tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56955188636414704352024-02-07T10:31:10.421-08:00Hindustaniat: Blog on Indian Culture, Society & PoliticsCelebrating the spirit of multi-cultural India: Indian website focusing on politics, sports, culture, religion and society.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-13398606795567004732018-12-29T16:15:00.003-08:002018-12-29T16:15:43.172-08:00Newsbits: New media, websites that challenge traditional journalism in India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuc4KmiONIPVJIJ70z1p5bpd3qUh9SPmfEsffvw0kkK4nfFU8fIysIEjPt5Dzh9VeP1lWcmavFn4CRejyO5Yk9-dHqWao5Ij0pRelF9-Wavtachor9ifQ_3fi5giDTIg-5N_1pafBIPw/s1600/NewsBits_breakingews_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1006" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuc4KmiONIPVJIJ70z1p5bpd3qUh9SPmfEsffvw0kkK4nfFU8fIysIEjPt5Dzh9VeP1lWcmavFn4CRejyO5Yk9-dHqWao5Ij0pRelF9-Wavtachor9ifQ_3fi5giDTIg-5N_1pafBIPw/s400/NewsBits_breakingews_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
New media is transforming journalism in a big way in India.<br />
<br />
Gone are the days when broadsheet newspapers were the sole carrier of news.<br />
<br />
There were a few magazines or periodicals that covered issues or broke stories.<br />
<br />
But now, New Media has emerged and it brings out stories from all over the country.<br />
<br />
There are websites that have broken this monopoly over the news. It is not the media group owner or a businessman who tells what to publish and what not to publish. Journalist-driven initiatives in India, are all around us.<br />
<br />
We have websites that have Facebook pages, Twitter handles and have wide viewership. The stories that are carried, are later reproduced in other papers and websites. Also, there is impact on the stories. This is a major change in Indian media.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://newsbits.in/"><b>Newsbits.in</b></a>, the website has now completed two years, and has carved a niche in journalism. Hard-hitting stories, reports that touch lives, articles about real issues affecting citizens, the poor, the tribals, the weaker sections and the urban class.<br />
<br />
Our best wishes to the New Media. Check <a href="http://www.newsbits.in/"><b>www.newsbits.in</b></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-45749772407207143532015-11-17T10:40:00.002-08:002015-11-17T10:42:48.811-08:00Ashok Singhal, the face of militant Hindutva in India, passes away<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgme5MIWvTX_Y3pCEJqoIqVVtXM33b-r50OCZdw9K6zxdfuN2MzxIcNH3-8-CQrIGDwWUHiza1CUJUFQsSOfR8dDs7ASUa3LYWKihIZgystvu3Mdn2VIMglQsZ3hh0gX4DDyNA5v3FAYqg/s1600/Hindutva+hardliner+Ashok+Singhal+who+led+the+extremist+VHP+to+a+more+radical+path.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgme5MIWvTX_Y3pCEJqoIqVVtXM33b-r50OCZdw9K6zxdfuN2MzxIcNH3-8-CQrIGDwWUHiza1CUJUFQsSOfR8dDs7ASUa3LYWKihIZgystvu3Mdn2VIMglQsZ3hh0gX4DDyNA5v3FAYqg/s1600/Hindutva+hardliner+Ashok+Singhal+who+led+the+extremist+VHP+to+a+more+radical+path.jpg" /></a></div>
Ashok Singhal, the the firebrand Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader, who earned notoriety for his hate speeches, is no more.<br />
<br />
Though in India, it is generally not considered good to remember a person's misdeeds after his death, after Singhal's demise many people recalled the negative impact of VHP's hate campaign under him.<br />
<br />
Singhal, a controversial leader, was among the first fast of the militant Hindutva movement in India, which has been targeting religious minorities, especially, Christians and Muslims.<br />
<br />
In the mid-80s, when BJP was a non-entity, VHP under Singhal, spearheaded the Ram Janmabhumi movement. This movement revived the BJP and LK Advani's 'rath yatra' got an impetus.<br />
<br />
VHP cadre helped the BJP and when the Babri Mosque was destroyed, VHP, Shiv Sena and RSS' radicals were involved in the act of destruction. Singhal's firebrand speeches allegedly led to communalism in the society.<br />
<br />
However, lack of adequate mechanism to address 'hatespeak' let Singhal escape the law. He kept on targeting minorities through words and act. VHP went on to become the most xenophobic of all the right-wing groups in India.<br />
<br />
Later, under Praveen Togadia, VHP continued its attacks on minorities. Singhal was the first face of VHP, when it became an international body, getting support from NRIs based in America and Europe.<br />
<br />
Mostly, Hindu Banias and Jains, a religious minority, initially supported it. Later, other groups also came along. Singhal's VHP took India towards the path of Hindutva, a far cry from India's secular values.<br />
<br />
Just like Bal Thackeray could never face the law and was not persecuted despite hate speeches and his Shiv Sena leading communal riots, VHP's Ashok Singhal also never faced any issue despite hate speeches, because of an administration which closes eyes when the majority community leaders have a brush with law.<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-46546269529742814612015-07-24T10:40:00.003-07:002015-07-24T10:47:11.229-07:00Why Rajiv Gandhi killers, Beant Singh killers not hanged, but Yakub Memon gets gallows?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsihewL1GPSUkry9tQHJfq5vgXSVflcDoqqNeERgDKk_l2yoU4N9dGnYc74D6GJRbh6nHnmN41ZZCN6kIjN5t96Rdgg_0SG8d6-9ogs-ovBpMWxuyqHupPxupdRz4PC_DBf2mNY6AOlcg/s1600/ALL+OF+THEM+CONVICTED+NONE+HANGED+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsihewL1GPSUkry9tQHJfq5vgXSVflcDoqqNeERgDKk_l2yoU4N9dGnYc74D6GJRbh6nHnmN41ZZCN6kIjN5t96Rdgg_0SG8d6-9ogs-ovBpMWxuyqHupPxupdRz4PC_DBf2mNY6AOlcg/s1600/ALL+OF+THEM+CONVICTED+NONE+HANGED+3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-80041018678011326392015-06-06T09:34:00.000-07:002015-06-06T09:37:54.099-07:00Adhunik Group MD Manoj Agarwal terms Muslim employee 'terrorist' for sporting beard, sacks him<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In an extremely disturbing incident, the managing director (MD) of the Adhunik Group of Industries, Manoj Agarwal, termed a Muslim employee 'terrorist' because he grew beard.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLVJ4XcCd8H0_5hyXjJXGDrgll_rVFs8fvjgYq9od6GDszDhpnnPwxJGjuVfOItCSRTyCmETY2u0_FkLhj-DM8eSsxqD4BP7TixEs0bAPTLzYgPMewoKCYCmzWIe_P9FfLRcb7cDr6-s/s1600/Manoj+Agarwal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLVJ4XcCd8H0_5hyXjJXGDrgll_rVFs8fvjgYq9od6GDszDhpnnPwxJGjuVfOItCSRTyCmETY2u0_FkLhj-DM8eSsxqD4BP7TixEs0bAPTLzYgPMewoKCYCmzWIe_P9FfLRcb7cDr6-s/s200/Manoj+Agarwal.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Manoj Agarwal, MD</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The victim, Mohammad Ali Ismail, 38, was at the post of GM but he was humiliated, harassed, his salary was cut.<br />
<br />
Later he was sacked for keeping the beard after his return from the Haj.<br />
<br />
