ABDULLAHS ARE NOT ABOVE THE LAW...

I have this strong feeling that whatever has happened to Kashmir in last two decades or so has lot to do with the father-son duo- Farooq and Omar Abdullah.

In some way or the other they are responsible for most crises in the state, as their family members have been at the controls of the state’s management since its inclusion to India. And to keep their enthrallment for power afloat, they always sided with the ruling alliances in Delhi irrespective of the feelings of their electorates back home.

The insurgency started and flourished with them at the office. When Kashmir burnt, Abdullah’s were holidaying in UK, caring least about the people they call theirs. Yet when things seemed mature for elections they returned to Kashmir feigning love for their land and the people.

The father-son duo never had a clean image. Dr. Abdullah had always in the eye of the storm either for his ostentatious life style or the sandalwood controversy or his despotic rule. He was many times caught on the wrong foot. But this time the charges leveled against the duo are more serious (Syed Mohammed Yusuf , a National Conference (NC) worker died while in police custody, his family has moved court against Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his father -- Union Minister Farooq Abdullah) and they should be investigated.


Therefore, I believe it would be fair if the father-son duo to step down from their respective public positions and facilitate the process of investigation

FASCIST SUBRAMANYAN SWAMY MUST BE REINED IN

I strongly feel that the legal action initiated against Dr Subramanian Swamy is precise and that he must be arrested under Section 153 (A) of the Indian Penal Code for his "extreme xenophobic right-wing thoughts" which he expressed in an article headlined 'How to wipe out Islamic terror', published in the DNA on 16th July 2011. It’s regrettable that even apparently cultured or educated people like Dr.Swamy overlooked the fact that Muslim community has as much stake as any other in the development, refuge and well being of India as a nation. He has almost directly identified country's Muslims as terrorists. But the fact is, not a single Indian Muslim has ever been convicted on charges of anti national or terrorist activities. It’s difficult to believe that before writing this sensitive article the Harvard-educated economist-politician did not do enough research on India’s Muslims. His article in the DNA reflects his ghetto mindset. It’s clear he is on a communal agenda and attempting to drive a wedge between country’s majority Hindus and largest minority Muslims.
People with such mindset are doing no good to the country or to the society with such discordant expression against a community. Swamy’s irresponsible act has the potential to create a rift between two communities which could trigger big socio-political chaos or even communal unrest in the country.
Muslims have always come forward and have condemned all distasteful incidents as and when it happened. No Muslim organizations has ever supported the terror attacks which were allegedly [alleged by police and Hinduists] engineered by Muslim groups or individuals. But hate-mongering people who conspired and assassinated Mahatma Gandhi and then gleefully boasted their misdeeds are there in the country. These people consider Indian Muslims outsiders and want to throw them out of the country. These fascist people or groups must understand that Muslims like others are not limited or confined to any particular province or district in this country. Muslims constitute nearly one-fifth of India’s population [it’s figure accredited by the international media and other agencies]. They are scattered all over the place and it is impossible to wipe off the entire Muslim population from this country.
These sick minds must understand that just because we are born as Muslim or follow the religion of Islam, our constitutional rights cannot be taken away. Rightfully we are as much Indians as they are. They must understand that by dividing the country on impious grounds they are weakening the core foundations of the country’s establishment. And India can never be a strong nation if it’s biased against minorities. All sections of the society must unite to fulfill the aspirations of an integrated and strong India. If you cannot protect the rights of the minorities, you can no more proclaim that you have an egalitarian and secular society and you live in a ‘united India’.

http://twocircles.net/2011oct25/subramanian_swamy_must_be_reined.html

“Right to recall” and “Right to Reject” elected politicians seems to be the only hope for the community now!

All politicians across party lines are found religiously biased against Muslims. From these politicians the community receives nothing but discrimination, deceit and injustice. No politician has ever been faithful or truthful to the needs and demands of the community. Although Muslims have been ardently loyal and politically faithful to the politicians they elected, the community was treated by the politicians nothing beyond a vote bank. The talks of minority appeasement sound a hackneyed slang to us. In every walk of life Muslims have to fight discrimination in this society. It has become an uphill task for a common Muslim to make both ends meet...

