Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Afghan Hindus And Sikhs Grapple With Uncertain Future
Since the Taliban’s fall, Afghanistan’s new constitution promises religious minorities greater freedoms than before, but it is harder to ensure in practical terms. Sikhs and Hindus say that in Taliban regime their voice was heard and their religion respected!
They thrived long ago and for a long time dominated the country’s economy, but Sikh and Hindu Afghans now find themselves struggling for survival.
“We have no shelter, no land and no authority,” says Awtar Singh, a senator and the only non-Muslim voice in Afghanistan’s parliament.
“No one in the government listens to us, but we have to be patient, because we have no other options,” says Singh, 47.
In 1992, after the fall of the Moscow backed-government but before civil war erupted, there were around 200,000 Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan compared with around just a few thousand today.
When warring factions fought over Kabul, razing entire neighbourhoods in deadly rocket barrages, the two communities became targets.
After complaining of extortion, intimidation, kidnappings and theft, those with the means fled to India where they live as aliens and require visas, like other foreigners.
Ironically the rise to power of the Taleban marked an improvement in the lives of those who remained — and some even started to return.
“The Taliban did not suppress us — they respected our religion and if we had any problem they would resolve it immediately, let alone delay it until the next day,” says Singh.
Some Afghan Hindus were baffled by Western outrage at one Taliban decree — ordering them to wear a yellow tag to identify their religion — saying in practical terms it spared their clean-shaven faces from the wrath of the Taliban religious police, who asked Muslim Afghan men to grow beards.
The Sikhs escaped scrutiny because they also grow their beards long.
Since the Taliban’s fall, Afghanistan’s new constitution promises religious minorities greater freedoms than before, but it is harder to ensure in practical terms.
Hindus and Sikhs had scores of properties stolen during the civil war and its aftermath and thousands of claims lie gathering dust in the confused bureaucracy that makes up the government.
“I have my family still in India because I have lost my house and other properties,” says Awtam Singh, who was an important trader in the old days but is now reduced to selling herbal medicines in a tiny Kabul shop.
“We feel ignored by this government,” he laments.
While tens of thousands of Muslim Afghans have the same problems, they at least have politicians or leaders fighting on their behalf.
Some of the returning Hindus and Sikhs have brought their families and live mostly in secure areas such as Kabul and eastern city of Jalalabad, where they have temples and segregated schools.
“I cannot see things getting better for us,” said Awtam.
“The Indians say you belong to Afghanistan, and here we are seen as Indians. No government cares for us, he said.
Reuters
Readers; Scan
Extracting Truth From Roots
Dear Sir, I am a PG student from Andhra Pradesh. I read the copy of Media Scan of June. I was totally shocked with the truth that were revealed by this magazine. It is a gifted item for our media workers who are extracting the truth from the roots. Each and every topic includes nice materials. I advice to include the topic of “CONSUMERISM” that is totally distracting the young IT people. F.M. Faheemullah, Andhra Pradesh
Media Should Understand What Fatwa Is
Sir, I am thankful to you as you have helped me remove my misconception about fatwas. I, as many people are, was of the belief that mullahs issue their diktat i.e. fatwas from their own to ensure that their supremacy remains over women. I doubted whether fatwas were made only to compel women to live the life of a subjugated creature. But thanks to your article “Fatwa: The Second Most Abused Word Of Islam” (July Issue) that opened before me the reality of fatwas; that fatwas are based on Islamic teachings and not on the wish of maulvis. I was astonished to know that in the same way as a woman is not allowed to work where she cannot observe Islamic teachings, men are also prohibited from adopting a profession, like drug and alcohol business, where they have to violate Islamic teachings. Media had better understand what fatwa is before calling it a diktat of mullahs which they want to impose on other Muslims. Reeham Shaikh, Tamil Nadu
Who Are Ulama To Advise Individual Muslim?
Respected Sir, The interview of Dar-ul-Uloom Deoband deputy rector Maulana Abdul Khaliq Madrasi is very informative. Though the Maulana opines that Deoband is an academic institution and issuing fatwa is not its sole objective at all, reality is that what we get from the institution is a chunk of fatwas issued continually to keep Muslim community far from the mainstream. I am unable to understand why ulama think it their obligation to meddle in every affair which in no way are concerned to them. If a Muslim woman wants to do work in any office who are they to dictate to her to not speak frankly to male colleagues or put on veil. It is none of their business. They should better keep themselves limited to the premises of madaris and let every Muslim practice their choice. Asghar Ali, Bidar, Karnataka
Constitute A Board To Certify Who Can Issue Fatwas
Sir, While you have given a long list of so many sciences the acquaintance with which is must for anyone who issues fatwas, I do not think that those issuing fatwas have command over these sciences. The so-called muftis are never aware about the ‘current situation’ which is a mandatory condition for issuing fatwa as outlined by you in the article “Fatwa: The Second Most Abused Word of Islam” (Media Scan, July). They might know some sciences but how will they know Mathematics, Logic and Philosophy. If knowing those sciences is a condition must then there should be constituted a board which will certify that a certain person fulfils this criterion and only he/she is entitled to issue fatwas. Muhammad Qasim, Mumbai
Media Scan Is Different
Dear Editor, I saw some of your articles on Media Scan Bangalore blog and liked it. I would like to have a print copy of your magazine. Being attached to journalism, I realized after going through the articles on your blog, that you are trying to do a different work from other contemporary magazines. Rais Khan, Mumbai
Stop Misuse Of AFSPA
Dear Sir, This is with reference to “Serial Killings Of Students...” (July 2010). As a matter of a bitter reality many innocent Kashmiris have been victims of Indian Forces. Worse is the trend in the valley to kill students. There is no doubt that Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is being misused in Kashmir. Such amendments must be made to this act that will make a guilty soldier liable to punishment. In present situation, since the forces cannot be investigated for their acts, they are fearlessly misusing their powers on the cost of the lives of innocent citizens in the name of combating insurgency. Irshad Ahmad, via email
NHRC Not On Right Track In Batla House Probe
Sir, Apropos to the news in July issue of Media Scan “What is the use of NHRC?” National Human Rights Commission relied upon the controversial version of the Delhi police in Batla House encounter case smells a conspiracy. From the day first not only media but also parents of the killed students had risen questions about the encounter being genuine. It is nothing but laziness on part of NHRC to even cross check the police version. How is it a human rights commission when it did not even once feel the need to meet and listen to the families of the students? Shafeeq Sultan, Azamgarh, UP
Pre-assumption About Culprits Hinders Fair Probe
Dear Editor, I got the July issue of Media Scan on 15th of the month and read some articles from here and there. “ATS Ruins the life of Samad and many more: Does anyone take notice?” is a good article. The arrest of the youth of a certain community in connection with the blasts is the result of assumption by our investigating agencies that only Muslims are wrongdoers. Of course, there have come some changes in this wrong notion after late ATS chief Hemant Karkare unveiled face of Hindutva terrorism probing Malegaon 2008 blasts case. Yet after the arrest of Abdus Samad our home minister Mr. P Chidambaram was quick to draw conclusion that Pune German Bakery case was solved and media showed that Samad was the mastermind behind the blasts. This shows the existence of a specific concept about Muslim youth. Saqib Ahmad, Shimoga, Karnataka
Majority Hindus Treated Badly In India!