Ismail said that the company MD was not willing to even listen to him.<br />
<br />
After the incident, Ismail has complained to the police. But no one has been arrested as yet. The company officers are not speaking about the incident.<br />
<br />
Unlike the case of Zeeshan Ali, a youth, who was not given job for being a Muslim in Mumbai, this case hasn't grabbed media attention.<br />
<br />
Zeeshan was later offered a job in Adani group. In that case, Zeeshan lodged an FIR and the case was registered against the company directors.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6bo8lBjoG7V9jTPXzToaoia5ZnIcMkywJOMUxTtubTGoK_s76rdBihFqY4a8QjtKCwGlOZ1FYrYLHfkxW-ULeHUw6bjUmyU-MDFK6tW4xYAbIr6gCoJZfHyoJlfDbhW6smSUkxU63sQ/s1600/Communal+minded+MD+of+Adhunik+group+sacked+a+Muslim+GM+for+growing+beard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6bo8lBjoG7V9jTPXzToaoia5ZnIcMkywJOMUxTtubTGoK_s76rdBihFqY4a8QjtKCwGlOZ1FYrYLHfkxW-ULeHUw6bjUmyU-MDFK6tW4xYAbIr6gCoJZfHyoJlfDbhW6smSUkxU63sQ/s200/Communal+minded+MD+of+Adhunik+group+sacked+a+Muslim+GM+for+growing+beard.jpg" width="143" /></a></div>
Similarly, Adhunik Group should also be charged with similar crime. This is a serious incident as it shows the communalism in Indian corporates.<br />
<br />
The Adhunik group is a multi-crore company that has its headquarters in Kolkata. <br />
<br />
Stern action is needed against Manoj Agarwal for his bigoted, discriminatory and communal acts. Ismail should also fight for his rights, by approaching all the forums and must seek justice. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-86936053669742908302015-04-13T13:32:00.003-07:002015-04-13T14:24:21.976-07:00BJP, RSS' false claim on Dr Ambedkar: Hindutva groups' love for legacy of the man who quit Hinduism<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-d3iH41x-ZAGbumCxmzjU93HHtvfVzRLrhN7gvyY8IrIjGW33PtX20Vfxsn-LIGnHksD_93GDZOSSg6xP82uKEc2ikvXo5MJu3lfbL9EucJqPZCZ6w3N4-O6U9Q6uVTx5TZRdLWJBdo/s1600/Dr+Ambedkar+is+too+big+an+icon+for+RSS+BJP+or+Sangh+Parivar+that+always+opposed+him.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-d3iH41x-ZAGbumCxmzjU93HHtvfVzRLrhN7gvyY8IrIjGW33PtX20Vfxsn-LIGnHksD_93GDZOSSg6xP82uKEc2ikvXo5MJu3lfbL9EucJqPZCZ6w3N4-O6U9Q6uVTx5TZRdLWJBdo/s1600/Dr+Ambedkar+is+too+big+an+icon+for+RSS+BJP+or+Sangh+Parivar+that+always+opposed+him.jpg" /></a></div>
Sixty seven years after independence, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its political outfit BJP have aggressively begun a drive to appropriate the legacy of Dr BR Ambedkar.<br />
<br />
Dr Ambedkar, one of the greatest icons of modern India, had nothing in common with the ideology of the Sangh Parivar which is now going all out to claim Ambedkar as its own.<br />
<br />
<u>RSS stands for caste system, Ambedkar had quit it</u><br />
<br />
Ambedkar suffered the atrocities of upper castes and throughout his life fought the barbaric caste-system.<br />
<br />
He realised that millions of 'Shudras' (untouchables) can never get justice under India's Brahmanical system. His vision and his works for the uplift of the masses, have made him a hero of India's majority population comprising Backwards, Dalits, Tribals and Religious Minorities,<br />
<br />
But leaders of Sangh including its Sarsanghchalaks always supported caste system that divides society on the basis of castes. After independence, he drafted the constitution of India.<br />
<br />
Dr Ambedkar quit Hinduism, along with millions of his supporters, followers and devotees. They embraced Buddhism. This was a big setback to the right-wing forces in the country.<br />
<br />
Still, they remained firm on their agenda and kept supporting caste system openly. Now a days, they are less vocal but known to justify it privately.<br />
<br />
For the purpose of leaving Hindu religion, he chose Nagpur, the city that was headquarters of the caste Hindus and their power centre, RSS. This was important message.<br />
<br />
For decades Hindutva leaders had an aversion for Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. Ambedkar's 22 vows can never be palatable to Hinduism.<br />
<br />
The first three of Dr Ambedkar's vows:<br />
<br />
1. I will neither regard Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh as gods nor worship them.<br />
2. I will neither regard Ram and Krishna as gods nor worship them.<br />
3. I will not regard any of Gauri-Ganapati etcetra of Hindu dharma as gods or goddesses nor worship them.<br />
<br />
Read all the vows on this <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/52/Twenty-two_vows_of_Buddhism_by_Dr._Ambedkar_at_Deekshabhoomi.jpg">Page</a><br />
<br />
It is clear that following Ambedkar is a path, no Hindutva-wadi can accept, as it means the death of oppressive caste system as well. Few years after independence, Home minister Vallabh Bhai Patel allowed the RSS to function only on the condition that it would follow India's constitution.<br />
<br />
<b>RSS had never believed in India's constitution</b> and after Gandhi's assassination it was banned. Even today <b>RSS never unfurls the national flag</b> on its headquarters or other offices, because it believes in Saffron flag.<br />
<br />
<u>RSS has no figures or icons, played no role in freedom movement</u><br />
<br />
However, <b>electoral considerations </b>have compelled the Hindutva groups to change their strategy. From Vivekananda to Madan Mohan Malviya, Subhas Chandra Bose to Dr BR Ambedkar, it wants to appropriate every prominent figure.<br />
<br />
The reason is RSS has no figures or icons. It played no role in reform in Indian society. It was not interested in freedom movement and its leaders played no part when the entire nation was in the grip of the fervour to struggle for independence from British rule.<br />
<br />
BJP and its ideological gurus today shamelessly claim that they believe in Ambedkar's philosophy. The truth is that the party has remained firm on the Sanghi traditions and just aims at luring Dalits.<br />
<br />
<u>Sangh Parivar at Dr Ambedkar's doorstep for its own survival</u><br />
<br />
For a long period, Hindutva strategy has been to co-opt its detractors, if it fails to overpower them. With passing years, Ambedkar's stature has grown manifold.<br />
<br />
It is their compulsion that they have to reach Ambedkar's doorstep for their survival. But Ambedkar's message can never be appropriated by them. If Sangh even tries seriously, it will be the collapse of its own order.<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-7230746419944104132015-04-10T13:49:00.001-07:002015-04-13T13:58:16.815-07:00Why Jain minority leaders heading right-wing Hindu groups targeting other religious minorities in India?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3XorVY9Nrk4c-_6ljV_qd_QaDYuiLHdxLSH9EnC8KYm7jWu1KFKaq0NVbYpjh8CwBbGR2CKhFZQdEAeejGqGS8FX0DK0aerqQWNjHNlMlJeRUe923DoXSPv7RwIMr-t5jW1hhj6IA8E/s1600/Pravin+Togadia+the+VHP+president+is+a+Jain,+not+a+Hindu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3XorVY9Nrk4c-_6ljV_qd_QaDYuiLHdxLSH9EnC8KYm7jWu1KFKaq0NVbYpjh8CwBbGR2CKhFZQdEAeejGqGS8FX0DK0aerqQWNjHNlMlJeRUe923DoXSPv7RwIMr-t5jW1hhj6IA8E/s1600/Pravin+Togadia+the+VHP+president+is+a+Jain,+not+a+Hindu.JPG" /></a></div>
