and enjoyed the birthday celebrations.

Mr and Mrs Chand tied the knot 89 years ago on December 11 1925 after meeting in India as teenagers. They married the same year as Margaret Thatcher was born and Stanley Baldwin was British prime minister. The couple have always maintained that strong family ties and simple family traditions have kept them healthy, happy and very much together.

Their son Paul, said: ‘I just want to give them the best life ever, for whatever time they have left. I am so humbled by the attendance at their birthday today and I thank everyone for giving my parents all the love and attention over the years and hope they continue to do so”

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MY COMMUNITY

Strictly’s Len Enjoys His Food Adventure at Sweet Centre Bradford’s famous Sweet Centre, which opened its doors over 50 years ago, in 1964 serving Asian sweets and Asian cuisine to Yorkshire for the very first time was invited to join Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman and famous Chef Ainsley Harriot on their show ‘Len and Ainsley’s big food adventure’.

The Sweet Centre Restaurant, Bradford

The show which aired on BBC One on Monday 23 November and is produced by Fresh One Productions is about broadening Len’s palate. Whilst the ‘Strictly’ star enjoys his food, the food he loves and is accustomed to is good, old-fashioned grub like his Nan used to make. Len has therefore never tried a curry in his life. Especially traditional Kashmiri/Pakistani curry.

Joining him on the show was lovable, top chef Ainsley Harriot.

Acting as Len’s guide and mentor Ainsley and Len embarked on a culinary road trip, which this episode saw them land at Bradford’s oldest curry house The Sweet Centre.

Sweet Centre was the brain child of brothers, Abdul Rehman and Mohammed Bashir, who first launched the idea of setting up an eatery to serve the newly arrived Pakistani and Indian immigrants who were working in one of the city’s biggest textile mills across the road from the restaurant.

The eatery initially set up as a breakfast bar, serving traditional Asian breakfast, which consisted of a chick pea curry and fried bread.

Today, the restaurant serves a wide range of Asian curries and delicacies as well as their famous Asian breakfast. The restaurant is managed by Waqar Mughal, the grandson of the founders.

“I am delighted that the legacy of my grandfathers is still going strong 50 years on, and being approached by the producers of the show in where Len Goodman tries his first ever curry is further testament of their hard work and great food.” Mr Mughal told Asian Sunday

Song and dance in the kitchen with Ainsley and Head Chef Haji Yasin and team

Mr Mughal, along with head Chef Haji Yasin and his father Dr Zulfiqar Ali, appeared on the BBC show not only cooking but to their delight winning over Len’s first experience of a lamb on the bone curry.

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MY COMMUNITY

Waqar with the famous dish which might be renamed ‘Strictly’ Len’s Lamb on the bone

Waqar Mughal (L) and his brother ( R) with Len Goodman (Centre)

When asked if he was every worried about Len not liking the curry, Dr Zulfiqar told Asian Sunday “We cook only authentic Kashmiri cuisine at our restaurant just as we would if we were serving people in Kashmir or Pakistan.

Len and Ainsley arrive at Bradford’s oldest curry house

“Therefore, these curries tend to be hotter than normal curries, so that was my only concern that perhaps Len may find the curry too hot. However, fortunately, Len didn’t find the curry hot, he loved it.”

“We are very passionate about our food” Added son Waqar “I have been cooking since I was a kid, following my mum everywhere in the kitchen. So I wasn’t nervous about cooking for Len. Especially because all the spices we use are also prepared by us. In addition to that, whenever we get a new batch of fresh green chillies, I always taste them before I use them” He smiled So there was absolutely no concern that Len would find the curry hot because I was confident of the spices used correctly that the flavour of the curry would come through, which thankfully Len liked.” He chuffed.

We have been in the business for over 50 years with our head chef who has been cooking with us for 46 years. Even Ainsley was so impressed with our head chef that he gave him a hug.

Undoubtedly true and rightly called by Ainsley as “the best Pakistani food of the North” It has been an amazing experience cooking with Ainsley, as I have learnt so much from him and of course I gave him some of our cooking tips too.

It’s the way forward Yaar

www.fevertvleeds.co.uk

Fever FM @ The Resource Centre 233-237 Roundhay Road - Leeds LS8 4HS Tel: 0113 380 5680 - Direct: 0788 170 1133 Email: radioasianfever@yahoo.co.uk - www.radioasianfever.co.uk

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BUSINESS

The Autumn Budget Statement

The autumn budget statement, an event that many people either look forward to or detest due to what changes may be implemented that will adversely affect them. As a person working in finance, this is an interesting time for me, as the last two budget statements have significantly impacted the work I do.

The biggest anticipated issue was whether the benefits cuts are going to happen or not.

The simplest thing to say is those that pay tax and not in receipt of benefits wanted the cuts to go ahead, and those that are in receipt of benefits did not want the cuts to go

Our columnist Mr Money Bags, who has decades of experience in finance, an MBA, an advanced diploma in financial planning and not to mention his super business skills each edition will give you, our lovely readers some valuable tips and

advice on money and business matters. He is forthright and can sometimes be stern when it comes to your cash, but when it comes to finance he really is the expert. Read on for your business and finance advice.

previously went about

government should have put more thought into what needs to be done, and how to safeguard vulnerable people.

Well the good news is the government has backtracked, and hopefully now they can make decisions properly.

The government will continue spending on the police, appropriately so considering we are living in times, (where let’s face it most of us worry about terrorism and crime) and want to live in a safe environment that’s a relief.

out of hospital in the past that nurses deserve such grants due to the demand placed on them.

What I like about the budget is businesses paying a levy for apprenticeships. Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI director general, called it “a significant extra payroll tax on business”. I beg to differ. This is because businesses overall benefit from apprenticeships as the salaries are much lower for apprentices; therefore the tax levy will go back into businesses if they utilize apprentices.

those of us who have never made a fake whiplash claim.

Mr Money Bags

reducing the welfare bill in the wrong manner. The

believe after a few visits in and

Now I leave the best till last for

ahead.