Sir, With reference to the article “Brahmins Have Become The Dalits” (July, 2010), Francois Gautier has rightly outlined that some of the Brahmins in today’s India are leading a life worse than Dalits. They are compelled to do some of the works that were only the share of Dalits if we go only some years back. Gautier is also right when he says that in India the Hindu majority is treated badly by the government. Members of the community are wrongly trapped in Malegaon, Ajmer and Makkah Masjid blasts while two Muslims convicts of helping 26/11 perpetrators have been freed. Isn’t it true that the spiritual leader of Hindus Swami Nithyananda, without any base, was portrayed by the media as a sex swami and looter of wealth? Government must think that Hindus are in majority in India. Ashok Jayaram, Chennai
U. S. Should Take Notice Of Israel’s Atrocities
Respected Sir, The editorial of July issue “U.N.O. Powerless Against Israel Without U.S. Support” is an eye opener. The champion of human rights United States is mum when it comes to Israel’s violation of human rights. Had it been any other country killing scores of aid workers in broad day light it would have faced the consequence of Afghanistan and Iraq but it seems as if America has no courage to punish Israel. If seen in reality Israel to a great extent is dependent on America’s help for its existence. Israel, with full support from America has been defying any guidelines provided by the United Nations to ensure that no country commits tyranny over the other. America is equally responsible for human rights violations as is Israel. Muhammad Shakir, Ranchi, Jharkhand
Dear Sir, I am a PG student from Andhra Pradesh. I read the copy of Media Scan of June. I was totally shocked with the truth that were revealed by this magazine. It is a gifted item for our media workers who are extracting the truth from the roots. Each and every topic includes nice materials. I advice to include the topic of “CONSUMERISM” that is totally distracting the young IT people. F.M. Faheemullah, Andhra Pradesh
Media Should Understand What Fatwa Is
Sir, I am thankful to you as you have helped me remove my misconception about fatwas. I, as many people are, was of the belief that mullahs issue their diktat i.e. fatwas from their own to ensure that their supremacy remains over women. I doubted whether fatwas were made only to compel women to live the life of a subjugated creature. But thanks to your article “Fatwa: The Second Most Abused Word Of Islam” (July Issue) that opened before me the reality of fatwas; that fatwas are based on Islamic teachings and not on the wish of maulvis. I was astonished to know that in the same way as a woman is not allowed to work where she cannot observe Islamic teachings, men are also prohibited from adopting a profession, like drug and alcohol business, where they have to violate Islamic teachings. Media had better understand what fatwa is before calling it a diktat of mullahs which they want to impose on other Muslims. Reeham Shaikh, Tamil Nadu
Who Are Ulama To Advise Individual Muslim?
Respected Sir, The interview of Dar-ul-Uloom Deoband deputy rector Maulana Abdul Khaliq Madrasi is very informative. Though the Maulana opines that Deoband is an academic institution and issuing fatwa is not its sole objective at all, reality is that what we get from the institution is a chunk of fatwas issued continually to keep Muslim community far from the mainstream. I am unable to understand why ulama think it their obligation to meddle in every affair which in no way are concerned to them. If a Muslim woman wants to do work in any office who are they to dictate to her to not speak frankly to male colleagues or put on veil. It is none of their business. They should better keep themselves limited to the premises of madaris and let every Muslim practice their choice. Asghar Ali, Bidar, Karnataka
Constitute A Board To Certify Who Can Issue Fatwas
Sir, While you have given a long list of so many sciences the acquaintance with which is must for anyone who issues fatwas, I do not think that those issuing fatwas have command over these sciences. The so-called muftis are never aware about the ‘current situation’ which is a mandatory condition for issuing fatwa as outlined by you in the article “Fatwa: The Second Most Abused Word of Islam” (Media Scan, July). They might know some sciences but how will they know Mathematics, Logic and Philosophy. If knowing those sciences is a condition must then there should be constituted a board which will certify that a certain person fulfils this criterion and only he/she is entitled to issue fatwas. Muhammad Qasim, Mumbai
Media Scan Is Different
Dear Editor, I saw some of your articles on Media Scan Bangalore blog and liked it. I would like to have a print copy of your magazine. Being attached to journalism, I realized after going through the articles on your blog, that you are trying to do a different work from other contemporary magazines. Rais Khan, Mumbai
Stop Misuse Of AFSPA
Dear Sir, This is with reference to “Serial Killings Of Students...” (July 2010). As a matter of a bitter reality many innocent Kashmiris have been victims of Indian Forces. Worse is the trend in the valley to kill students. There is no doubt that Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is being misused in Kashmir. Such amendments must be made to this act that will make a guilty soldier liable to punishment. In present situation, since the forces cannot be investigated for their acts, they are fearlessly misusing their powers on the cost of the lives of innocent citizens in the name of combating insurgency. Irshad Ahmad, via email
NHRC Not On Right Track In Batla House Probe
Sir, Apropos to the news in July issue of Media Scan “What is the use of NHRC?” National Human Rights Commission relied upon the controversial version of the Delhi police in Batla House encounter case smells a conspiracy. From the day first not only media but also parents of the killed students had risen questions about the encounter being genuine. It is nothing but laziness on part of NHRC to even cross check the police version. How is it a human rights commission when it did not even once feel the need to meet and listen to the families of the students? Shafeeq Sultan, Azamgarh, UP
Pre-assumption About Culprits Hinders Fair Probe
Dear Editor, I got the July issue of Media Scan on 15th of the month and read some articles from here and there. “ATS Ruins the life of Samad and many more: Does anyone take notice?” is a good article. The arrest of the youth of a certain community in connection with the blasts is the result of assumption by our investigating agencies that only Muslims are wrongdoers. Of course, there have come some changes in this wrong notion after late ATS chief Hemant Karkare unveiled face of Hindutva terrorism probing Malegaon 2008 blasts case. Yet after the arrest of Abdus Samad our home minister Mr. P Chidambaram was quick to draw conclusion that Pune German Bakery case was solved and media showed that Samad was the mastermind behind the blasts. This shows the existence of a specific concept about Muslim youth. Saqib Ahmad, Shimoga, Karnataka
Majority Hindus Treated Badly In India!
Sir, With reference to the article “Brahmins Have Become The Dalits” (July, 2010), Francois Gautier has rightly outlined that some of the Brahmins in today’s India are leading a life worse than Dalits. They are compelled to do some of the works that were only the share of Dalits if we go only some years back. Gautier is also right when he says that in India the Hindu majority is treated badly by the government. Members of the community are wrongly trapped in Malegaon, Ajmer and Makkah Masjid blasts while two Muslims convicts of helping 26/11 perpetrators have been freed. Isn’t it true that the spiritual leader of Hindus Swami Nithyananda, without any base, was portrayed by the media as a sex swami and looter of wealth? Government must think that Hindus are in majority in India. Ashok Jayaram, Chennai
U. S. Should Take Notice Of Israel’s Atrocities
Respected Sir, The editorial of July issue “U.N.O. Powerless Against Israel Without U.S. Support” is an eye opener. The champion of human rights United States is mum when it comes to Israel’s violation of human rights. Had it been any other country killing scores of aid workers in broad day light it would have faced the consequence of Afghanistan and Iraq but it seems as if America has no courage to punish Israel. If seen in reality Israel to a great extent is dependent on America’s help for its existence. Israel, with full support from America has been defying any guidelines provided by the United Nations to ensure that no country commits tyranny over the other. America is equally responsible for human rights violations as is Israel. Muhammad Shakir, Ranchi, Jharkhand
Muslims Chop Hand Of Professor Over Blasphemy, Receive Condemnation
In what may be called taking law and order into ones hand, some Muslim youth of Kerala punished a professor accused of hurting religious sentiments, by cutting of his hand. The community leaders condemned this saying that Islam does not allow such acts while there is already an authority on work.
Some Muslim youth, in the name of protecting their religion, chopped off the hand of a professor who committed blasphemy of the Prophet Muhammad.
According to the media reports, professor T J Joseph was returning along with his family from church prayers when they were attacked by a group of unknown assailants. The attackers forced Joseph get out of the car, and then they attacked him with knives and swords, cut off his hand and right arm throwing them away after about 200 meters.
They advised that instead of taking revenge Islam teaches to forgive the culprits. “Those who attacked Joseph forgot that the Prophet of Islam, upon whom be peace, in his own life had pardoned a Jewish woman who used to throw garbage on him and when she did not do so one day, the Prophet enquired about her and upon being told that she is ill, went to wish her early recovery and good health. The Prophet forgave the people of Mecca after its conquest although they had pained him, expelled him from his hometown and had waged war against him for years.
Sajan K George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians condemned this "barbaric act" and recalled that "Sharia is not the law of India. He also said that Kerala is witnessing a growth of Islamic extremism. “Christian schools are often targeted on the headscarf issue or another issue and unfortunately many schools succumb under pressure. The design of these militants is to provoke peaceful Christian communities and provoke a civil war. The rapid growth of the Muslim population and their influence in elections is increasing safety concerns for Christians throughout the country”.
This act of taking law and order into the hands received strong condemnation by even the leaders of the Muslim community. In the presence of competent authorities to deal with an issue, the leaders said, Islam explicitly forbids taking law and order into one's hands.
All India Milli Council, Jamaat e Islami Hind, All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, Jamiat Ulama e Hind, Movement for Empowerment of Muslim Indians (MOEMIN) and many other Muslim organizations condemned this act.