Surendra Jain the general secretary of Saffron outfit Bajrang Dal has made a vicious statement once again.<br />
<br />
He said that 'nun rape' is part of Christian culture.<br />
Jain who earlier headed the militant Bajrang Dal.<br />
<br />
Though he belongs to Jainism, a religion distinct of Hinduism, he is head of the Hindu group.<br />
<br />
Officially Jains are a religious minority in India. Surendra Jain has earlier also targeted Muslims.<br />
<br />
Praveen Togadia, who is also a Jain, heads another big right-wing group Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). He regularly makes hate speeches and comments against Muslims and Christians. He has numerous cases registered against him.<br />
<br />
<u>Spreading hatred against Christians, Muslims</u><br />
<br />
The trouble is that they practice Jainism which talks of absolute non-violence of all forms, so much that even killing insects is prohibited. But they promote violence with their speeches. There is another serious issue with these leaders (there are many more Jain leaders in right-wing Hindutva movement).<br />
<br />
Most of them issue these statements as 'Hindu leaders'. This increases gulf between Hindus and Christians, Muslims. The other minorities feel hurt though non-Jain Hindutva leaders are generally not as aggressive.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-rKRYsgoGpojYyx2qNYE1R0076kry7LR-Z97RJj-ymRKYSQ6xHvdWLF2-7Q8W0Vx7kWltJuC8EtCnFGa512Ic4NNy1_zWJlCLKLDg1mD_THzfiiFgiRMI9CZDn5S_Xfucpo8ObFbL-w/s1600/Bajrang+Dal+VHP+leader+Surendra+Jain+hails+from+Jain+religion+which+is+a+minority+religious+community.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-rKRYsgoGpojYyx2qNYE1R0076kry7LR-Z97RJj-ymRKYSQ6xHvdWLF2-7Q8W0Vx7kWltJuC8EtCnFGa512Ic4NNy1_zWJlCLKLDg1mD_THzfiiFgiRMI9CZDn5S_Xfucpo8ObFbL-w/s1600/Bajrang+Dal+VHP+leader+Surendra+Jain+hails+from+Jain+religion+which+is+a+minority+religious+community.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Jains are allowed to be part of Hindu groups and associations & even lead them.<br />
<br />
But Hindus can't enter Jain associations, trusts or groups.<br />
<br />
Interesting fact is that while many Jains claim they are part of Hindu culture, majority of them and their religious leaders want minority status and have got it.<br />
<br />
<u>More aggressive, turning Hindus against others</u><br />
<br />
These leaders are putting weapon on the shoulder of Hindus, and firing at Muslims and Christians.<br />
<br />
This they are apparently doing to show themselves as hardcore Hindus and leader of Hindutva movement, but in reality they are hurting Hinduism and dividing India among religions lines.<br />
<br />
<u>Against non-vegetarian Hindus, Muslims and Christians</u><br />
<br />
In Gujarat, most of the housing societies, that act against Muslims, Christians and Hindu castes that eat non-vegetarian are headed by Jains, an influential and moneyed minority, but surprisingly due to to their strict non-violence belief, they force non-vegetarians out, and create friction in society.<br />
<br />
On the issue of animal slaughter too Jain activists take the toughest stand, which some Hindus like, and treat them as new Brahmins of Hinduism. But this creates rift in society and turns Hindus against others and also against SCs, STs, Backward Castes and meat-eating Hindus.<br />
<br />
This is strange that minority community leaders are acting against minorities in India but impression goes that majority community is harassing the minorities. Do we worry about it? Isn't it time to stop this now? Read Surendra Jain's <a href="http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/india-nun-rape-part-christian-culture-says-hindu-nationalist-leader-surendra-jain-1492483">remark report.</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-27230574495435234222015-03-30T16:26:00.003-07:002015-03-31T02:38:14.259-07:00Racism in North East: Nagaland lynching shows victims of racial biases in Delhi could be racists in their homelands<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The lynching of a man in Dimapur in Nagaland shows that a section of people in North East--Assam and its surrounding seven states, also suffer from the same malaise--RACISM.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGo5bpU2K5ABJl_7sqogE501ypoI9gAdheM-ZfoB6blSW0lJfJL20tN6TtvzpttVr-TdLLSXxI0LG6L449eygBNDwlOFgmAiiQSP9QySSSJffgnH5O_gESr1kEMj4_5Msulxp_Cv7d4PQ/s1600/RACISM+in+North+East+must+end+too.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGo5bpU2K5ABJl_7sqogE501ypoI9gAdheM-ZfoB6blSW0lJfJL20tN6TtvzpttVr-TdLLSXxI0LG6L449eygBNDwlOFgmAiiQSP9QySSSJffgnH5O_gESr1kEMj4_5Msulxp_Cv7d4PQ/s1600/RACISM+in+North+East+must+end+too.jpg" height="289" width="400" /></a></div>
People from the eastern part of the country generally say that they are looked down upon in rest of the country and that they are never given due respect.<br />
<br />
They say that they are called 'outsider'.<br />
<br />
But it is also true that not just Nagaland, but many other states in the region viz. Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, too have extremely poor record when it comes to tolerance.<br />
<br />
SHUN YOU PREJUDICES TOO<br />
<br />
Syed Farid Khan was accused of being a rapist. Thousands took to the streets and broke the jail to bring him out. He was paraded naked and later killed on the spot. The blood-thirsty mob even went to the extent of taking selfies with their cell phone cameras, on the spot.<br />
<br />
This is the kind of sickness, which was witnessed on March 5 is rarely seen anywhere else. Clearly, there are deep prejudices and racism in society in North East (the eastern part of India) as well. It exists elsewhere in India too, and here too.<br />
<br />
SPREADING HATE ON SOCIAL MEDIA<br />
<br />
Khan was termed as a Bangladeshi infiltrator, a man who illegally stayed in India. Truth was that he was an Indian national. His brothers are in Army. Shame on those who spread the racist messages to kill a person in broad daylight. Shamefully, the Naga outfits <a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/dimapur-lynching-on-social-media-first-rape-then-bangladesh-man/">publicly issued statements</a> against him.<br />
<br />
BIHARIS TARGETED IN NORTH EAST<br />
<br />
People from Bihar are mistreated in this region. The labourers, both Hindu and Muslim, from Bihar are killed by local militant outfits just because they belonged to a region outside North East. Such incidents occur time and again.<br />
<br />
IN ASSAM, LOCAL MUSLIMS TERMED OUTSIDER<br />
<br />