My view is the government

bone of the NHS. I strongly

In terms of pensioners, well those people that have saved for retirement are getting poor returns on their investments due to the low level of interest rates. The government has decided to increase the state pension next year, which will help ease the burden

There will be a

on our senior citizens. The

shortage of properties for

state pension will be £119.30

rental; therefore due to

as of next April. In terms of

excess demand landlords

bogus claims, which

homes, well I am not sure

will inevitably charge

why the government is

higher rents, which will

will in turn save the

hitting buy to let investors

inevitably affect hard

twice in one year. This is

working families, who have

forty pounds a year.

because outside London most

no intention of buying, but

buy to let properties are

instead like things as they

At long last the

properties that are relatively

are.

lower value on average, and

In terms of the NHS, well the

a large proportion are rented

government has scrapped

out to people claiming

grants for nurses. Now

benefits; therefore if the

before anyone shouts

government is restricting

at me for saying why should

buy to let investors, then in

they get grants, well my

future there could be a

view is nurses are the back

clampdown on

average motorist

government is taking some action; however some would say its ten years too late.

19

Issue 11

ASIAN SUNDAY

Feature

Surge of support floods in for Pakistani Christian convert family

Nisar Hussain, 49, in Bradford Royal Infirmary, shortly after the street attack which left him with a broken hand and kneecap

by Alison Bellamy “This is the final nail in the coffin,” says Nisar Hussain, with tears choking his emotional speech.

“We have decided to leave Bradford, as we cannot take any more. We have been demonised, abused, harassed and now been I’ve been beaten and left for dead, for what seems to be due to our faith.

“We are not against Islam, we just want to be able to live in peace.

We have been plagued for more than 15 years since becoming Christians.”

The latest attack on Pakistani

Christian convert Mr Hussain, a father of six, made national headlines after he was lynched outside his home in Manningham, in Bradford, on Tuesday November 17.

The 49-year-old was beaten with a pickaxe handle and punched and kicked as he lay on the ground. He was rushed to hospital by ambulance and underwent operations for a broken hand, broken kneecap and he also suffered concussion.

The vicious assault was caught on CCTV footage, and showed how he was hit 13 times in 13 seconds, before the two hooded thugs made away in a waiting car. Police are

“Any intimidation, harassment on the grounds of people’s faith or for that matter any harassment or intimidation on anyone’s way of life is not acceptable.

“People should be free to choose their faith and practice it to the fullest without fear.”

Ishtiaq Ahmed, spokesman for Bradford Council for Mosques

ASIAN SUNDAY 2 0

Issue 11

Feature “I am glad that the police are taking the matter so seriously. While it would be wrong for me to comment specifically while police investigations are still underway, we need to be clear that hate crime, as the police are treating this case, from whatever motive, has no place in our city.”

Bishop of Bradford, Rt Rev Dr Toby Howarth still investigating the latest attack.

Today the Asian Sunday is appealing for support from the Muslim community, after the Hussains told us that they feel forced to flee the city they once loved.

Now a protest is being planned in Bradford by friends to show support for the family. And a petition calling for the Government to let the Hussains live without fear, is being gathered.

The Hussain family claim their lives have been blighted in two different Bradford communities for almost two decades, since converting to Christianity from Islam.

They say they have been physically attacked, endured ongoing vandalism to their car and have been verbally abused on a daily basis.

Mr Hussain, his wife Kubra, 45, and their six children aged from 23 to seven years, say they are distressed with the ongoing situation.

These include: *Physical attacks *Car damage and vandalism *Abuse name calling and threatening behaviour *Fireworks fired at their home Police have now installed a panic button at the family’s terraced home.

Mr Hussain, a former nurse who has been forced to give up work, said: “We have been left with no choice but to leave.

“We are scared to leave the house for fear of what might happen next.”

“There can sometimes be up to 50 people gathered outside our house on the street. It is intimidating.

Quite simply, our lives have been sabotaged. The community itself sees we are a ‘convert’ family, but some other Muslims are not happy with this.”

He claims his car has had £6,000 of repairs over the last two years when his windscreens have been smashed.

Over the last decade their story has repeatedly hit the international headlines and featured in the Daily Mail, and Channel 4’s Dispatches, whose ‘Unholy War’ investigation highlighted the extent of their suffering.

“I cannot park outside the house, it has become a no go parking area for me, so I park elsewhere.”

The peaceful protest is being planned to be held in Bradford on December 5, from 2pm, in Centenary Square, in support of the Hussain family.

Now recovering at home, after the assault on November 17, for which police are still appealing for information.

The Asian Sunday held a summit meeting with the Hussain family and heard how they feel they are ‘prisoners in their own home’.

Mr Hussain said the family welcomes news of a surge of support from people who are sympathetic towards his freedom of choice.

He says problems have also spilled over to the schools where his children attend.

It was when he was moving his car to park it overnight at the local police station, that he was brutally attacked.

A protest is being planned in Bradford by supporters, to raise the profile of religious hate crime.

crime, as the police are treating this case, from whatever motive, has no place in our city.”

The protest has been organised by a friend of Mr Hussain, Mohammed Fiaz, who says he had to flee Bradford after converting to Christianity.

West Yorkshire Police are continuing with the investigation into the recent attack at St Paul’s Road and are still appealing for any information.

Mr Fiaz said: “The protest is about our human right to leave Islam and to practice the faith of our choice. The emphasis is that we can’t allow intimidation, harassment and attacks upon the apostate.

Chief Inspector Alan RheesCooper, of Bradford District Police, told the Asian Sunday: “It is being treated as a hate crime and we have put safeguarding measures in place. We are looking at the recent attack and also a number of previous allegations and working with a range of partners, including councillors, to address the issues.”

“There are those who are afraid to stand up about this. I am encouraging them to come out of the closet.”

Officers are still appealing for information about the two suspects, who fled in a red or maroon car, believed to be an old Honda Civic or a Rover 400. It was seen in the area just before the incident at around 5pm on November 17.