They advised that instead of taking revenge Islam teaches to forgive the culprits. “Those who attacked Joseph forgot that the Prophet of Islam, upon whom be peace, in his own life had pardoned a Jewish woman who used to throw garbage on him and when she did not do so one day, the Prophet enquired about her and upon being told that she is ill, went to wish her early recovery and good health. The Prophet forgave the people of Mecca after its conquest although they had pained him, expelled him from his hometown and had waged war against him for years. We find that the attack on the Kerala lecturer is against the basic tenets of Islam and the Sunnah of the Prophet which emphasis on forgiveness,” said a press release jointly released by the organizations.
The story started when Prof. TJ Joseph at Newman's College, Kerala, referred to one Muhammad as “madman” while preparing an exam paper for his college last March. In the paper a question which asked the students to mark punctuations related a story in which a desperate fisherman Muhammad repeatedly called God. His brother scolded him, "Why are you calling God, God, God...?”
The Muslim organizations asserted that the Muhammad shown having conversation with God in the question paper was the Prophet of Islam and that Professor has intentionally referred to him as a man having lost his sense. In the subsequent apology the professor maintained that it was an “unintentional error”.
However, following a series of protest by Muslim organizations the church-run Newman College in Thodupuzha town of the hilly district of Pathamthitta had sacked the professor for one year. The Malayalam language professor was also arrested in April for provoking religious sentiments. Now he is free on bail.
By Staff Writer
Unrest In Kashmir Valley Continues
Since June 11, at least 17 civilians have been killed by security forces firing in Kashmir valley. Despite curfew and strict restrictions, protests against the unabated rights violations have become order of the day. Our Special Correspondent in the state analyses the prevailing situation in valley.
Unrest brewing in Kashmir valley following the civilian killings’ during past few weeks refuses to calm down and there does not seem to be any indication of normalcy limping back to the strife-torn valley at least in near future. With the killing of a newly-wed Fayaz Ahmad (26) of Baramulla in security forces’ firing on July 18, the total number of civilian killings mounted to 17 since June 11.
Fayaz was killed when security forces opened fire on mourners near DC office Baramulla. Thousands of people were agitating in the town over the alleged forced drowning of 13- year-old Faizan Ahmed Buhroo, a class 7th student by security forces. Faizan’s body was retrieved from river Jehlum.
Security guards posted near the deputy commissioner’s (DC) office Baramulla reportedly opened fire on the protestors killing Fayaz on the spot as many others were injured in the shootout. Authorities removed Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and Deputy SP (Headquarters) as part of its damage control exercise along with yet another reshuffle in state police but evidently like before this did not yield any substantial results.
Ill-fated parents of newly-wed Fayaz suffered tragedy for the second time in a couple of years. Fayaz’s brother was drowned in river while taking a bath some two years before. Tension further mounted in Baramulla following fresh killings as authorities’ re-imposed curfew to quell protests.
Despite curfew in most parts of Srinagar, Baramulla, Sopore and Kupwara towns and large scale arrest of youth across the valley, authorities have miserably failed to curb protests and clashes. For past more than five weeks, protests and clashes against recent killings have become order of the day in valley. Interestingly a good chunk of teen-aged boys between 12-20 years. For the first time in past 15 years, Army was called in Srinagar to help police and CRPF deployed in strength bring the worsening situation under control. Defying stringent restrictions and imposition of curfew in many areas including parts of Srinagar Baramulla, Kupwara and Sopore, people held protest demonstrations against the civilian killings demanding stern action against the erring cops.
A meeting convened by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on June 29 directed the CRPF to exercise “maximum restraint and sensitivity” while assisting the state police in enforcing curfew regulations in the valley. Amnesty International has urged India to ensure implementation of its directives and ensure protection of the right to life under international law. The authorities have blamed the militant outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and other Kashmiri separatist groups for instigating the protestors to throw stones and engage in violence.
In an ongoing crackdown to quell the spiraling protests, police has so far arrested more than 900 persons including teenagers in different parts of the valley, most of these from sensitive areas of Baramulla, Sopore and Srinagar during past few weeks and booked at least 16 of them under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
Recent unrest in Kashmir valley started following killing of 17-year-old Tufail Ahmed Mattoo of Srinagar in security forces’ action. To prevent them from leading protest demonstrations over the killings, authorities have booked many separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani under the PSA.
Other leaders booked under PSA include Hurriyat (M) leader Zafar Akbar Bhat, Tehreek Hurriyat general secretary, Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai, senior Hurriyat (G) leaders, General Moosa, Ayaz Akbar, Bilal Siddiqui, president of high court bar association, Mian Abdul Qayoom, Bar general secretary, G N Shaheen. They have been shifted to various jails in Jammu. Hurriyat (M) leader, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, has been lodged in sub-jail Baramulla. Also other activists of Hurriyat (M) including Muzaffar Ahmad Yatoo have been booked under PSA and shifted to various jails in Jammu. Peoples League leader, Mohammad Maqbool Sofi, was also been arrested during the Sopore chalo on June 27.
Chairman Hurriyat (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and other leaders including Advocate Shahid-ul-Islam and Agha Syed Al Mousvi Al Safvi have been frequently placed under house arrest from time to time. A senior advocate accused the state government of misusing the PSA. “More than 900 persons, most of them youth and also minors have been arrested during past over three weeks in the Valley. At least 16 persons have been booked under PSA. Ironically, some have been booked under serious offences including attempt to murder. Government is simply misusing the PSA and victimizing the youth especially the students,” he said.
Evading arrest, hundreds of youth have been fleeing their homes since the recent protests broke out following the killings of at least 17 civilians in the valley. The youth especially students, have been putting up with one relative or another to avoid arrest.
Police has intensified crackdown and hundreds of youth have been arrested on charges of taking part in protests and stone pelting.
Residents of the downtown areas in Srinagar are the worst victims of this nightmare where night raids have become a routine matter. Scores of marriage ceremonies in different parts of the valley have been deferred indefinitely due to the turbulence and restrictions imposed in the valley.
Media in Kashmir valley too became the victim of the turbulence and media persons the victims of security forces’ excesses. Newspapers in Kashmir resumed publication after remaining shut for four days in protest against alleged curbs on the media for reporting the happenings. Media organizations decided to resume publication after an assurance from the state government that the curfew passes issued to journalists would be duly entertained by the security agencies.
Publication of newspapers was suspended on July 8 following cancellation of curfew passes issued to media persons by the state government.
Media persons intimidated by curbs on free thought and unavailability of curfew passes held protest demonstrations against the government and suspended all newspapers for at least four days. Photojournalists and cameramen of national televisions channels were attacked by the security forces in parts of Srinagar while rendering their duties. Chief minister Omar Abdullah held a series of meetings with Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and home minister P Chidambaram at Delhi on July 17 to discuss the prevailing situation in Kashmir and measures for restoration of peace.
By Amin Masoodi
masoodiamin@gmail.com
Unrest brewing in Kashmir valley following the civilian killings’ during past few weeks refuses to calm down and there does not seem to be any indication of normalcy limping back to the strife-torn valley at least in near future. With the killing of a newly-wed Fayaz Ahmad (26) of Baramulla in security forces’ firing on July 18, the total number of civilian killings mounted to 17 since June 11.
Fayaz was killed when security forces opened fire on mourners near DC office Baramulla. Thousands of people were agitating in the town over the alleged forced drowning of 13- year-old Faizan Ahmed Buhroo, a class 7th student by security forces. Faizan’s body was retrieved from river Jehlum.
Security guards posted near the deputy commissioner’s (DC) office Baramulla reportedly opened fire on the protestors killing Fayaz on the spot as many others were injured in the shootout. Authorities removed Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and Deputy SP (Headquarters) as part of its damage control exercise along with yet another reshuffle in state police but evidently like before this did not yield any substantial results.
Ill-fated parents of newly-wed Fayaz suffered tragedy for the second time in a couple of years. Fayaz’s brother was drowned in river while taking a bath some two years before. Tension further mounted in Baramulla following fresh killings as authorities’ re-imposed curfew to quell protests.
Despite curfew in most parts of Srinagar, Baramulla, Sopore and Kupwara towns and large scale arrest of youth across the valley, authorities have miserably failed to curb protests and clashes. For past more than five weeks, protests and clashes against recent killings have become order of the day in valley. Interestingly a good chunk of teen-aged boys between 12-20 years. For the first time in past 15 years, Army was called in Srinagar to help police and CRPF deployed in strength bring the worsening situation under control. Defying stringent restrictions and imposition of curfew in many areas including parts of Srinagar Baramulla, Kupwara and Sopore, people held protest demonstrations against the civilian killings demanding stern action against the erring cops.