With Muslims, the situation is extremely bad in entire region. In Assam, Muslims settled for centuries, and living for generation, are never looked upon as 'local'. They are always treated as outsiders. In Kokrajhar, the BTAD region, the riots were directed at local Muslims.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-37566370975072582042014-03-04T10:49:00.002-08:002015-03-30T16:27:30.597-07:00We aren't angry over innocents' killings in Kashmir but our Indian blood boils when Kashmiris cheer against us in a cricket match!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Cn9Y7mnEN4rWUf65niYPHAVxuEqSnK1GoEK_oZjCrKv2_gUOWPIBgqcWwpJWPWN4jVHqpXYVKX2L8jVXwiGv5EjTDTw8Clq6ayocc7QOIAtKt9cGfOlEMkMrpNrB2Fmq67ij6BHEVe0/s1600/Kashmiris+cheering+for+Pakistani+team+in+cricket+match+is+non-issue+and+should+be+ignored.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Cn9Y7mnEN4rWUf65niYPHAVxuEqSnK1GoEK_oZjCrKv2_gUOWPIBgqcWwpJWPWN4jVHqpXYVKX2L8jVXwiGv5EjTDTw8Clq6ayocc7QOIAtKt9cGfOlEMkMrpNrB2Fmq67ij6BHEVe0/s1600/Kashmiris+cheering+for+Pakistani+team+in+cricket+match+is+non-issue+and+should+be+ignored.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
When innocents are killed in Jammu and Kashmir (J & K) by army bullets, do we feel angry?<br />
<br />
<b>Are we upset when mass graves are discovered or when gang rapes take place in the valley. And yet there is no action against soldiers due to AFSPA.</b><br />
<br />
Most of us are apathetic on these issues and for our media it is no news.<br />
<br />
There is no support for justice for them. There is no such rage. <b>But if it is petty cricket match and Kashmiri boys have cheered for Pakistan, our blood boils.</b><br />
<br />
Perhaps, it is these double standards, which makes them cheer for Pakistan. Don't Indians settled in UK, Australia and New Zealand, cheer for visiting Indian team, instead of their countries! Should we feel upset over someone taking sides.<br />
<br />
In this case, it is not sure either that how many of these students had supported or raised voice for the Pakistani cricket team in its match against India. We simply rely on one sided version and the hysteria generated by it.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Let us take up the most basic points first:</span><br />
<br />
1. Kashmir is part of India. Surely. But there have been issues and we haven't treated Kashmiris very well in the past. We forget that Kashmiris had the option to join Pakistan but the masses under Sheikh Abdullah preferred to join India, because they believed in secular nation.<br />
<br />
What we do? We put their leaders in jail, didn't allow free and fair elections for decades. Governments were toppled and AFSPA makes life difficult for an average Kashmiri. There is hue and cry about scrapping Article 370.<br />
<br />
2. We expect them to behave the perfect hosts when we go their for pilgrimage or trips. But Kashmiris are human beings as much as we are. They can also be political. Their youngsters too have raging hormones. They may act recklessly at times. But it shouldn't make us so angry.<br />
<br />
3. We may not like it but we mustn't take it as a patriotism test. Cricket match can be no test for loyalty. <u>Our nationalism is not so weak that a mere cricket match can prompt university to take disciplinary action.</u> The irony is that those who talk about patriotism, themselves have dubious credentials.<br />
<br />
4. The right-wing groups that are most vocal on such issues are affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which never hoists Tiranga (national flag) on its premises or buildings anywhere in India.<br />
<br />
5. But no one questions it. It is not that Kashmir is the sole troubled spot. In other states, there are issues. But when it comes to Kashmir we are over sensitive. We should stop being reactive over such matters. This is almost a non-issue.<br />
<br />
We must understand our responsibilities too, rather, than expecting the Kashmiri youth to just play the gallery and prove his patriotism. It will do us a lot of good. It will also help Kashmiris integrate with the rest of India, better, than by sending the youths back home from university.<br />
<br />
We need to win the hearts and minds of Kashmiris. But what are we doing?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-63578676709694536332014-03-03T13:49:00.002-08:002014-03-03T13:51:15.533-08:00Betraying the Bahujans: Dalit politicians, secular leaders joining hands with BJP ahead of 2014 elections<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwepRgY9dz6UO7RSZMolh2Qi3OSBbQhy5ltGmthQvgGrQkqE6y9-x25ksFb85EUEPXUQFceR4UCak7xgiEortPtSfZKOJmhum_nAexhipxg42JLap1kLH59GX7QJpAUdOMCrWP_3IgEaM/s1600/Dalit+leaders+supporting+BJP+is+a+worry+trend+for+bahujans+and+moolnivasis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwepRgY9dz6UO7RSZMolh2Qi3OSBbQhy5ltGmthQvgGrQkqE6y9-x25ksFb85EUEPXUQFceR4UCak7xgiEortPtSfZKOJmhum_nAexhipxg42JLap1kLH59GX7QJpAUdOMCrWP_3IgEaM/s1600/Dalit+leaders+supporting+BJP+is+a+worry+trend+for+bahujans+and+moolnivasis.jpg" /></a></div>
One after the other, Dalit leaders are now flocking to join the the BJP- led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The final push to get BJP more than 200 seats seems succeeding now as an even the most vociferous anti-brahminism leaders have no hitch in supporting Narendra Modi.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Is plan NAMO succeeding now. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) expected the BJP to use Modi's aggression to get more seats. Once the figure of 200 is crossed, there is hope that finding coalition partners would not be too tough.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
RPI's Ramdas Athavale has been with BJP and Shiv Sena for sometime. Udit Raj, who heads Justice Party, and has been a hardcore anti-manuvadi has recently joined the party. Udit Raj's desperation is understandable. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Despite a long movement, he has failed to get electoral support. In UP, Mayawati is the tallest Dalit leader. No other party or individual stands close to her, as far as Scheduled Caste (SC) votes are concerned. So it is not too shocking.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If these developments were not surprising, the latest is Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan's change of heart. For more than three decades, Bihar-based Paswan, has been a strong Dalit leader. He was seen as a secular leader, who has solid support among Muslims in North India.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But 'secularism' is no longer in vogue now. His decision has surprised Dalit community though he was an opportunist and earlier too served as minister in NDA regime. Clearly, the BJP is marching ahead of Congress, when it comes to forming coalition ahead of Lok Sabha election 2014. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All these leaders may not bring many seats, but they can change the perception and help the BJP in shedding the image of 'untouchable' party.<b> So BJP is no longer a Bania party with Brahmin, Rajput and middle-class (section of OBC) support? </b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Dalits are joining the BJP and this symbolism may help the party in the forthcoming parliamentary elections. With Congress in disarray and Third Front no longer a strong entity, the BJP campaign seems to be gaining steam, at least, for the time being.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-30295759665582490762014-02-18T12:11:00.001-08:002014-02-19T06:37:09.365-08:00If Rajiv Gandhi's killers can be spared, then why was Afzal Guru hanged?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PRGG2mLFJ0zzxcYyjCNsXHnUM-noezNFd2HM7VEL4FK8VyYhbQ9Vmlc89epSX6V3su75w9iMz2t7Jr_L0ACmtIQw-5pye-6Wvl3pN4Cunb778OKDrFijQ9unkMmVNW42b7zAx4OFeC0/s1600/When+Rajiv+Gandhi's+killers+are+given+mercy+why+was+Afzal+Guru+hanged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PRGG2mLFJ0zzxcYyjCNsXHnUM-noezNFd2HM7VEL4FK8VyYhbQ9Vmlc89epSX6V3su75w9iMz2t7Jr_L0ACmtIQw-5pye-6Wvl3pN4Cunb778OKDrFijQ9unkMmVNW42b7zAx4OFeC0/s1600/When+Rajiv+Gandhi's+killers+are+given+mercy+why+was+Afzal+Guru+hanged.jpg" /></a></div>
The three persons have been convicted for the murder of India's Prime Minister. Yet, the killers of Rajiv Gandhi are going to live.<br />
<br />
The Supreme Court has decided to commute their death penalty into life imprisonment. The honourable court's decision is final.<br />
<br />
There is no scope for disagreement. But politicians, citizens and activists in Jammu and Kashmir, now ask why 'Afzal Guru' wasn't pardoned.<br />
<br />
Was his crime as serious and in the same league. In his case, there was no direct evidence but to satisfy the 'collective conscience' of the society, it was decided to hang him to death.<br />
<br />
<b>Even his family was not formally informed about the decision to hang him.</b> It was undoubtedly an inhuman act. His family could have met him a last time before he was hanged. But the government machinery was sure that they had to kill him. Was it a lust for blood?<br />
<br />
The signals aren't right. In J and K, it sends the wrong message. Punjab government did it best to save Bhullar from death penalty. <i>The trio--<span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: georgia; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan, have been spared the gallows. Why? It is not court's decision alone. </span></i><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: georgia; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: georgia; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">The reality is that the prevailing jingoistic atmosphere where nothing is allowed to be discussed, if it is 'sensitive'.</span>The BJP is the second biggest party. But it was never serious for capital punishment for Santhan, Murugan and Perarivalan. It wanted Afzal Guru to be hanged.<br />
<br />
<b>While in most cases, the mercy petitions aren't disposed or the convict gets reprieve by PRESIDENT. However, Afzal's death penalty was not commuted.</b> Why? Is it because he was a Muslim? These are really serious questions. The manner in which Afzal was made an enemy of the nation, proves how media and politicians joined hands to kill him.<br />
<br />
It augurs bad for the nation when there is such clear difference on case to case basis. Are we a bloodthirsty nation?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-78962469336158487932014-02-17T04:36:00.000-08:002014-02-17T04:37:58.730-08:00Jains officially a religious minority in India: Will Pravin Togadia, a Jain, target minorities now?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACDsh0JYkPCPf34IQI3LTVPaHr2vGsLaTUflGOSZ17is592Vxd40X1UDzYOOE6_P4rY-JUarjxz3neyFpaD3ARVHAv4Pqy5z8ZLkWHk-iF6_T0P-puIyRisLc15SCnBN9yzglFF8x0YU/s1600/Pravin+Togadia+the+VHP+president+is+a+Jain,+not+a+Hindu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACDsh0JYkPCPf34IQI3LTVPaHr2vGsLaTUflGOSZ17is592Vxd40X1UDzYOOE6_P4rY-JUarjxz3neyFpaD3ARVHAv4Pqy5z8ZLkWHk-iF6_T0P-puIyRisLc15SCnBN9yzglFF8x0YU/s1600/Pravin+Togadia+the+VHP+president+is+a+Jain,+not+a+Hindu.jpg" /></a></div>
Pravin Togadia, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader, who has targeted minorities and made extremely inflammatory speeches in the country, is himself a minority now.<br />
<br />
Togadia, who is a Jain, has repeatedly made incendiary comments against religious minorities across India.<br />
<br />
Once he said that if he became the Prime Minister, he would take away electoral rights from Muslims. Togadia has made public speeches that minorities should be economically boycotted.<br />
<br />
VHP is known for being a right-wing organisation but Togadia's fanaticism is unmatched. An interesting aspect is that Togadia doesn't speak about the fact that he is a follower of Jainism. His supporters are active on cyber space too.<br />
<br />
Any mention that he is a Jain is quickly removed from his Wikipedia page, citing that 'it is not important in context to the article'. He apparently considers Jains as part of Hinduism, though leading Jain saints and seers, strongly vouch for Jainism as an independent and older religion.<br />
<br />
While Digambar Jains generally use 'Jain' as surname, the Shwetambaras who are more in Gujarat, use their caste or original surnames, rather than using the religion. On the movement for giving Jains, a religious minority status, he has remained silent.<br />
<br />
Togadia is notorious for his hate speeches but the lawmakers have been soft on him. He has targeted Christians for their missionary activity and for 'conversion' of Hindus. The truth is that Christians convert few people in India, compared to the conversion by Jains in rural and tribal parts of India.<br />
<br />
In one Gujarat district, Panchmahal, lakhs of Dalits and Tribals were converted. The sudden rise of Jain population in India in the last two decades shows it. Since the central government has bestowed minority status on Jains, we haven't heard much from Togadia.<br />
<br />
Seems he doesn't want to touch the topic. But it is interesting to see if he attacks minorities again, and will someone ask him about his being a 'minority' in India.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-42815595949127302982013-06-28T10:22:00.001-07:002013-06-28T10:22:59.464-07:00Is it Buddhist Terror: Monks leading mobs to attack Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTdi8250o7Ijcp5Qitgpz4ictygzoL5O9QTr4A90xhQTgq5vM15gmhgioYYycspIxHS8h3ruypJfI2MfJuf4qHMAZ1SkMFLEWgdg_j9r0tLUDLGRlDky4prs7gQHhA04FqNFgZXsSTIc/s750/Buddhist+Terrorism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTdi8250o7Ijcp5Qitgpz4ictygzoL5O9QTr4A90xhQTgq5vM15gmhgioYYycspIxHS8h3ruypJfI2MfJuf4qHMAZ1SkMFLEWgdg_j9r0tLUDLGRlDky4prs7gQHhA04FqNFgZXsSTIc/s320/Buddhist+Terrorism.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The communal violence unleashed against the minority Muslims in Myanmar, formerly known as Barma (or Burma), has stunned the world.<br />