One of the suspects is described as an Asian male, about 6ft tall and of stocky build. Both men were wearing hooded tops and tracksuit bottoms.

Anyone with information about the vehicle or the suspects involved in this incident is asked to contact DC 6316 Pearman at Bradford District CID on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

He said he expected hundreds of people from across the country to attend the protest, which he said would be peaceful with placards supporting human rights and freedom of choice.

Their case is being supported by the British Pakistani Christian Association, which has launched an online petition to support the Hussains, to defend the rights of people in the United Kingdom to change their religion or belief, without fear of persecution from any opposing individual or community. To date more than 200 people have signed it.

Stills from CCTV footage recorded on the night of the attack

News of the attack has shocked community and faith leaders.

Ishtiaq Ahmed, spokesman for Bradford Council for Mosques, said: “Any intimidation, harassment on the grounds of people’s faith or for that matter any harassment or intimidation on anyone’s way of life is not acceptable.

“People should be free to choose their faith and practice it to the fullest without fear.”

The Hussain family moved to Manningham in 2006 after similar problems began in Laisterdyke.

They first converted to Christianity in 1996.

There is around 30 Asian families living in Bradford, who have converted to Christianity.

The Rt Rev Dr Toby Howarth, Area Bishop for Bradford said: “I was troubled to hear the reports of this latest incident, and my prayers are with Mr Hussain and his family.

“I am glad that the police are taking the matter so seriously.

While it would be wrong for me to comment specifically while police investigations are still underway, we need to be clear that hate

Mr Hussain says he has forgiven his attackers

Follow us on

22

Issue 11

ASIAN SUNDAY

Technology

Our 7 deadly

technology gadgets Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, buying presents at this time of the year is a matter of concern for many. Whether you’re buying for a secret Santa at work or a Christmas present for friends and family, our 7 deadly gadgets review might give you a little helping hand.

Whether you are on the go, in your office or at home, tech gadgets can introduce great time-saving advantages into your day, as well as make life easier. Check out some of these great finds, including a keyboard that can multi-task and access all your devices, a rugged USB key that can protect your data from both physical and security threats, and a case for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S that’s also a Bluetooth keyboard,

Logitech Bluetooth MultiDevice Keyboard The Logitech® Bluetooth® Multi-Device Keyboard K480 is designed for use with up to three devices, regardless of computing platform. Now, you can work on a report on your computer, and with the flick of the Easy-Switch dial, respond to a message on your smartphone or type a tweet on your tablet – all from the Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480.

£33.59

G-DRIVE ev SSD With a need for speed - take the power of the G-DRIVE ev SSD with you. With extreme solid-state performance connected with USB 3.0, you’ll get transfer rates up to 400MB/s. The drive comes with 512GB of storage capacity and is compatible with Mac OS 10.6, Windows 7, 8 and Vista. It comes with a three-year warranty. Use it alone or with the G-DOCK ev with Thunderbolt and experience up to 480MB/s for the ultimate flexibility and expandability that today’s creative professionals demand.

£118.00

Logitech Type-S The Logitech Type-S is a thin and light protective keyboard case for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 and protects both sides of your Galaxy Tab S from accidental bumps, scratches and spills. Its built-in Bluetooth® keyboard and well-spaced keys provide a fast and comfortable typing experience. The dual-view stand caters to different activities from typing to reading to chatting online, and includes an auto-wake auto-sleep feature so that the tablet wakes when you open the case. The Logitech Type-S is also now available in bright red.

£85.00

Issue 11

ASIAN SUNDAY

23

Technology LaCie RuggedKey The LaCie RuggedKey is built to withstand accidental drops from heights far above what you’d encounter on your way to the office. Its rubber construction is 100-meter drop-resistant. That means ultimate protection for your key – and your data – for all of life’s little stumbles. The RuggedKey has a USB 3.0 interface and file transfer speed of up to 150 MB/s, but it’s also backward compatible with USB 2.0. The USB also comes with AES 256-bit encryption for data security.

£24.98

Livescribe Echo Smartpen The Livescribe Echo Smartpen allows you to record audio while you’re taking notes, and then play them back later. You can save and share interactive notes to your computer, iPad or iPhone via a micro-USB connector that also allows you to recharge your pen.

The memory storage holds 400 or 800 hours of recorded audio, depending on the model, and includes an OLED display that makes it easy to navigate smartpen apps.

£110.99

WOWee One Slim The WOWee One Slim is a compact portable speaker unit which provides a full range frequency response. It is intended for use as both a fixed and portable solution for all iPod, iPad, mp3, mp4, mobile phone and computer applications. It uses the same hybrid technology as the WOWee ONE and produces an incredible bass sound with a 40Hz - 20kHz sound range.

The unit is powered by an internal rechargeable battery and can deliver up to 10 hours of playtime per charge. It can be recharged via computer USB or a 5V USB power adapter using a plug. There is also a built in LED low battery indicator.

£49.95

Photo iPad Scanning Dock

£36.99

This is the scanner that saves treasured photos directly to an iPad while it docks and charges the device. Controlled by a free app, the sheet-fed scanner makes it simple to preserve and share heirloom photos and documents as digital files. In as little as 12 seconds, a photo is converted to a crisp 300- or 600-dpi color JPEG image that is displayed on screen in real time and saved to the iPad’s camera roll. The integrated dock holds the iPad upright and has a built-in Lightning connector that recharges its battery in five hours. Scans sheets up to 8 1/2” x 14”. Plugs into AC with your iPad’s USB power adapter. For iPad 4, iPad Mini, and iPhone 5/s/c running iOS 6.0 or later. 4 1/2” H x 13” W x 4” D. (1 3/4 lbs.)

Please note, all prices are approximate prices taken from average prices on the web.