All politicians routinely coax Muslims during elections and abandon them as soon as the elections get over. These political parties don’t even wait for the results to be available, and change colors the way chameleons do. No politician in India ever bothers to help the Muslims. None has ever tried to help uplift the socio-economic condition of the community. None offered means for education or bothered to improve the living standard of Muslims. Nobody thought to create job opportunities for the younger members of the community. After every election Muslims are left with more disappointments and resentments.

All political parties indulge in same practice of staying nonchalant while in power, and doing dharna when in opposition.

I dont tend to agree with Anna Hazare’s way of protest in totality. But I appreciate the concept of "right to recall" and "right to reject” our politicians whenever we deem it necessary. I personally believe, if in the form of something like a bill the practice gets implemented, the community will have the carrot and a stick to get their things done “rightfully”…

We demand stricter action against the policemen who went on a killing spree targeting the unarmed crowd.

His Excellency
Janab.ManMohan Singh
Hon’ble Prime Minister
Government of India.
7, Race Course Road,
New Delhi 110011.

16th September 2011

Dear Prime Minister,

We humbly beg to draw your kind attention to the recent unfortunate incidents in Bihar's Forbesganj and Chandasi villages where police shot dead four innocent Muslim villagers. We hope your esteemed office will take note of our pain and anger that have prompted us to write this letter.
On June 3, 2011, in a police firing at Forbesganj, four people- including a pregnant woman and a seven-month-old baby lost their lives (as per newspaper reports. The incident is a glaring example of the state killing its own people in a dastardly action. A 7-month-old baby is killed in police firing. This incident stands unparallel in country's history.

The disturbing TV footage, aired by several news channels on September 14, 2011, showed how the policemen in Nalanda went berserk against an unarmed group of people who were mostly women. Outside the Noorsarai police station police caned the crowd who had gathered there to, in protest against the disappearance of a woman- allegedly abducted and killed by relative of some local policeman. As per news reports at least two dozen people, including women and children, were badly injured in the police lathicharge. The uniformed men who are supposed to protect the state's subjects and maintain law and order, were found (at Forbesganj and Chandasi village) indulging in acts of terror and brutality.

Attitude of the men in uniform was inhuman. It must be registered as a case of blatant human rights violation. Although the Government of Bihar has taken some punitive action against the involved policemen we are not happy with the quantum of the punishment. We demand stricter action against the policemen who went on a killing spree targeting the unarmed crowd.

We hope your office will initiate proper action in providing relief to the families who lost their near and dear ones in the incident.

With warmest regards,

Thankfully yours,



Aziz A. Mubaraki
National Secretary

WE WELCOME ANNA HAZARE’S MOVEMENT

I simply disagree with the anxiety of a few that the ongoing fight by some activists against country’s corrupt systems poses a threat to the Indian democratic system. It’s ridiculously untrue if some charge that these anti-corruption forces, in the name of restoring morality and lucidity in public affairs, are actually attempting to destabilize the egalitarian process in the country. Nevertheless I agree that some of the people presently protesting against corruption in India might have some vested personal interests, but then too their intentions are not wholly bad since what they are doing would definitely benefit the country in many terms of development.

With my observation of last years I am embarrassed to say that the so-called elected representatives of the people are the real menace and impending threats to our democratic system. Our politicians have turned the entire democratic system into a high profile corrupt industry. Most political parties use money and muscle power to win elections. Many of the politicians across party-line are either in prison or are in the waiting to be there. It often makes me wonder, if we are really living in a democratic setup at all. The gluttony of the elected representatives has taken the form of corruption and has weakened the very basic democratic process of the country. The common man seems to be disturbed by the fact that the government acts against corruption only when it is pushed to do so by the judiciary.

We have to understand that what Anna Hazare is doing is surely rational and relevant. It’s an outcome of a situation arising from the regular abuse of powers by the politicians of this country who live under the shield of the authority given to them by the constitution. And in such a situation people are bound to rebel and take to the streets.