<br />
One of most persecuted minorities, Rohingyas, are being attacked, tortured and killed across the country with impunity.<br />
<br />
This is happening even as a horrified international community is urging the Burmese military leaders to check these crimes against humanity.<br />
<br />
Now the Time Magazine's cover on the monk who has been described as 'The Face of the Buddhist Terror" has led to angry reactions from a few sections among the Buddhists.<br />
<br />
A recent report suggested that 1,25,000 Muslims have been displaced internally in the large-scale attacks and violence against minorities in Myanmar. In fact, it is almost an ethnic cleansing. The issues are manifold.<br />
<br />
First, the Myanmar's military government is least interested in protecting the minorities. The regime in Rakhine state treats the Rohingyas as outsiders. They consider them as Bangladeshis despite living in Myanmar for ages.<br />
<br />
There is no citizenship for Rohingyas. With monks delivering hate speeches and spreading communal hatred, the local population is also turning against the Muslims. They are now seen as illegal immigrants and are referred to as Bengalis.<br />
<br />
When they are forcibly deported, the authorities in neighbouring Bangladesh also refuse to admit these refugees in their country. It is such a humanitarian crises for this persecuted minority. Innumerable people including women and children have died when trying to leave the country, their boats have capsized.<br />
<br />
The massacres in which even children were brutally killed last year have shown how the fringe lumpens are now taking centre stage in the country. The Buddhist majority is not doing enough to save or protect the religious minorities.<br />
<br />
Yes, it is sad to link terrorism with any religion. Yes, Buddhism is considered a religion of peace. But when religious people like monks issue diktats and lead mobs to kill and rape, the situation in Myanmar has clearly gone out of hand. Even Aung San Suu Kyi has remained a mute spectator to the killings and mayhem.<br />
<br />
She has done little to speak on the issue or even intervene in this conflict. The junta remains passive and international pressure hasn't prompted it to act. Even Dalai Lama, an international Buddhist figure, paid mere lip service, rather, than taking a bold stand in order to mediate.<br />
<br />
The Time Magazine must be congratulated for exposing this religious fanaticism. One just hopes that the Buddhist majority would realise how their religion and the <b>message of Buddha has been hijacked by the monks, who are giving bad name to Buddhism. </b><br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-14125216648515576682013-06-20T13:31:00.002-07:002013-06-20T13:36:06.609-07:00Jain family gets separate water connection to avoid line shared with Muslim, Christian families<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirh0V44H2tk6JmVzfiY8N7V7ScZm45CMbNyNORC5vLn963j_sEhctxWobORP3TXZ0AAnYA0QmS2wdlwqsAluQ2VVIdcNgDxcmqL36PdgGN_5ykehbhtGpBG01QyzUkFKRukCmHpTYMjo0/s1600/Jain+family+in+Mumbai%27s+Khar+gets+separate+water+connection+to+avoid+sharing+with+Muslim+and+Christians+neighbour.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirh0V44H2tk6JmVzfiY8N7V7ScZm45CMbNyNORC5vLn963j_sEhctxWobORP3TXZ0AAnYA0QmS2wdlwqsAluQ2VVIdcNgDxcmqL36PdgGN_5ykehbhtGpBG01QyzUkFKRukCmHpTYMjo0/s1600/Jain+family+in+Mumbai's+Khar+gets+separate+water+connection+to+avoid+sharing+with+Muslim+and+Christians+neighbour.JPG" /></a></div>
A Mumbai-based Jain family got a separate water connection because they didn't want to share the same line with Christian and Muslim families.<br />
<br />
This shocking case has once again shown how communalism permeates our society. The 'educated' and 'affluent' remain no less afflicted by this communal bug. Interestingly, the Jains are also considered a religious minority in India.<br />
<br />
Though there instances when a few Jain, Bania and Gujarati families denied houses to Muslims or non-vegetarians across India, this incident has brought to fore the communal divide and deep seated religious prejudices in the country. <br />
<br />
The report was first published in Times of India's Mumbai Mirror. It was later carried in other papers. Communals exist in all sections of the society. But this tendency reflected in Chogmal's Jain's application to BMC when he requested for separate water connection citing his religious reasons, is sickening.<br />
<br />
It a sad story. To some, it may seem a small incident that could be
ignored but in reality it shows how we lack values and all talks about
our 'grand traditions, culture, history and civilisation' are just farce
because there is nothing of that sort visible on the ground.<br />
<br />
More so, when Jains who follow the path of Ahimsa or Non-Violence and Peace, turn to communalism, it looks distressing. For 70 years, these families were living together. The Aman Villa had a Amar-Akbar-Anthony till the revelation but not any more. <a href="http://www.mumbaimirror.com/mumbai/civic/Hindu-tenant-gets-separate-water-line/articleshow/20563685.cms">Read the Mirror report here</a>. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-57958188172477076352013-05-11T13:59:00.000-07:002013-05-11T14:03:17.184-07:00Election results indicate Nawaz Sharif's PMLN wins in Pakistan: Imran Khan's PTI, People's Party (PPP) lag behind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyBalGssJ7iQ0pOdDArrT8wF2HxSrnsDrRpNLRvxP2z8Bb74xAkI_9R_CfPdJviRoNqiPsqA3NT44Ey8VrtN950i9BbiDCLqrTK9GuRHIprIomYcHy5K_C-nzw6e-u5-TQISUgvabugo/s1600/Pakistan+waziristan+map.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyBalGssJ7iQ0pOdDArrT8wF2HxSrnsDrRpNLRvxP2z8Bb74xAkI_9R_CfPdJviRoNqiPsqA3NT44Ey8VrtN950i9BbiDCLqrTK9GuRHIprIomYcHy5K_C-nzw6e-u5-TQISUgvabugo/s200/Pakistan+waziristan+map.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Contrary to expectations, Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) failed to emerge as leading party in Pakistan.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As results of the elections for national assembly in Pakistan showed Pakistan Muslim League emerging as the clear leader in the National Assembly (NA).<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Veteran Nawaz Sharif is again going to become Prime Minister in the country. The PML-N may form the government on its own. The PPP and PTI will fight for the second and third positions. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The situation is bad for the Zardari-Bhuttos' PPP as it was struggling in different parts of the country. Still, it was an achievement for PTI which was winning in urban areas. While MQM may retain its hold in its pocket boroughs, the other political parties fared badly.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are no major surprises for the election 2013 except the emergence of Imran Khan's party. The PTI will now play the role of a strong opposition. For PPP leadership it will be the time to reflect and go back to the people.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-58974647363428506542013-05-08T13:59:00.002-07:002013-05-09T10:31:31.356-07:00South India shuts its door on BJP, Congress wins: Five reasons why BJP lost in Karnataka election<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1fp5-oRCK_nsI08q9oLEGpSB_vzlYtA-N6UaHREcDGBT2ID78KFK4O5P7vbtHuNkAQDC8zPvsZ_IPRPUXB7x_n6pxuuhqV7kjenl35NMIWevF7k-uPtoDq8fkQbpt-dJUPsJIHY3d5M/s1600/IndiaKarnataka.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1fp5-oRCK_nsI08q9oLEGpSB_vzlYtA-N6UaHREcDGBT2ID78KFK4O5P7vbtHuNkAQDC8zPvsZ_IPRPUXB7x_n6pxuuhqV7kjenl35NMIWevF7k-uPtoDq8fkQbpt-dJUPsJIHY3d5M/s320/IndiaKarnataka.JPG" width="262" /></a></div>