24

Issue 11

ASIAN SUNDAY

Feature

Are new ‘prevent’ courses really helping in the fight against terror?

by Alison Bellamy

TEACHERS are taking part in new ‘Prevent’ terror awareness courses, as part of a Government drive to stamp out all kinds of terrorism and extremism. But are they actually working to spot early signs of terror in our classrooms, including hard to detect on-line grooming?

The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, which became law back in February, now puts a responsibility on schools to help prevent people from being drawn into terrorism, and challenge extremist ideas that support or are shared by terrorist groups – of all kinds - including right-wing groups.

Although some claim that recent headline events, especially those involving young people fleeing to Syria to join Daesh (Isis), have led to an increase in Islamophobia, fear and harassment for certain Asian communities – who want more than anything to distance themselves from any links.

A teaching union boss in West Yorkshire has told the Asian Sunday that educators are not here to ‘police potential terrorists’.

Nevertheless under the new rules,

head-teachers, staff and governors should be assessing whether any students, at high school and primary level, are at risk of being drawn into terrorism. Staff are advised during the workshop style courses, that their assessments should be based on the local environment and ask themselves if their pupils are likely to be exposed to terrorist ideology, including extremist ideas, beyond the school gates?

There are four key duties for schools: Identify local risks, identify

at risk students, and work in partnership with other agencies and to keep children safe online, where much of the radicalisation takes place. In areas deemed as ‘highrisk’ the courses can last for a full day. In other areas, they can last just a couple of hours.

West Yorkshire teenager Talha Asmal, became the youngest ever suicide bomber, after he died in Syria in June aged just 17. He was one of four suicide bombers who attacked forces near an oil refinery

A teaching union boss in West Yorkshire has told the Asian Sunday that educators are not here to ‘police potential terrorists’.

Issue 11

ASIAN SUNDAY

25

Feature south of Baiji, by detonating a car packed with explosives – as part of a Daesh attack – after being groomed online by Daesh fanatics, killing eleven people.

He had ‘run away’ from home in Savile Town, in Dewsbury, an area with a high Asian population, just three months earlier. And in the words of someone who knew him: “He was just a normal lad, one of the crowd. He was happy go lucky.

There was absolutely no sign of any terror tendencies, nothing to give any clues of what was to become.”

The family of the teenager say they have been left ‘utterly devastated and heartbroken’ after he reportedly blew himself up in Iraq.

Studying ICT and business at Mirfield Free Grammar School, and before that was a popular pupil at Westborough High School, reports suggest that Talha told his family he would be away for a few days on a trip, but they became concerned when they could not contact him and alerted the police.

Talha lived at the family’s terraced home with his mother Noorjaha, 38, and father Ebrahim, 42, before he left for Syria via Turkey in April, on a Thomas Cook flight with his next-door neighbour and best friend Hassan Munshi.

In a damning statement, released soon after his death was confirmed in June, Talha’s family lashed out after saying his ‘innocence and vulnerability’ had been preyed upon.

They said: “He never harboured any ill will against anybody nor did he ever exhibit any violent, extreme or radical views of any kind. Talha’s tender years and naivety were, it seems however, exploited by persons unknown, who, hiding behind the anonymity of the worldwide web, targeted and befriended Talha and engaged in a process of deliberate and calculated grooming of him.

“Whilst there, it appears that Talha fell under the spell of individuals who continued to prey on his innocence and vulnerability to the point where, if the press reports are accurate, he was ordered to his death by so-called Daesh handlers and leaders too cowardly to do their own dirty work.

“We are all naturally utterly devastated and heartbroken by the unspeakable tragedy that now appears to have befallen us.” The family said that Daesh did not represent Islam or Muslims ‘in any way, shape or form’.

Daesh statements later named ‘Abu Yusuf Al Britani’ – the 17-yearold’s nom de guerre – as one of four suicide bombers. The others were said to be a German, a Kuwaiti

and a Palestinian. All four were photographed by Daesh standing beside black SUVs. Hazel Danson, secretary of Kirklees National Union of Teachers, said: “We see the Prevent courses as a safeguarding measure and not as teachers ‘policing’ potential terrorists.

“A minority of young people can be at risk of being ‘groomed’ into becoming involved in all kinds of activities. In recent years there has been a significant rise in Islamophobia after recent incidents which have hit the headlines.

There are four key duties for schools: Identify local risks, identify at risk students, and work in partnership with other agencies and to keep children safe online, where much of the radicalisation takes place.

“I feel that as teachers, we have a strong duty to positively reinforce the good and positives that can come out of individual schools, which have a high percentage of ethnic minority pupils.”

She said nationally the NUT has expressed a need for real caution with the introduction of the new courses under law: But here in Kirklees and in some of our areas, there have been very concerning incidents linked to terrorism in recent times and those incidents have had repercussions, not just on individual schools and families, but on the wider community and other schools.

“Here in Kirklees and areas like Dewsbury, the courses being offered to primary and high

school staff, are being seen as a safeguarding measure.”

So far, staff from more than 100 schools across the Kirklees area, have attended the course.

Mrs Danson added: “Children are children and explore all sorts of things as they are growing up. We all want to get the right balance to ensure that our young people are confident to explore things, and test out their feelings, without getting dragged into things such as farright extremism or even terrorism.

“It is becoming vital, I feel, that we should all be championing schools where pupils from ethnic minority backgrounds are achieving brilliant, creative things, which benefit us all in the long run.”

We see the Prevent courses as a safeguarding measure and not as teachers ‘policing’ potential terrorists.

Hazel Danson, secretary of Kirklees National Union of Teachers

Described as being a ‘sweetnatured, friendly kid’, Talha’s family said the Isis cause was not supported by the Muslim community and have previously said: “The entire family unreservedly condemns and abhors all acts of violence wherever perpetrated.”

Shahid Malik, a former MP for Dewsbury and a friend of the Asmals, described them as “a beautiful, caring, peace-loving and incredibly humble family”.

It is reported that more than 700 people from the UK have officially travelled to support, or fight, for jihadist organisations in Syria or Iraq, with the majority of Brits joining Daesh, according to the Metropolitan Police. They say around half of these people have now returned to Britain.