A meeting convened by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on June 29 directed the CRPF to exercise “maximum restraint and sensitivity” while assisting the state police in enforcing curfew regulations in the valley. Amnesty International has urged India to ensure implementation of its directives and ensure protection of the right to life under international law. The authorities have blamed the militant outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and other Kashmiri separatist groups for instigating the protestors to throw stones and engage in violence.
In an ongoing crackdown to quell the spiraling protests, police has so far arrested more than 900 persons including teenagers in different parts of the valley, most of these from sensitive areas of Baramulla, Sopore and Srinagar during past few weeks and booked at least 16 of them under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
Recent unrest in Kashmir valley started following killing of 17-year-old Tufail Ahmed Mattoo of Srinagar in security forces’ action. To prevent them from leading protest demonstrations over the killings, authorities have booked many separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani under the PSA.
Other leaders booked under PSA include Hurriyat (M) leader Zafar Akbar Bhat, Tehreek Hurriyat general secretary, Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai, senior Hurriyat (G) leaders, General Moosa, Ayaz Akbar, Bilal Siddiqui, president of high court bar association, Mian Abdul Qayoom, Bar general secretary, G N Shaheen. They have been shifted to various jails in Jammu. Hurriyat (M) leader, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, has been lodged in sub-jail Baramulla. Also other activists of Hurriyat (M) including Muzaffar Ahmad Yatoo have been booked under PSA and shifted to various jails in Jammu. Peoples League leader, Mohammad Maqbool Sofi, was also been arrested during the Sopore chalo on June 27.
Chairman Hurriyat (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and other leaders including Advocate Shahid-ul-Islam and Agha Syed Al Mousvi Al Safvi have been frequently placed under house arrest from time to time. A senior advocate accused the state government of misusing the PSA. “More than 900 persons, most of them youth and also minors have been arrested during past over three weeks in the Valley. At least 16 persons have been booked under PSA. Ironically, some have been booked under serious offences including attempt to murder. Government is simply misusing the PSA and victimizing the youth especially the students,” he said.
Evading arrest, hundreds of youth have been fleeing their homes since the recent protests broke out following the killings of at least 17 civilians in the valley. The youth especially students, have been putting up with one relative or another to avoid arrest.
Police has intensified crackdown and hundreds of youth have been arrested on charges of taking part in protests and stone pelting.
Residents of the downtown areas in Srinagar are the worst victims of this nightmare where night raids have become a routine matter. Scores of marriage ceremonies in different parts of the valley have been deferred indefinitely due to the turbulence and restrictions imposed in the valley.
Media in Kashmir valley too became the victim of the turbulence and media persons the victims of security forces’ excesses. Newspapers in Kashmir resumed publication after remaining shut for four days in protest against alleged curbs on the media for reporting the happenings. Media organizations decided to resume publication after an assurance from the state government that the curfew passes issued to journalists would be duly entertained by the security agencies.
Publication of newspapers was suspended on July 8 following cancellation of curfew passes issued to media persons by the state government.
Media persons intimidated by curbs on free thought and unavailability of curfew passes held protest demonstrations against the government and suspended all newspapers for at least four days. Photojournalists and cameramen of national televisions channels were attacked by the security forces in parts of Srinagar while rendering their duties. Chief minister Omar Abdullah held a series of meetings with Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and home minister P Chidambaram at Delhi on July 17 to discuss the prevailing situation in Kashmir and measures for restoration of peace.
By Amin Masoodi
masoodiamin@gmail.com
RTE OK, But What About Right To Get Religious Education?
Every community has the constitutional right to either have their children admitted to religious institutions for teaching them religion or send them to other institutions for learning modern education. Does RTE which makes it necessary for children to attain certain type of education in a certain “school”, snatch this right?
Former minister and working president of Janata Dal Secular PGR Sindhiya has demanded from the Karnataka state government to explain how it is implementing the 86th amendment of the Indian Constitution. The amendment known as “Children's Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act” makes free and compulsory elementary education—from 1st class to standard 8th—a fundamental right of every child from the age of 6 to 14. It was implemented by the centre from April 1st, 2010.
The expenses in the process of providing education will be jointly borne by the centre and the respective state government, according to the law. The responsibility to determine the manner to implement this law, however, rests on the state government.
The determination of the center to provide education to every child is laudable. It is unfortunate that the importance of education was not thought of earlier. It is sad truth that for years India has been dreaming to become one of the largest economies of the world while it could not do something concrete to eliminate illiteracy. Since basic education was considered non-productive, not much attention was given to it compared to higher education.
Mr. Sindhiya said that the state government should explain its stand towards bringing this law into practice. According to the reports, the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights is also gearing up to monitor the implementation of the act with a special allocation from Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. In Karnataka state there are nearly 50,000 lower primary and higher primary schools.
The determination of the center to provide education to every child is laudable. It is unfortunate that the importance of education was not thought of earlier. It is sad truth that for years India has been dreaming to become one of the largest economies of the world while it could not do something concrete to eliminate illiteracy. Since basic education was considered non-productive, not much attention was given to it compared to higher education.
Many of the recommendations of the educational commissions formed in the post-independence time have been put in cold store. There needs to take solid practical step to achieve the target of a literate India. Until now we have failed to understand the need of education. Instead of resorting to legal aspects, in this regard, creating awareness could prove to be a better alternative.
Now “elementary education” has been made a constitutional right and to have every child educated in school is a duty upon the parents. Voices have been raised over the definition of “education” and the specification of places imparting that education. Unfortunately, only education promising jobs are thought to be education. Education that teaches morality and religion, in the eyes of the government, does not find any place in the limited definition of education.
Now “elementary education” has been made a constitutional right and to have every child educated in school is a duty upon the parents. Voices have been raised over the definition of “education” and the specification of places imparting that education. Unfortunately, only education promising jobs are thought to be education. Education that teaches morality and religion, in the eyes of the government, does not find any place in the limited definition of education.
In the definition of “school”, there is no direct indication that religious institutions that impart free education to large number of children are included. There must have been clear explanation about such institutions, as their contribution towards educations is worth considering and felt by the government. The academic institutions that do not fulfil the criterion of the government for being a “school” will not be allowed to function after a certain period of time. It should be noted that these very institutions have been playing a key role in spreading education throughout the country.
President of Jam’iat-E-Ulama-E-Hind Maulana Arshad Madani expressed apprehension that the act in its present form will “swallow up missionary schools, pathshalas and madaris that exist in large number”. He said that this will mark end of many academic institutions which are busy spreading education.
The way of achieving the target of educating every child, therefore, has been objected. The critics say that some provisions of the RTE Act, needs to be amended.
President of Jam’iat-E-Ulama-E-Hind Maulana Arshad Madani expressed apprehension that the act in its present form will “swallow up missionary schools, pathshalas and madaris that exist in large number”. He said that this will mark end of many academic institutions which are busy spreading education. These institutions are imparting, usually, quality education in their respective fields, and are better administered compared to the government run schools.
According to the Act, for carrying out the provisions of the Right To Education Act, it will be duty of the appropriate Government and the local authority to establish within a certain area or limits of neighbourhood, a school, where it is not so established, within a period of three years from the commencement of this Act. The Central Government and State Governments shall have concurrent responsibility for providing funds for carrying out the provisions of this Act. And the Central government will develop a framework of national curriculum with the help of the academic authority.
It is said that behind the guise of special concentration on the development and betterment of the backward classes the government comes up with hurdles in the way of language and religion. The present shape of the act is considered an indirect attack on religious education. According to the Indian Constitution, every person has right to seek education about their religion and minorities can run their own institutions.
Said Arshad Madani, “Muslims have the option to either have their children admitted to religious institutions for teaching them religion or send them to other institutions for learning modern education.”
If the madaris are not considered a “school” in the eyes of the government and education imparted over is not what the government wants to teach to the citizens, they will have to be closed in whatever circumstances. The same circumstances will have be faced by the institutions run by Churches or muths.
A. Hameed Yousuf
ahameed12@gmail.com
Some Highlights Of The RTE Act
Every child of the age six to fourteen years has a right to free and compulsory education in a neighbouring school till completion of elementary education-from standard one to eight.