BJP has lost in the Assembly election in Karnataka.<br />
<br />
The defeat will pinch the Saffron party for long as the sole state that gave it an entry into Southern India, has now rejected it.<br />
<br />
But the party has none but itself to blame for the mess in the last five years.<br />
<br />
Here are the few reasons why the Karnataka's people voted against the BJP:<br />
<br />
<b>1.</b> Anti-Christian violence including attack on Churches and priests in 2008 that continued even later<br />
<b>2.</b> Bellary brothers took corruption to a new level<br />
<b>3.</b> Sri Ram Sene thrashed women, couples publicly<br />
<b>4.</b> Right-wing Hindutva outfits had free run for the last 5 years<br />
<b>5. </b>Inter-religious couples, Muslims also faced the ire<br />
<br />
You can add to it INCUMBENCY and YEDDY factor.<br />
<br />
In Karnataka, which prided on its culture, BJP had allowed organisations like Ram Sene, Bajrang Dal and similar other groups, a free run. The state machinery rarely acted against them. As Bangalore became Bengaluru, the last five years also saw state getting defamed.<br />
<br />
For coastal Karnataka (around Mangalore) where education levels are high, the activities of RSS lumpens had brought shame. It was no longer a modern state. The image of educated Kannadiga had changed to an uncouth, bigoted person.<br />
<br />
<b>Women had seen enough of rioting and moral policing. From Valentine's Day to parties in pub, nothing was beyond the Saffron reach.</b> Perhaps, this was enough. Karnataka's pride was wounded. Yeddyurappa's exit also cost BJP dearly.<br />
<br />
But it was a decisive vote against BJP. In 65 years after independence, Karnataka had never seen such a phase of communal riots and disharmony that it went through after BJP came to power in 2008. Now Congress has got the mandate, a clear majority in 2013 polls.<br />
<br />
There will be expectations. The BJP should reflect on its wrongdoings. For the moment, its' celebration time for Congress though they can't be complacent. BJP is out of South India despite Narendra Modi campaigning here. Let's see what strategy they have for future as General Elections are not far away now.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-32746768017156669492013-01-19T12:21:00.000-08:002013-05-08T13:27:10.731-07:00Migration of Kashmiri Pandits (KPs): Don't make it Kashmiri Pandit Vs Kashmiri Muslim Issue<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPHyttkBPcslLAnY5yISFndBiwAwbsvCZdg8EefUsu_ScTr3YYK-RG3IQhIOlvMh_jCSAdnzeWAh3wNwlKRlqM3fzcPUcom8UJT0Vu5qn8jjzgX3nM9Odm6DiHj2Hpjagx-YOyPHMOxw/s1600/Kashmiri+Pandits+migration+is+a+tragedy+but+there+should+not+be+politics+over+it.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPHyttkBPcslLAnY5yISFndBiwAwbsvCZdg8EefUsu_ScTr3YYK-RG3IQhIOlvMh_jCSAdnzeWAh3wNwlKRlqM3fzcPUcom8UJT0Vu5qn8jjzgX3nM9Odm6DiHj2Hpjagx-YOyPHMOxw/s320/Kashmiri+Pandits+migration+is+a+tragedy+but+there+should+not+be+politics+over+it.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The Kashmiri Pandits (KPs) had to leave their home state Kashmir. Their displacement was a monumental tragedy.<br />
<br />
Every sensitive persons understands their pain and speaks in support of the community. Even 'separatist' leaders today urge the KPs to return.<br />
<br />
While every such issue must be looked with a humanitarian aspect, the Kashmir issue gets communalised in a strange way: Militants targeted Kashmiri Pandits but they also targeted Kashmiri Muslims, thousands of whom died in the last three decades.<br />
<br />
On one hand the issue of exile of the KPs is raised, the issue of security forces' excesses is a Holy Cow. Nobody wants to discuss the 'mass graves' found in the Valley. TV channels don't want to talk about the 'missing thousands' of children and teenagers in J&K.<br />
<br />
They ignore atrocities like rapes and custodial tortures. Life is not easy for a Kashmiri even today. The channels don't show it. Journalists visit refugee camps but avoid talking about fake encounters or human rights abuse. Over 200 Kashmiri Pandits died in the militant attacks in Kashmir. <b>It is a shame. </b><br />
<br />
But also around <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insurgency_in_Jammu_and_Kashmir">47,000 Kashmiri Muslims have been killed in this conflict</a>. This is also a big shame. If the former is a holocaust or genocide as described repeatedly, what is the latter? Both are not different and should not be seen differently.<br />
<br />
Ironically, in the last few years, focus is less on getting the KPs back, but more on exploiting the migration of the Pandit community, to serve narrow political interests and further a particular ideology that divides people on religious lines.<br />
<br />
The right-wing political parties and groups who have tried their best to milk the issue of displacement has never supported the Kashmiri Pandits wholeheartedly. For them, it is just a routine exercise to target the so-called secularists or further their own agenda.<br />
<br />
Often people say that KPs shouldn't have migrated, rather they should have stayed, endured and fought. Just like Muslims who suffered tremendously in Gujarat but continued to live despite a hostile administration, police and angry neighbours.<br />
<br />
I don't buy this argument and to discuss it more than two decades later, it's a bad joke. All situations are different. There are different versions of what happened in the era when Jagmohan was governor and KP exodus began. Today the J&K government is repeatedly calling KPs to return.<br />
<br />
Government may not be doing as much as one expects but the society is also welcoming them. Separatist leaders say that they open arms for KPs. Hundreds of jobs have been given to KPs recently and they have returned also. Muslims go out of way to ensure success of Amarnath Yatra (Vaishnav Devi) every year.<br />
<br />