Many are youngsters, who have left without their parents’ knowledge.

Hundreds are still missing, with no clue as to their whereabouts.

Unofficially, experts believe that there could also be many hundreds more people from Britain who have fled, with more than sixty of them women and girls, some as young as fifteen.

In Bradford alone, the city council’s Safeguarding report for year 2014 stated that there was around

Hazel Danson, secretary of Kirklees NUT

1,080 children who went missing with their families for a variety of reasons. Many are still unaccounted for.

Most of them are still missing with no clue to their whereabouts.

Children are children and explore all sorts of things as they are growing up. We all want to get the right balance to ensure that our young people are confident to explore things, and test out their feelings, without getting dragged into things such as far-right extremism or even terrorism. - Mrs Danson

26

Issue 11

ASIAN SUNDAY

FEATURE

Muslim pupils plead with school for use of school facilities to pray so they don’t have to pray outdoors in freezing temperatures Pupils at Mirfield Free Grammar School are forced to perform their obligatory prayers outdoors because the School is refusing them permission to use space inside the building. The dispute is now in its second year and parents are upset that their children once again have to brave the winter months praying either in the school car park or on the roadside or grass verge often in rain and snow and in secret.

With the shorter winter days the students are unable to go to any nearby mosques to pray their Zohar (midday) and Asar (midafternoon) and Friday prayers. In the past the school had allowed students to use the sports hall to double up as a prayer facility but this has been denied since last year.

Mirfield grammar students praying outside in cold conditions

Muslim pupils have pleaded with the school to allow them to continue to use the school facilities to pray after it was suddenly withdrawn in October 2014 without any explanation. A group of students went to the length of submitting a polite written request to the Principal asking her to reconsider the decision. Even though this was countersigned by more than 70 students it was refused. It is believed though, after nearly

two years of courteous and respectful appeals, and despite attempts by a number of bodies and individuals, including the Kirklees Faith Forum led by Tony Robinson, the Bishop of Pontefract, representatives of mosques, a Councillor and Jo Cox MP for Batley and Spen to help resolve the dispute, the School has maintained its stance. The only concession that has been made is for sixth formers to use the House of Resurrection for Friday Jumma (Friday) prayers.

Students are however missing up to 30 minutes of lessons due to the distance and therefore reject this as an unsatisfactory resolution, added to the fact that this only applies to sixth formers.

Last year the students braved the cold winter months and were forces to pray outside in all conditions, including the rain and the snow and with this scenario repeating itself for a second year now that the winder months have set in, the students and parents have instructed solicitors to take on their plea as a last resort.

Mr Yunus Lunat, Solicitor Advocate from Ison Harrison of Leeds who is representing the pupils and parents said, “It is a sad and unfortunate situation that has been allowed to fester

ASIAN SUNDAY 27

Issue 11

FEATURE

Mirfield Free Grammar School

and perpetuate. The phrase “taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut” comes to mind.”

Parents are anxious that the pupils have to go through the same anguish and distress for a second year. To make matters worse many of the pupils have been disciplined by the Principal, with some on final warnings and facing expulsions.

Parents are also worried and concerned at the adverse effect all this is having upon on their education, with many of the pupils studying for GCSE and A Levels.

A parent of a pupil at the school stated: “We as parents are very worried and concerned that our children are having to pray outside and are fearful for their safety, especially with so much negativity about Muslims in the national media recently. It is also not helping our pupils to concentrate fully on their learning and for our child this is a very important year.”

Another parent complained of his child returning home in soaking wet clothing from having to pray outside in the recent wet weather. The parent added “it cannot be easy for my son to go back into the classroom and concentrate when he is soaked to the skin and having to sit in wet and damp clothing.”

Asian Sunday contacted the school for comment, however they failed to respond.

Campaigners have told Asian Sunday that Mrs Lorraine Barker, Executive Principle of the Mirfield Free Grammar School has already outlined a number of reasons for refusal including a lack of facilities and an inability to keep a check on whether students were praying or not. Campaigners add that Mrs Barker has also claimed that this change in policy was decided by the Governors. It has also been highlighted by campaigners that the school does not appear to have any Governors from the Muslim faith and therefore they feel the school isn’t representative of the needs of the children who attend.

Mr Yakub Badat, Chair of the Snowdon Street Mosque who the students turned to for support and has been a vocal campaigner of similar causes expressed disappointment at the stance taken by the school. “We as a community want to work together in partnership with the school in providing the best possible learning experience for our children. All the other schools in the area proudly boast of the facilities that they provide for Muslim children. We would actually be willing to help the school by fundraising to enable the school to provide such facilities if cost is an issue.”

Students of Mirfield Grammar forced to pray outside in bad weather conditions.

28

ASIAN SUNDAY

Issue 11

JOBS

Reporters/Journalists wanted

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Hours of Work: Flexible Salary: £40k OTE (basic, plus car and expenses) Are you a self starter, ambitious, self motivator, have the hunger to achieve and increase earning potential? Then

our Managers at Asian Sunday want to hear from you

communication skills and be educated to a minimum of 5 GCSE’s at grade C or above and have a can do attitude.

You will be required to travel nationally and with positions in London and Yorkshire.

For the right candidate full training will be given

To apply or for more information email Two positions has become available for a covering letter with your CV to jobs@ Business development Manager to help asiansunday.co.uk with Sales Executive sell our services to Business clients. in the subject field or post to: Asian Sunday Newspaper 18 East You must have a minimum of one Parade, Bradford, BD1 5EE year’s experience selling to B2B customers. You must possess excellent T. 0333 577 0046

Asian Sunday is expanding nationally and therefore is looking for journalists or reporters.

We have a cracking news patch here and we want enthusiastic reporters who will get out and about bringing in exclusive stories and getting into the heart of our communities. You will have all your preliminary qualifications, including 100 wpm shorthand. The ideal candidates will have knowledge of Asian Communities living in the UK along with business and lifestyle.