Parents or guardians are duty bound to admit or cause to be admitted their children or ward to an elementary education in the neighbourhood school.
School means a recognized school imparting elementary education and includes-
(a) A school established owned or controlled by the appropriate Government or a local authority
(b) An aided school receiving aid or grants to meet whole or part of its expenses from the appropriate Government or the local authority
(c) A school belonging to specified category and
(d) An unaided school not receiving any kind of aid or grants to meet its expenses from the appropriate Government or the local authority
Specified category means a school known as Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya, Sainik School or any other school having a distinct character
(Religious minorities fear that their institutions do not fulfil the criterion of being a “school” according the explanation of the “school” given in the Act.)
The Act Also Has
For establishing or running any academic institution, one has to obtain a certificate of recognition fulfilling certain standards. Without doing so if anyone runs school, they will be liable to fine which may extend to one lakh rupees and in case of continuing contraventions, to a fine of ten thousand rupees for each day during which such contravention continues.
Any school established before April 1, 2010 which does not fulfil certain norms and standards have to take steps to fulfil the norms and standards at its own expenses within a period of three years. Failing to do so recognition will not be granted.
Any person who continues to run a school without recognition is liable to fine which may extend to one lakh rupees and in case of continuing contravention, to a fine of ten thousand rupees for each day during which such contravention continues.
Former minister and working president of Janata Dal Secular PGR Sindhiya has demanded from the Karnataka state government to explain how it is implementing the 86th amendment of the Indian Constitution. The amendment known as “Children's Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act” makes free and compulsory elementary education—from 1st class to standard 8th—a fundamental right of every child from the age of 6 to 14. It was implemented by the centre from April 1st, 2010.
The expenses in the process of providing education will be jointly borne by the centre and the respective state government, according to the law. The responsibility to determine the manner to implement this law, however, rests on the state government.
The determination of the center to provide education to every child is laudable. It is unfortunate that the importance of education was not thought of earlier. It is sad truth that for years India has been dreaming to become one of the largest economies of the world while it could not do something concrete to eliminate illiteracy. Since basic education was considered non-productive, not much attention was given to it compared to higher education.
Mr. Sindhiya said that the state government should explain its stand towards bringing this law into practice. According to the reports, the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights is also gearing up to monitor the implementation of the act with a special allocation from Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. In Karnataka state there are nearly 50,000 lower primary and higher primary schools.
The determination of the center to provide education to every child is laudable. It is unfortunate that the importance of education was not thought of earlier. It is sad truth that for years India has been dreaming to become one of the largest economies of the world while it could not do something concrete to eliminate illiteracy. Since basic education was considered non-productive, not much attention was given to it compared to higher education.
Many of the recommendations of the educational commissions formed in the post-independence time have been put in cold store. There needs to take solid practical step to achieve the target of a literate India. Until now we have failed to understand the need of education. Instead of resorting to legal aspects, in this regard, creating awareness could prove to be a better alternative.
Now “elementary education” has been made a constitutional right and to have every child educated in school is a duty upon the parents. Voices have been raised over the definition of “education” and the specification of places imparting that education. Unfortunately, only education promising jobs are thought to be education. Education that teaches morality and religion, in the eyes of the government, does not find any place in the limited definition of education.
Now “elementary education” has been made a constitutional right and to have every child educated in school is a duty upon the parents. Voices have been raised over the definition of “education” and the specification of places imparting that education. Unfortunately, only education promising jobs are thought to be education. Education that teaches morality and religion, in the eyes of the government, does not find any place in the limited definition of education.
In the definition of “school”, there is no direct indication that religious institutions that impart free education to large number of children are included. There must have been clear explanation about such institutions, as their contribution towards educations is worth considering and felt by the government. The academic institutions that do not fulfil the criterion of the government for being a “school” will not be allowed to function after a certain period of time. It should be noted that these very institutions have been playing a key role in spreading education throughout the country.
President of Jam’iat-E-Ulama-E-Hind Maulana Arshad Madani expressed apprehension that the act in its present form will “swallow up missionary schools, pathshalas and madaris that exist in large number”. He said that this will mark end of many academic institutions which are busy spreading education.
The way of achieving the target of educating every child, therefore, has been objected. The critics say that some provisions of the RTE Act, needs to be amended.
President of Jam’iat-E-Ulama-E-Hind Maulana Arshad Madani expressed apprehension that the act in its present form will “swallow up missionary schools, pathshalas and madaris that exist in large number”. He said that this will mark end of many academic institutions which are busy spreading education. These institutions are imparting, usually, quality education in their respective fields, and are better administered compared to the government run schools.
According to the Act, for carrying out the provisions of the Right To Education Act, it will be duty of the appropriate Government and the local authority to establish within a certain area or limits of neighbourhood, a school, where it is not so established, within a period of three years from the commencement of this Act. The Central Government and State Governments shall have concurrent responsibility for providing funds for carrying out the provisions of this Act. And the Central government will develop a framework of national curriculum with the help of the academic authority.
It is said that behind the guise of special concentration on the development and betterment of the backward classes the government comes up with hurdles in the way of language and religion. The present shape of the act is considered an indirect attack on religious education. According to the Indian Constitution, every person has right to seek education about their religion and minorities can run their own institutions.
Said Arshad Madani, “Muslims have the option to either have their children admitted to religious institutions for teaching them religion or send them to other institutions for learning modern education.”
If the madaris are not considered a “school” in the eyes of the government and education imparted over is not what the government wants to teach to the citizens, they will have to be closed in whatever circumstances. The same circumstances will have be faced by the institutions run by Churches or muths.
A. Hameed Yousuf
ahameed12@gmail.com
Some Highlights Of The RTE Act
Every child of the age six to fourteen years has a right to free and compulsory education in a neighbouring school till completion of elementary education-from standard one to eight.
Parents or guardians are duty bound to admit or cause to be admitted their children or ward to an elementary education in the neighbourhood school.
School means a recognized school imparting elementary education and includes-
(a) A school established owned or controlled by the appropriate Government or a local authority
(b) An aided school receiving aid or grants to meet whole or part of its expenses from the appropriate Government or the local authority
(c) A school belonging to specified category and
(d) An unaided school not receiving any kind of aid or grants to meet its expenses from the appropriate Government or the local authority
Specified category means a school known as Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya, Sainik School or any other school having a distinct character
(Religious minorities fear that their institutions do not fulfil the criterion of being a “school” according the explanation of the “school” given in the Act.)
The Act Also Has
For establishing or running any academic institution, one has to obtain a certificate of recognition fulfilling certain standards. Without doing so if anyone runs school, they will be liable to fine which may extend to one lakh rupees and in case of continuing contraventions, to a fine of ten thousand rupees for each day during which such contravention continues.
Any school established before April 1, 2010 which does not fulfil certain norms and standards have to take steps to fulfil the norms and standards at its own expenses within a period of three years. Failing to do so recognition will not be granted.
Any person who continues to run a school without recognition is liable to fine which may extend to one lakh rupees and in case of continuing contravention, to a fine of ten thousand rupees for each day during which such contravention continues.
Editorial
Dear Readers!
This month there are two reasons to celebrate. Independent India is 63 years old. MEDIA SCAN completes its first year.
Media Scan started its pursuit of truth in august, 2oo9. Month by month, the magazine has been seeing improvement in all aspects. During this period of one year we had complete realization that you are always there to support us through your generous contributions. I extend many thanks to your passionate reading. In fact, the thanks, you deserve, is beyond words.
Media Scan is a mission. We started this magazine with an aim to initiate a campaign against corruption and anti-national elements. Through this magazine, we try to end the social evils and expose the enemies of India who are at work to polarize the country on religious and linguistic grounds, and hence to ensure that India remains united. To put an end to every kind of terrorism, and dig out the reasons behind it has always been on our top of our agenda. Media Scan also serves as a means to reach the voice of aam aadmi to the government. Media scan as the name suggests reveals the malicious campaign of biased reporting by a section of the media.
Your constant love for the magazine has enabled us to achieve success during the last one year. But, the fact remains that there is still a long way to go.
When we had started Media Scan to spread truth there were a few takers for this vision. We had little support. Days rolled by and today we have many readers who have joined this noble mission. The readership has crossed the targets we had set. It encourages us that you readers are showing immense interest in Media Scan. Your support and interest in the magazine has been the chief motivating factor to overcome hurdles and hardships to bring out every issue. We hope this help and support will continue in the future.