While it is inspiring that the people are now reactive to the different kinds of deceits existing in our society. With much optimism I can say that a few more protests like the present one will lead to the revelation and eradication of corrupt practices. But we must also remember that the changes we desire have to be brought through established institutions in a solid manner. The so-called representatives of the civil society seem to have a specific agenda. Or else, why would the Prime Minister is repeatedly charged with corruption while some of his more notorious cabinet contemporaries escape unscathed?



Thankfully, the media have played an important role in revealing the dishonest practices in the country. We hope that the media remain unbiased, impartial and independent, and not be dictated by powerful politicians.

Whatever the circumstances or result be later, the present movement by Anna Hazare’s movement seems like a blessing to us...

Can Mamata Really Bring About the Promised "Change"?

In a vivacious democracy like ours, the government and the opposition should be on constant dialogue with each other. For past many years in West Bengal, the two sides neither communicated nor agreed with each other on hosts of social, political and other issues. But recently the chief minister and the opposition leader in the state assembly- both jointly and devotedly, addressed a press conference and I see this as a welcome shift from the political culture that has long prevailed in Bengal.

There is hardly any doubt that a significant change in policy at the Writers Building has made this long-thought-impossible change, possible. Although for last few years Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress was the party of veto, her stratagem of never-relenting opposition to the then ruling Left Front government paid her off massively. But then, the former rulers’ superiority made her hostility look obligatory.

It's too early to say if there will be any beneficial change in the outlook of our politicians. But indeed we have got the hint of the advent of a new political culture in Bengal. A new strength of conciliation and adjustment has to penetrate down to the political and governmental functionaries at the lower-most level. The rabid political enmity between the TMC and CPI (M) all these years has alienated Bengali society in such ways that civilized and coherent discussions between the two appears to be an impossible task.The opposition’s strategy of being negative to everything that a government did or proposed actually belittled our democracy, is disastrous for West Bengal's financial and social order.

Now with the change at Writers, hopes are high that civilized debates and talks will resume between two switched sides and our state’s politics, which for long years was dominated by violence and naked show of irresponsible politics, will end with optimism of an economic recovery for Bengal.

Perhaps it is immature to imagine now that Bengal’s politicians will change their ways only because they have new roles assigned to them. However that is the alteration the state badly needs in order to recover itself from further economic decline.

Even though, Ms Banerjee’s first two months in office point to her assurance to change. But it will be interesting to see how she tackles the experienced opposition with her never-in-power and in-experienced ministers. It will also be imperative to watch as to how an ill-tempered Mamata can bring about the meaningful and promised "Change".

Has Vastanvi been wronged?

It is unfortunate the way Ghulam Mohammad Vastanvi, the former vice chancellor of Darul Uloom Deoband seminary, was summarily dismissed from his office. Significantly, his dismissal took place despite a panel formed to probe the allegations against Vastanvi had failed to prove the charges against him. This incident has proved to be a matter of shame for south Asia’s possibly most famous Islamic seminary, which is otherwise known for its moderate views.

There is absolutely no doubt that Gujarat riots is a blot on India’s modern history. It’s a fact that despite having their rights the Muslims in Gujarat are denied benefits or help from the states in most terms. In rural areas and urban slums poorer Muslims are in worse shapes. Few Muslims in Gujarat are possibly in better shape because of their own strength and endeavour. The state is no way responsible for those few Muslims’ prosperity.

Following the 2002 riots, Muslims in Gujarat have got the only consolation prize that some committees have been formed to investigate the cases of attacks against the Muslims. It is not that much heartening, (as mentioned by some) to note that Gujarat has not seen communal unrest for many years now because that’s what it should be- that’s the "Raj Dharma".

But whatever the situation the state’s pluralistic nature needs to be protected at any cost, and a more accommodating approach for all is required towards a better nation building. Vastanvi’s views should not have been misconstrued as prejudiced ones. He has been misunderstood and it certainly sends out faulty message in a democracy like ours.