We are an equal opportunities employer and therefore accept

applications from all backgrounds.

Flexible working hours. Pay scale according to NUJ guidelines and based on experience.

To apply send your CV with a covering letter to editor@ asiansunday.co.uk or post to: Asian Sunday Newspaper 18 East Parade, Bradford, BD1 5EE T. 0333 577 0046

DISTRIBUTORS wanted Asian Sunday is expanding and therefore are looking for more distributors.

Asian Sunday is now approaching its fourth year and has now launched nationally. Therefore, we are looking for distributors in London, Leicester, Birmingham, Yorkshire, Newcastle, Lancashire and Manchester.

If you want to earn some extra cash and have a few spare hours over the weekend to deliver the Asian Sunday newspaper to businesses, then we want to hear from you.

Non-Executive Member wanted

join the organisation and help make decisions which lead to equality for women locally, nationally and internationally.

Inspirational Women Foundation is looking for like minded individuals who have a passion for community and want to assist in building networks to help support and inspire women locally, nationally and internationally.

4 year appointment, approximately 12 days per year.

The foundation is now looking for Non-Executive Board members to

Non-Executive Member

Pay: Voluntary first year. Thereafter £150 per day plus expenses Number of positions: 6 The appointed candidate(s) will be expected to contribute to the strategic development and direction of the IWF, oversee the development and review of key performance targets, ensure the foundation complies with its statutory requirements and ensure that a high standard of corporate governance

Hiring?

Pay: Full car allowance and salary will be paid to the ideal candidates.

Hours: Flexible In the first instance please apply with a letter of interest to jobs@asiansunday. co.uk with Distribution as your subject or post letter of interest to: Asian Sunday Newspaper 18 East Parade, Bradford, BD1 5EE T. 0333 577 0046

– Inspirational Women Foundation

Inspirational Women Foundation is a not for profit organisation established to support, empower and inspire women of any age, any back-ground, whether in the home, at work, in the community or in business.

Inspirational Women Foundation is currently funded by the proceeds of the Bradford’s Inspirational Women Awards, (now in its fifth successful year) and various funding activities across the country.

You must have your own van or car.

are observed at all times. Candidates who are able to offer advice to senior management on a range of general management issues, such as HR matters and management best practice would be advantageous.

We are looking for candidates with a background in business, HR, finance, law, training above all with the ability to perform at Board level.

Candidates must also be able to demonstrate: integrity and a commitment to transparency of decision-making; effective communication, influencing and inter-personal skills; high level of analytical ability; and the capacity and temperament to work in an open, inclusive and collaborative environment.

Previous experience as a Non-

Executive Director is not essential but an aptitude for strategic thinking, the ability to work as part of a team and a commitment to IWF’s objectives are.

Applications are welcome from individuals of any background, gender and disabled people who are able to make a real contribution to this organisation.

Members are expected to attend quarterly board meetings and to participate in additional meetings, conference calls and sit on ad hoc committees from time to time. Most meetings take place in the evening.

Interested candidates should submit a CV to founder@ inspirationalwomenawards.org.uk with a covering letter explaining why you believe you are suitable for the role.

Advertise your jobs for FREE. Help us get Britain working.

Send your job adverts to jobs@asiansunday.co.uk Please make sure you include details of who to contact for any queries

Issue11

ASIAN SUNDAY 29

MATRIMONIALs

Single?

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30

Issue 11

ASIAN SUNDAY

Sports

Faz Ma Taz!

by Ayyaz Malik

Manchester Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Faisal Ali or ‘Faz The Destroyer Ali ‘ as he is also known, got his MMA career off to an encouraging start with a win over Ronaldo Green at Audley Sports Centre, Blackburn. Ali who is 25 and from South Manchester has high aspirations to succeed in a sport where very few Asian’s dare to enter.

The MMA which is a sport that consists of a mixture of Jujitsu, wrestling, kickboxing and other types of combat consists of three, three-minute rounds. There are several ways to achieve victory over your opponents such as Ground and Pound, submission or good old fashioned, on points. In Faisal Ali’s case, the 25- year old managed to pound his opponent to the ground.

As literal as it sounds, Ali outpowered his opponent which forced the match referee to break up the fight after Faisal had Ronaldo Green on the ground.

That win for Ali must have been all the sweeter after enduring the frustration of having another fight which was initially booked, cancelled.

young career so far.

The road to becoming a fighter for Ali has been a long slog. In fact, it has taken two years of handwork, graft and a balanced diet to achieve his first fight in MMA. I am sure the same could be said in the case of most sportsmen. The Manchester man credits Steve Powell who got him into martial arts, Amir Ghasemi who helped to develop his wrestling and his main coach Gavin Boardman at Manchester Predators for overall development and general teaching as being key men in his

‘Faz’ in his appreciation for everyone who helped get him where he is striving to get, didn’t want to end our visit without going on record to thank Rob Freeman who in Ali’s words was an ‘honest promoter’ for his fight with Ronaldo Green.

Faisal, who I had the pleasure of catching up with after his win over Green, also was thankful to Buddy Khan of the Muscle factory in Burnley who has been key in his road to progression. Khan has sponsored Ali and supported him along the way.

A highlight of Faisal’s character when I did have the pleasure of meeting him was his honesty and humbleness to acknowledge everyone who helped him to fight his first fight. Faisal Ali knows it better than anyone, but the real

work starts now. Faisal also told me that he hopes his efforts will ‘help more Asian’s to take up the sport’. Faisal Ali is an example of what can be done with hard work and perseverance.

Sometimes you can have all the talent in the world, but if you don’t have the right attitude, it becomes futile. In Faisal Ali’s

case, though, however, there are not many athletes that I know of that have that hunger and desire that he has.

From all the team here at Asian Sunday, we wish you all the best in your future endeavours. Be sure to keep up with Faisal’s progress through Asian Sunday.