At this time, we would also like to thank our staff who work with enthusiasm and sincerity to ensure that the magazine is published in time. The staff interacts with our readers to find out your views and based on your feedback we have brought a lot of changes and improvement to the magazine. Again I have to thank the readers whose support gives encouragement to the staff of Media Scan. Our readers in fact give direction to the magazine.
Due to your cooperation at every step we have been able to complete one year of Media Scan. We promise that in future, too, Media Scan will continue carrying out its mission. We would try to publish articles that help build a strong and peaceful India. Thanks to you all we are still on the track of pursuing truth.*
This month there are two reasons to celebrate. Independent India is 63 years old. MEDIA SCAN completes its first year.
Media Scan started its pursuit of truth in august, 2oo9. Month by month, the magazine has been seeing improvement in all aspects. During this period of one year we had complete realization that you are always there to support us through your generous contributions. I extend many thanks to your passionate reading. In fact, the thanks, you deserve, is beyond words.
Media Scan is a mission. We started this magazine with an aim to initiate a campaign against corruption and anti-national elements. Through this magazine, we try to end the social evils and expose the enemies of India who are at work to polarize the country on religious and linguistic grounds, and hence to ensure that India remains united. To put an end to every kind of terrorism, and dig out the reasons behind it has always been on our top of our agenda. Media Scan also serves as a means to reach the voice of aam aadmi to the government. Media scan as the name suggests reveals the malicious campaign of biased reporting by a section of the media.
Your constant love for the magazine has enabled us to achieve success during the last one year. But, the fact remains that there is still a long way to go.
When we had started Media Scan to spread truth there were a few takers for this vision. We had little support. Days rolled by and today we have many readers who have joined this noble mission. The readership has crossed the targets we had set. It encourages us that you readers are showing immense interest in Media Scan. Your support and interest in the magazine has been the chief motivating factor to overcome hurdles and hardships to bring out every issue. We hope this help and support will continue in the future.
At this time, we would also like to thank our staff who work with enthusiasm and sincerity to ensure that the magazine is published in time. The staff interacts with our readers to find out your views and based on your feedback we have brought a lot of changes and improvement to the magazine. Again I have to thank the readers whose support gives encouragement to the staff of Media Scan. Our readers in fact give direction to the magazine.
Due to your cooperation at every step we have been able to complete one year of Media Scan. We promise that in future, too, Media Scan will continue carrying out its mission. We would try to publish articles that help build a strong and peaceful India. Thanks to you all we are still on the track of pursuing truth.*
Gujarat Govt Creating Pakistans In India
Unity in diversity is an important aspect of Indian democracy. It was coined by Indian leaders to create an Indian society where all communities lived peacefully together. We dreamt after achieving independence to build our own prosperous nation. But the divisions that are created by hatemongers, in the guise of politicians, are growing deeper among some Indians and are hindering our way to peaceful coexistence.
The Hindu-Muslim unity that set India free from the clutches of British colonialism breathed its last when Pakistan was created. Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Sardar Vallabbhai Patel and other leaders of that time are to be blamed for the Partition. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Gandhiji and nationalist ulama had to only see their dream of a united India crashing. Indians, irrespective of their religions, who had fought shoulder to shoulder against the British, did not feel even a slight hesitation in massacring other fellow Indians. This was not the end.
More problems seem to have been destined for them. Sixty-three years have passed since the partition of India. Yet the wounds of partition have not healed. There has always been an effort to create a mutual understanding between communities so that they could live peacefully but it has lost to the mob mentality of communalists.
In today’s India, citizens are divided in different ways. Dalits even today cannot enter into a Mandir. They have to face humiliation and tyranny only because they were not born in an upper caste! Though the constitution of India provides equal status for all Indians the reality within the communities itself is quite different.
In today’s India, citizens are divided in different ways. Dalits even today cannot enter into a Mandir. They have to face humiliation and tyranny only because they were not born in an upper caste! Though the constitution of India provides equal status for all Indians the reality within the communities itself is quite different.
Then comes the plight of the minorities. They complain of discrimination on the basis of their religion. Muslims, Christians and the Sikhs are the largest religious minorities in India. The Hindus feel that because of their religion they have a stronger reason to be called the sons of the soil and the followers of other religions are not entitled to be the citizens of India. This attitude has always been hidden behind a veil of secularism. The minorities have learnt to live with this discrimination and in spite of it continue to survive and prosper in this country.
Muslims are almost one fifth of India’s population but employment in government or private institutions is never in proportion to their population and this situation is worsening by the passage of time. It is not that the young boys and girls do not aspire to join these services. It has been a result of a campaign to keep them out. Hence, the non-existence of Muslims from key portfolios raises questions whether any unpublicized agenda is on work against them.
Muslims who preferred India over Pakistan were the real patriots. They preferred democracy of India to the Islamic governments of Pakistan.
Muslims who preferred India over Pakistan were the real patriots. They preferred democracy of India to the Islamic governments of Pakistan. The promise made by the constitution of India of equal rights for all has never been achieved. The blame rests on the successive governments who in their zeal for economic development did not pay enough attention to social justice. “Is India divided on religious grounds?”The answer is Yes. It is being exploited fully by politicians of all parties.
Almost in the whole of India, which is proud of its characteristic of being multi¬¬--cultural, multi-lingual and of course multi-religious, there is an invisible line dividing Indians. The divide is due to religion, caste, sub caste, economic status, language, etc. But one state government is on the forefront in promoting this divide and benefitting from it.
This is the state which is called ‘vibrant’ Gujarat. Ahmedabad is today a divided city. When state terrorism killed thousands of Muslims in 2002, humanity was the biggest loser. There was condemnation from all over the world. But the killing of Muslims was a political advantage to the ruling government of Gujarat. Since then it has not lost this advantage it has got over other political parties and continues to strengthen its position by troubling Muslims anyway it possibly can.
Almost in the whole of India, which is proud of its characteristic of being multi¬¬--cultural, multi-lingual and of course multi-religious, there is an invisible line dividing Indians. The divide is due to religion, caste, sub caste, economic status, language, etc. But one state government is on the forefront in promoting this divide and benefitting from it.
More than eight years have passed since the Gujarat riots. The victims are yet to return to a normal life. In Ahmedabad, on one side reside fear and anxiety, helplessness and anger. Walk across Jamalpur, Mirzapur, Dani Limda, Kalopur, Lal Darwaza and other parts of the walled City. Go to Juhapura – one of the largest Muslim ghettos in India. Scratch a little, and people want to talk. An entire community feels under attack, with many resigned to their newfound fate of being second-class citizens. Equal Rights are a dream, and the sense of representation non-existent. What remains strong is the cry for justice, and the knowledge they will not get it – not in Gujarat. Why? “Because”, explains one elder in Shah Alam, “We pray to Allah. That is our transgression.” Hindus and Muslims are divided on religious basis.
What remains strong is the cry for justice, and the knowledge they will not get it – not in Gujarat. Why? “Because”, explains one elder in Shah Alam, “We pray to Allah. That is our transgression.” Hindus and Muslims are divided on religious basis.
There are borders everywhere. A patch of road, a wall, a turn across a street corner, a divider in the middle of a road – this is all it takes to polarise and segregate communities throughout Gujarat. Each town and city now has countless borders, forcibly making people conscious of their religious identity. Me Hindu, you Muslim. Or one could look at it differently: the borders on the ground merely reflect and reinforce the polarisation that has already taken place in the minds of ordinary Gujaratis. Yet nothing prepares you for the certitude on the streets of the other Ahmedabad – in Navrangpura, Vastrapur, MG Road, Judge’s Bungalow Road, Satellite, Vejalpur.
Many Gujarati Hindus think they have the answers to some of the most troubling questions of our times. The majority would say that the problems muslims face are self induced. Others argue that Muslims themselves are the problem. They look back fondly at the ‘Toofan’, of the 2002 riots, and their thoughts are the same. The Muslims deserved it. They are all bloody Pakistanis and criminals. If we had more time, we would have wiped them out. See, they are crushed and scared. We taught them a lesson. And now, the world should learn from Gujarat about how to deal with the miyas. The one sentiment that is almost wholly absent is remorse.
They look back fondly at the ‘Toofan’, of the 2002 riots, and their thoughts are the same. The Muslims deserved it. They are all bloody Pakistanis and criminals. If we had more time, we would have wiped them out. See, they are crushed and scared. We taught them a lesson. And now, the world should learn from Gujarat about how to deal with the miyas. The one sentiment that is almost wholly absent is remorse.