Shafiq Looking To Wave His Maj-Ic Wand on Pakistani Football

by Ayyaz Malik British-born football coach Majid Shafiq who is of Pakistani origin is on the verge of something very revolutionary in the football and Futsal world. Shafiq who is 42 and from Bolton has been involved in football for over 20 years as a player and a coach.

The Bolton coach can boast of coaching talent and nurturing talent through Stalybridge Celtic’s academy, an academy that Majid has been heavily involved in. Stalybridge Celtic Football Academy enrolled over 300 players aged 16–19yrs over the period of 2010 - 2013 and has been seen as the biggest football academy outside the Football League.

Sadly for Majid an injury cut short any chances of a prosperous playing career, but what Majid hasn’t been able to do on the pitch, he has been able to achieve in the dugout. Majid Shafiq’s coaching

achievements in England hadn’t gone unnoticed as the 42-year-old from Burnley had the chance to manage Pakistani side Karachi Electric in Pakistan’s domestic league.

The Pakistan league runs from approximately August to March.

Before Shafiq took over the Karachi outfit, Electric wasn’t as well managed as they are now.

Majid through the assistance of some domestic coaches has managed to instil the European team mentality to Karachi Electric.

The 42-year old’s main passion has been to get more Asian’s into the sport. Majid has been instrumental in getting a couple of British-based players to play in the Pakistani League such as Bradford-born Irfan Khan and Jon Ashworth, who became the first Caucasian British player to play for a Pakistani professional club side. A few other non-Asian players have been from Nigeria amongst other Nations.

The different ethnicity of players has had an effect as Karachi Electric are the domestic champions and are miles ahead of rival clubs in terms of

facilities. Majid oversaw the 2015 Bangladesh Tour in Chittagong.

During the Tour, K-Electric (Pakistan’s National champions) competed with top Asian sides

and despite having little time to prepare for the tournament (three days), Shafiq’s side gave a good account of themselves.

Issue 11

ASIAN SUNDAY

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Sports

One of Majid’s biggest achievements was the tour of Bhutan (South Asia) tour in August. In this tour, two domestic champions awaited the Electric.

Mongolian champions Kroinkham FC and Bhutanese champions Druk United. If Karachi were to top the group that would enable qualification for the AFC cup (Asian Federation Cup) Looking to top the group to enable qualification, the Karachi outfit achieved their target with a tense 1-0 win over Kroinkham.

With an unassailable four points from two games, Karachi Electric ensured that this is the furthest that any Pakistani club has ever gone as the Karachi-based outfit have qualified for the Asian Federation Cup which is set to be played in January 2016.

The Pakistani club as a testament to Majid’s achievements with a Pakistani domestic football team was invited by the Futsal Federation of Pakistan to become the Chairman in October 2015. He accepted the post and took up the challenge to bring Pakistan Futsal into a new era.

Futsal, which does have similarities with football is a game played between two teams of five players each, one of whom is the goalkeeper. Unlike conventional football, unlimited substitutions are permitted.

Unlike some forms of indoor football, the game is played on a hard court surface delimited by lines; walls or boards are not used. Futsal is also played with a smaller ball with less bounce than a regular football due to the surface of the field. The surface, ball and rules create an emphasis on improvisation, creativity and technique as well as ball control and passing in small spaces.

In his role as chairman Majid Shafiq will be looking expand the game of Futsal across many predominantly Asian cities in England and potentially even the UK. Cities such as Oldham and Bradford which are predominantly Asian are areas which Majid has stated he will visit.

In fact, the Karachi Electric boss paid a visit to local Bradford football team and went to have a look at their Futsal department where he met Ian Ormondroyd who is head of Futsal there.

To attract more Asian players to football or Futsal will be a tough task, but if anyone can attract Asian players to Futsal or football it would be Majid Shafiq.

Am ere Says Khan After Talks Break Down With Manny and Floyd

by Ayyaz Malik

After several frustrating months of conversations and dialog

between his camp and that of Manny Pacquiao’s and Floyd Mayweather’s, Amir Khan is said to be looking at alternative fights such as Britain’s Kell Brook after both failed to agree to fight the Bolton boxer.

That decision by ‘Money’ Mayweather frustrated team Khan as they believed that they were in a good position to seal a glamour fight. The 38 year old’s decision to end his glittering unbeaten career against a fighter that had lost six times in a career was a bit too much for Amir Khan to take.

The Bolton fighter’s frustration was

becoming clear to see as the 28 year old in press conferences was quick to voice his displeasure at the fact that he wouldn’t be fighting Mayweather. Khan in several media appearances went on to declare Floyd Mayweather a ‘coward’ for not accepting the fight.

Amir Khan who eventually had to turn his attention elsewhere decided to contact sparring partner and Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao in regards to a potential fight. After looking set to agree on terms for a fight, talks have now broken down and a frustrated Khan has said that ‘he won’t’ be facing

Pacquiao after Khan’s advisors met with Pacquiao’s advisors in Doha.

Pacquiao who is currently out injured is said to be waiting for a chance to have a rematch with Floyd Mayweather despite the American retiring earlier this year.

If that is true, then that news will only add to Amir’s frustration, but on the flip side a fight with Kell Brook could draw closer.

Brook has voiced his frustration at not being able to fight Khan in the past, however now could be the Yorkshireman’s chance to have his dream fight against Khan. All I will say is watch this space.

Mo-Jestic Amir Does His Talking On the Cricket Pitch

by Ayyaz Malik The path to redemption has been a long path for Mohammed Amir, but it’s a path the 23 year old has had to take after being caught up in the infamous spot fixing scandal. Amir at the time was a very talented 19 year old who many felt had the world at his feet.

Many experts and commentators alike were raving about Amir with some even comparing him to legend Wasim Akram at such a young age. Lessons in life are harsh and the mistakes that one makes can lead to harsh lessons,

in Mohammed Amir’s case that’s what happened as the Pakistani bowler was sentenced to a sixmonth jail sentence for allegedly bowling two no-balls deliberately.

Amir however only served three of those six months in Feltham young offender’s institution. The former Pakistani international was handed a five-year ban in 2010 for his alleged part in what is now infamously known as the spot fixing scandal. Amir was allowed to return early from his ban which was scheduled to expire in September, the 24 year old returned nine months earlier than

scheduled.

One of the factors that has helped Amir on his journey of redemption, has been the willingness of Amir to make amends for his error, which I am sure he doesn’t need telling too many times. Time in a class room educating youngsters to ensure they don’t make the same mistakes as he did, was one of the PCB guidelines that Amir needed to follow to start his path to reintegrate into the team.

Some amateur cricket league games followed and Amir reminded the cricketing world of his talents, not that they needed reminding of such a talent. Such was Amir’s talent before his ban, Wasim Akram boldly declared that Mohammed Amir was a smarter bowler than he was when he was Amir’s age.

In my life, from experience I learnt that it’s best to forgive and forget especially in Mohammed Amir’s case he wants to be forgiven, so we should forget. The 23-year old is currently in the Bangladesh T20, which has led to criticism from one Pakistani player Mohammed Hafeez.

Hafeez who is a former Pakistan captain, was due to play in the Bangladeshi T20 tournament, but pulled out after learning Amir was due to play in the same tournament. The Pakistani opener said of his countryman that he ‘doesn’t want to play with someone who brought shame to my country’.

The Pakistani all-rounder is entitled to his opinion, just like I am expressing mine. What I will say on the matter is that Mohammed Amir is doing everything cricket’s authorities are asking of him, he can’t do anymore. We all make mistakes in life, after all angels are in heaven, not on earth.

Mohammed Amir needs to let his cricket do the talking as I am sure many will feel the 24 year old ‘owes one to cricket’.

Amir is playing for the Chittagong Vikings in the BPL (Bangladesh Premier League). In just two matches he has stolen the show by getting out test captain Misbah Ul-Haq amongst other batsmen.

Mohammed Amir is very much on his path to redemption, however some may argue he can never redeem himself, but in life you can’t please everyone.

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Issue 11

ASIAN SUNDAY

Sports

Three Lions Looking To Roar Their Way To Success In T20

by Ayyaz Malik England’s cricketers have had mixed success in their ongoing tour of the UAE. The tour which started in early October saw England play three test matches, four one-day internationals and at the end of it (their tour) three T20 games.

As many expected the tourists struggled in the test series which they lost 2-0. That series win for ‘hosts’ Pakistan saw them leapfrog Australia and go up to second in the test match world rankings.

The test series could have been so very different if England were given longer to chase what was a gettable target in the first test.

In fact, England were agonisingly close to chasing the 100 runs or so required, but Pakistan were rather controversially saved by bad light as the first match ended in a draw.

Maybe a tad fortunate in the first test, England were comprehensively outplayed in the second and third test.

Star spinner Yasir Shah who missed the first test with a back

complaint, truly tormented England in the series thereafter as the Three Lions missed the chance to go third in the world rankings.

What didn’t help England in the test series was that Moeen Ali was playing as an opener for the first time? Although Pakistan had a similar problem (problems at the top of their batting order), the Asian side were able to mask this deficiency through the brilliance of star duo Misbah U-Haq and Younus Khan.

Their brilliance was missed very badly in the one-day games.

Younus Khan retired from oneday internationals after only scoring nine in the first match.

Khan’s sudden retirement from the one day game meant that Pakistan’s batting line-up was always going to be exposed in the one-day series and so it proved.

Pakistan couldn’t call on the calming influence of Misbah-UlHaq either, Ul-Haq retired after the world cup and the effect of Pakistan not having their two most reliable batsmen in the middle order showed.

England under the leadership

of Eoin Morgan England gave Pakistan an absolute mauling as they beat the 1992 world champions 3-1. Key to England’s series success was that they were able to call on the settled pair of Alex Hales and Jason Roy to open the batting.

Other key factors were the fact that England nullified Pakistan’s star bowler, Yasir Shah. In the test arena, Shah was running rings around the English batsmen, but in the one-day series, however, England’s batsmen were running rings around him.

In the test series, it was Pakistan who had the more established team, but in the one-day series one could tell that England had the most experienced side. What was going right for Pakistan in the test series was going wrong in the one-day series and what was going right for England in the one-day series wasn’t going right in the test series.

For England, that was the fact that they were able to nullify the threat of Yasir Shah in the one-day series. Pakistan was able to build partnerships in test matches, but struggled in the

one-day series.

After both sides have won a series each, this leads to the deciding series if you will, the T20 series. Pakistan are enjoying similar success to that of what the test team is enjoying, the Asian side are second in the world rankings.

England, on the other hand, are in a lowly sixth position. It must be pointed out that England have played seven games less than second placed Pakistan. The tourists do come into this series with an ever so slight advantage, simply because England’s side mainly consists of their one-day squad.

The only players that weren’t in the one-day squad for England are Stephen Parry and James Vince, but other than that this squad for England is a settled one. Pakistan, on the other hand, will be making several changes to their squad.

Wales-born Imad Wasim who has become an important player for Pakistan after some eye-catching performances misses out due to a finger injury. Wasim was initially in the original T20 squad.

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Veterans such as Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik and Mohamed Irfan are included, but the loss of Imad Wasim could be crucial. Other players such as Shoaib Maqsood and Amir Yamin do have potential and will need to perform. Another player who has potential is Umar Akmal who was dropped after some disciplinary issues, Pakistan will really need him to fire if they are to have any chances in this series.

This upcoming T20 series promises to be a cracker as there is talented players on both sides, but if I was a betting man (which I am not) then I think England will win due to the fact their squad looks just that little bit more experienced.

Pakistan though however have been on a good winning sequence of late with nine in a row, in fact, the Asian side has the most wins in T20 history so this series is far from a forgone conclusion. I might have to eat my hat, we will wait and see. The first T20 game between the two sides started on Thursday 26 November, with England winning with a 14 run win over Pakistan