“They are all bloody Pakistanis and criminals” is not a notion specific to only Gujaratis. Almost all Muslims throughout Indian are thought to be so. Muslims demanded for a separate land and hence they are Pakistanis. It may be argued whether circumstances were created so that Muslims had to demand for a separate land for them. The man behind this demand Muhammad Ali Jinnah had withdrew his demand for Pakistan to agree upon the Interim Government proposed by British Cabinet Mission 1946. This government in which United India was to be administered under three groups— one comprising Hindu-dominated states, one comprising Muslim-dominated states and the third one comprising the states of Assam and Bengal. All the groups would be self-governing except in three central departments— was immensely opposed by Congress leaders while in this way India would have remained Akhand.
During the interim government established for some days—in which also key posts were in the hands of Congressmen: Pundit Nehru held home ministry and common wealth, Sardar Patel held home information, and broadcasting—writes ICS Qudratullah Shihab, the big Congress leaders experienced that with the leaders of Muslim league who had maintained their identity and refused to work under Congress pressure, it was impossible for them to govern on India as per their will. Hence, there was no hesitation to pacify the Muslim community by giving them a piece of land. Notably, the Congress which has always opposed the Partition had eventually agreed to partition plan. However, the whole blame of the partition has been put on Muslims.
They have been treacherous to India and hence cannot be appointed on key government posts. Even before the independence this notion was found.
If we were to believe the Qudratullah Shihab we will be shocked. In his book “Shihab Nama” before the partition took place, a 6-7 pages catalogue was issued to all Congress Chief Ministers with the instruction to keep it in their personal custody.
The salient features of the catalogue, according to Shihab were, “The partition is almost certain. Therefore, in the states with Congress ministries, Muslims should be sacked from key posts only to be replaced by trustworthy Hindu officers. This should be done specially in the departments of home, finance and information. DIG, SP and in-charge of police stations usually should be Hindus. In the police department and district administration Muslims should be removed from field work and be appointed on harmless official duties. In the police personnel, Muslim police should be disarmed gradually and appointed on ordinary posts in police line and police stations. The state Mounted Military Police should be broken immediately if they comprised of border areas Muslims; the officers and personnel thereof be paid remuneration in proportion to the ending time of their employment. Hindu guards should be appointed to protect the record offices of government treasury, armouries and finance department. Muslims with arms licence be kept under watch. Such emergency schemes be made that the arms of these license can be submitted to the nearest police station. A list of Muslims owners of bus, cars, taxis and trucks be prepared and they kept under intense watch. The license of Muslim fireworks be suspended and their combustible stock be taken in police protection. etc. etc. Every chief minister was given stern instruction to have this plan executed in such a manner that any sense of discrimination against any community be known.”
In Gujarat, people have to be limited to a certain place. They cannot reside anywhere as per their will. They will sell or purchase any immovable property, but if the collector thinks that the deal has been done illegally, the deal will be scrapped.
The planning of such nature seems to have been working in whole of the India. Again to take an example of Gujarat. The story of Gujarat as a whole, then, is a tale of pride and prejudice on the one side, victimhood and alienation on the other. In control of this divisive agenda is the fascist government of Narendra Modi, who happily builds on this evolving social reality, and reinforces it.
The high degree of alienation among Muslims, the stereotypes and discrimination they face, the fact that a substantial section of society is committed to the Hindutva agenda, the absence of justice and accountability, and the continued secession of the state from its basic constitutional obligations – these are all elements that go into making Gujarat, in the very words of the Hindu Right, its laboratory.
In Gujarat, people have to be limited to a certain place. They cannot reside anywhere as per their will. They will sell or purchase any immovable property, but if the collector thinks that the deal has been done illegally, the deal will be scrapped.
Muslims affected during riots or facing atrocities by dominating Hindus cannot leave their houses to shift to a safer locality. Recently the President of India, Mrs. Pratibha Singh Patil approved the Gujarat Prohibition of Transfer of Immovable Property for Protection of Tenants from Eviction from premises in Disturbed Areas Act (Amendment) bill which was passed by the Gujarat assembly in July 2009 and approved later by then governor of the sate Mr. S.C.Jamir.
The stated objective of this Act is to prohibit the illegal transfer of immovable property in the “disturbed areas” of the state; Ahmedabad and Vadodara. The recent amendment is supposed to pave way to effectively implement the law; earlier despite the existence of the law properties were transferred in contravention to the provisions of the law. The law has been in existence only in Ahmedabad since 1991 when there was Congress government in power in the state but now its area of effect has been increased.
Due to this law, both Hindus and Muslims have to confine themselves to certain areas where they are residing. If often happens that once an area is communally disturbed, the community in minority there wants to leave their houses to reside in a safer locality. But this law and especially the recent amendment makes it a near to impossible task for both Hindus and Muslims residing under constant fear of being misbehaved by the community members dominating their regions.
Though the Gujaratis do not have formally two separate states but practically they have. They are the citizens of one state but their residence, in practical terms, is restricted to only a certain part of that state. Activists see this move as an instrument to further harass Muslims who want to move to safer localities.
Visualize that during riots, in the Hindu-dominated areas Muslims are targeted and only a few families are spared. Due to the Act, no Muslim can easily buy the property of a Hindu. In the future that area where sometime the inhabitants were both Hindus and Muslims will be like a Hindu state. The same situation may occur in Muslim-dominated areas and they will become Muslim states. We Indians will live in a state called Gujarat but at the same time we will have our own Pakistan or Israel.
By: Abdul Hafiz Lakhani
lakhani63@yahoo.com
The Hindu-Muslim unity that set India free from the clutches of British colonialism breathed its last when Pakistan was created. Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Sardar Vallabbhai Patel and other leaders of that time are to be blamed for the Partition. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Gandhiji and nationalist ulama had to only see their dream of a united India crashing. Indians, irrespective of their religions, who had fought shoulder to shoulder against the British, did not feel even a slight hesitation in massacring other fellow Indians. This was not the end.
More problems seem to have been destined for them. Sixty-three years have passed since the partition of India. Yet the wounds of partition have not healed. There has always been an effort to create a mutual understanding between communities so that they could live peacefully but it has lost to the mob mentality of communalists.
In today’s India, citizens are divided in different ways. Dalits even today cannot enter into a Mandir. They have to face humiliation and tyranny only because they were not born in an upper caste! Though the constitution of India provides equal status for all Indians the reality within the communities itself is quite different.
In today’s India, citizens are divided in different ways. Dalits even today cannot enter into a Mandir. They have to face humiliation and tyranny only because they were not born in an upper caste! Though the constitution of India provides equal status for all Indians the reality within the communities itself is quite different.
Then comes the plight of the minorities. They complain of discrimination on the basis of their religion. Muslims, Christians and the Sikhs are the largest religious minorities in India. The Hindus feel that because of their religion they have a stronger reason to be called the sons of the soil and the followers of other religions are not entitled to be the citizens of India. This attitude has always been hidden behind a veil of secularism. The minorities have learnt to live with this discrimination and in spite of it continue to survive and prosper in this country.
Muslims are almost one fifth of India’s population but employment in government or private institutions is never in proportion to their population and this situation is worsening by the passage of time. It is not that the young boys and girls do not aspire to join these services. It has been a result of a campaign to keep them out. Hence, the non-existence of Muslims from key portfolios raises questions whether any unpublicized agenda is on work against them.
Muslims who preferred India over Pakistan were the real patriots. They preferred democracy of India to the Islamic governments of Pakistan.
Muslims who preferred India over Pakistan were the real patriots. They preferred democracy of India to the Islamic governments of Pakistan. The promise made by the constitution of India of equal rights for all has never been achieved. The blame rests on the successive governments who in their zeal for economic development did not pay enough attention to social justice. “Is India divided on religious grounds?”The answer is Yes. It is being exploited fully by politicians of all parties.
Almost in the whole of India, which is proud of its characteristic of being multi¬¬--cultural, multi-lingual and of course multi-religious, there is an invisible line dividing Indians. The divide is due to religion, caste, sub caste, economic status, language, etc. But one state government is on the forefront in promoting this divide and benefitting from it.
This is the state which is called ‘vibrant’ Gujarat. Ahmedabad is today a divided city. When state terrorism killed thousands of Muslims in 2002, humanity was the biggest loser. There was condemnation from all over the world. But the killing of Muslims was a political advantage to the ruling government of Gujarat. Since then it has not lost this advantage it has got over other political parties and continues to strengthen its position by troubling Muslims anyway it possibly can.
Almost in the whole of India, which is proud of its characteristic of being multi¬¬--cultural, multi-lingual and of course multi-religious, there is an invisible line dividing Indians. The divide is due to religion, caste, sub caste, economic status, language, etc. But one state government is on the forefront in promoting this divide and benefitting from it.
More than eight years have passed since the Gujarat riots. The victims are yet to return to a normal life. In Ahmedabad, on one side reside fear and anxiety, helplessness and anger. Walk across Jamalpur, Mirzapur, Dani Limda, Kalopur, Lal Darwaza and other parts of the walled City. Go to Juhapura – one of the largest Muslim ghettos in India. Scratch a little, and people want to talk. An entire community feels under attack, with many resigned to their newfound fate of being second-class citizens. Equal Rights are a dream, and the sense of representation non-existent. What remains strong is the cry for justice, and the knowledge they will not get it – not in Gujarat. Why? “Because”, explains one elder in Shah Alam, “We pray to Allah. That is our transgression.” Hindus and Muslims are divided on religious basis.
What remains strong is the cry for justice, and the knowledge they will not get it – not in Gujarat. Why? “Because”, explains one elder in Shah Alam, “We pray to Allah. That is our transgression.” Hindus and Muslims are divided on religious basis.
There are borders everywhere. A patch of road, a wall, a turn across a street corner, a divider in the middle of a road – this is all it takes to polarise and segregate communities throughout Gujarat. Each town and city now has countless borders, forcibly making people conscious of their religious identity. Me Hindu, you Muslim. Or one could look at it differently: the borders on the ground merely reflect and reinforce the polarisation that has already taken place in the minds of ordinary Gujaratis. Yet nothing prepares you for the certitude on the streets of the other Ahmedabad – in Navrangpura, Vastrapur, MG Road, Judge’s Bungalow Road, Satellite, Vejalpur.
Many Gujarati Hindus think they have the answers to some of the most troubling questions of our times. The majority would say that the problems muslims face are self induced. Others argue that Muslims themselves are the problem. They look back fondly at the ‘Toofan’, of the 2002 riots, and their thoughts are the same. The Muslims deserved it. They are all bloody Pakistanis and criminals. If we had more time, we would have wiped them out. See, they are crushed and scared. We taught them a lesson. And now, the world should learn from Gujarat about how to deal with the miyas. The one sentiment that is almost wholly absent is remorse.
They look back fondly at the ‘Toofan’, of the 2002 riots, and their thoughts are the same. The Muslims deserved it. They are all bloody Pakistanis and criminals. If we had more time, we would have wiped them out. See, they are crushed and scared. We taught them a lesson. And now, the world should learn from Gujarat about how to deal with the miyas. The one sentiment that is almost wholly absent is remorse.
“They are all bloody Pakistanis and criminals” is not a notion specific to only Gujaratis. Almost all Muslims throughout Indian are thought to be so. Muslims demanded for a separate land and hence they are Pakistanis. It may be argued whether circumstances were created so that Muslims had to demand for a separate land for them. The man behind this demand Muhammad Ali Jinnah had withdrew his demand for Pakistan to agree upon the Interim Government proposed by British Cabinet Mission 1946. This government in which United India was to be administered under three groups— one comprising Hindu-dominated states, one comprising Muslim-dominated states and the third one comprising the states of Assam and Bengal. All the groups would be self-governing except in three central departments— was immensely opposed by Congress leaders while in this way India would have remained Akhand.
During the interim government established for some days—in which also key posts were in the hands of Congressmen: Pundit Nehru held home ministry and common wealth, Sardar Patel held home information, and broadcasting—writes ICS Qudratullah Shihab, the big Congress leaders experienced that with the leaders of Muslim league who had maintained their identity and refused to work under Congress pressure, it was impossible for them to govern on India as per their will. Hence, there was no hesitation to pacify the Muslim community by giving them a piece of land. Notably, the Congress which has always opposed the Partition had eventually agreed to partition plan. However, the whole blame of the partition has been put on Muslims.
They have been treacherous to India and hence cannot be appointed on key government posts. Even before the independence this notion was found.
If we were to believe the Qudratullah Shihab we will be shocked. In his book “Shihab Nama” before the partition took place, a 6-7 pages catalogue was issued to all Congress Chief Ministers with the instruction to keep it in their personal custody.
The salient features of the catalogue, according to Shihab were, “The partition is almost certain. Therefore, in the states with Congress ministries, Muslims should be sacked from key posts only to be replaced by trustworthy Hindu officers. This should be done specially in the departments of home, finance and information. DIG, SP and in-charge of police stations usually should be Hindus. In the police department and district administration Muslims should be removed from field work and be appointed on harmless official duties. In the police personnel, Muslim police should be disarmed gradually and appointed on ordinary posts in police line and police stations. The state Mounted Military Police should be broken immediately if they comprised of border areas Muslims; the officers and personnel thereof be paid remuneration in proportion to the ending time of their employment. Hindu guards should be appointed to protect the record offices of government treasury, armouries and finance department. Muslims with arms licence be kept under watch. Such emergency schemes be made that the arms of these license can be submitted to the nearest police station. A list of Muslims owners of bus, cars, taxis and trucks be prepared and they kept under intense watch. The license of Muslim fireworks be suspended and their combustible stock be taken in police protection. etc. etc. Every chief minister was given stern instruction to have this plan executed in such a manner that any sense of discrimination against any community be known.”
In Gujarat, people have to be limited to a certain place. They cannot reside anywhere as per their will. They will sell or purchase any immovable property, but if the collector thinks that the deal has been done illegally, the deal will be scrapped.
The planning of such nature seems to have been working in whole of the India. Again to take an example of Gujarat. The story of Gujarat as a whole, then, is a tale of pride and prejudice on the one side, victimhood and alienation on the other. In control of this divisive agenda is the fascist government of Narendra Modi, who happily builds on this evolving social reality, and reinforces it.
The high degree of alienation among Muslims, the stereotypes and discrimination they face, the fact that a substantial section of society is committed to the Hindutva agenda, the absence of justice and accountability, and the continued secession of the state from its basic constitutional obligations – these are all elements that go into making Gujarat, in the very words of the Hindu Right, its laboratory.
In Gujarat, people have to be limited to a certain place. They cannot reside anywhere as per their will. They will sell or purchase any immovable property, but if the collector thinks that the deal has been done illegally, the deal will be scrapped.
Muslims affected during riots or facing atrocities by dominating Hindus cannot leave their houses to shift to a safer locality. Recently the President of India, Mrs. Pratibha Singh Patil approved the Gujarat Prohibition of Transfer of Immovable Property for Protection of Tenants from Eviction from premises in Disturbed Areas Act (Amendment) bill which was passed by the Gujarat assembly in July 2009 and approved later by then governor of the sate Mr. S.C.Jamir.
The stated objective of this Act is to prohibit the illegal transfer of immovable property in the “disturbed areas” of the state; Ahmedabad and Vadodara. The recent amendment is supposed to pave way to effectively implement the law; earlier despite the existence of the law properties were transferred in contravention to the provisions of the law. The law has been in existence only in Ahmedabad since 1991 when there was Congress government in power in the state but now its area of effect has been increased.
Due to this law, both Hindus and Muslims have to confine themselves to certain areas where they are residing. If often happens that once an area is communally disturbed, the community in minority there wants to leave their houses to reside in a safer locality. But this law and especially the recent amendment makes it a near to impossible task for both Hindus and Muslims residing under constant fear of being misbehaved by the community members dominating their regions.
Though the Gujaratis do not have formally two separate states but practically they have. They are the citizens of one state but their residence, in practical terms, is restricted to only a certain part of that state. Activists see this move as an instrument to further harass Muslims who want to move to safer localities.
Visualize that during riots, in the Hindu-dominated areas Muslims are targeted and only a few families are spared. Due to the Act, no Muslim can easily buy the property of a Hindu. In the future that area where sometime the inhabitants were both Hindus and Muslims will be like a Hindu state. The same situation may occur in Muslim-dominated areas and they will become Muslim states. We Indians will live in a state called Gujarat but at the same time we will have our own Pakistan or Israel.
By: Abdul Hafiz Lakhani
lakhani63@yahoo.com
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