There are many real life stories of Muslims keeping the temples safe all these years. In this situation, pitting KPs against KMs is totally wrong and deplorable. On social networking websites, enormous amount of hate is directed against Muslims, who are blamed for KP exodus.<br />
<br />
This serves the Sangh Parivar, BJP and RSS. But it doesn't help the Kashmiris, either Hindus or Muslims. It doesn't help non-Kashmiris in India. This only helps in furthering the divisive agenda of a segment. But many fall in this trap.<br />
<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, people who talk of one tragedy, don't want to talk about another tragedy. Naturally, the issue gets communalised and puts victims as opponents. <b>Why both tragedies shouldn't be spoken about in the same breath?</b> When you talk of militants killing people, why it doesn't include all.<br />
<br />
Why the encounters, illegal detentions and firing on 'stone pelters' (teenagers and boys) is not considered as a tragedy. It either deliberately (by design) or unknowingly becomes a Kashmiri Pandit Vs Kashmiri Muslim issue. We shouldn't let this happen. Don't divide. Don't differentiate sufferings.<br />
<br />
It is not KP Vs KM. It should be Kashmiri Pandit+Kashmiri Muslim. Or simply Kashmir.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-70617203278063256862012-08-21T14:11:00.000-07:002012-08-21T14:11:16.050-07:00False propaganda over Bangladeshi immigrants responsible for Bodo-Muslim clashes!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PSsqjelQ0Ht9GYx-ycIt5rAh29xNtgm953PdbUS5dzd4u_RFtU7MpxQ3xbRUKdSlPzEFMp4xXCM7SGCzsoDWFxPCUgZNYiLLnnCP1kqRrq5UZdhIk0vXLL591BSVKLqKc7jj6hoD_nQ/s1600/assam+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PSsqjelQ0Ht9GYx-ycIt5rAh29xNtgm953PdbUS5dzd4u_RFtU7MpxQ3xbRUKdSlPzEFMp4xXCM7SGCzsoDWFxPCUgZNYiLLnnCP1kqRrq5UZdhIk0vXLL591BSVKLqKc7jj6hoD_nQ/s320/assam+map.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>RSS' propaganda over immigration has affected media also</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For years, there has been a sustained campaign that Muslim population has been growing by leaps and bounds in Assam.<br />
<br />
The truth is exactly the opposite. However, the fact is that if a lie is repeated hundreds of times, people tend to believe it. With Sangh Parivar and its allied groups mouthing the same at every forum on ground and on internet, it had already prejudiced the minds.<br />
<br />
The outbreak of the Bodo-Muslim clashes that have displaced lakhs of people in Assam, must send us into introspective mode. After 65 years of independence, we are yet to gain maturity. The Kokrajhar violence just shows it.<br />
<br />
Though the state government's inept handling is another aspect, national media also fell prey to the bogey of immigrants' capturing Assam. Census reports clearly show that there is no en masse entry of Bangladeshi Muslims in Assam.<br />
<br />
Even native Assamese Muslims are labelled as Bangla and outsiders. This is a sad situation. Nilim Dutta, who is head of <em style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">Strategic Research and Analysis Organisation, Guwahati </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">has delved into the issue of violence in Assam at length.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;">Poisoning the minds of people is easy in this age. But its also important that one should de-communalize it. To understand the complexities behind the violence, the tensions, the land related issues and the cause of trouble in Kokrajhar, first have an unbiased mind and then<a href="http://kafila.org/2012/08/16/the-myth-of-the-bangladeshi-and-violence-in-assam-nilim-dutta/"> read this article here.</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-52808660944337986902012-07-01T12:40:00.000-07:002012-07-01T12:45:32.094-07:00Attack on MLA Rumi Nath in Assam signifies a new low for Indian society: Corruption okay, Choice of husband not!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuS9vXKBe3KW2XawGb3EZwgfFyBl_kUOkS-rmcOp5LQa34BZUXV9p-XVy0A2MnlzK21-uwfhpJnAtoFnBqCXfxdIP5ofkHxUocFfpnUfXJ_5ZrYew-I_EUaOQ_c7b539J14lFp1qEG2AA/s1600/Fine+with+corruption+but+not+a+woman's+choice+of+husband,+shows+Indian+society's+hypocrisy+regarding+women+as+pregnant+MLA+Rumi+Nath+was+beaten+back+and+blue+in+Karimganj+in+Assam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuS9vXKBe3KW2XawGb3EZwgfFyBl_kUOkS-rmcOp5LQa34BZUXV9p-XVy0A2MnlzK21-uwfhpJnAtoFnBqCXfxdIP5ofkHxUocFfpnUfXJ_5ZrYew-I_EUaOQ_c7b539J14lFp1qEG2AA/s320/Fine+with+corruption+but+not+a+woman's+choice+of+husband,+shows+Indian+society's+hypocrisy+regarding+women+as+pregnant+MLA+Rumi+Nath+was+beaten+back+and+blue+in+Karimganj+in+Assam.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Corruption fine, not woman's choice of husband!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We tolerate corruption worth billions, raise no voice against injustice to poor and never take to streets to protest the misdeeds of bureaucrats but hundreds gathered to attack the woman over her marriage.<br />
<br />
Even if she married again, without proper divorce (this is just an unsubstantiated allegation) from her first husband, its her personal life and action can be taken as per law.<br />
<br />
But who are the citizens who 'teach her lesson'. How many of them who attacked her were saints who had committed no crime during their life on this earth.<br />
<br />
A hapless pregnant woman was targeted and beaten up by hundreds because they suspected she married Jaki Zakir, a Muslim, after conversion to Islam and without divorce. It was our society's collective hypocrisy at its best, when people entered her hotel room and targeted the couple.<br />
<br />
She was seriously injured in the brutal attack. Rumi Nath's husband also received multiple injuries. The incident in Karimganj angered her supporters in Hailakundi, who held protests. Tension was in several parts of the state, due to this dastardly assault.<br />
<br />
The entire attack was shown on TV screens and NCW took a note of it. There was outrage in some sections but overall the 'Holier than thou' attitude and the role of playing moral police has showed our society in poor light.<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">The right-wing Hindutva forces are doing incalculable damage to our secular fabric and the multi-cultural ethos. Time to identify and arrest the guilty and punish them severely so that no one in future dares to take such an action. </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-48248251557427698342012-04-16T07:55:00.002-07:002012-04-16T08:00:25.481-07:00Afzal Guru Vs Balwant Singh Rajoana: India's hanging dilemma, BJP's strange politics and need for a rethink on capital punishment!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUfKDGZEJv0t2g7urfsS5Yd9PM3nzhQtIiaVL84c2jv0nryuqaEaRqA5WH73VVdEKkSS1tZY7fQGStMHGsTYZL_NZfRF37IC1TnzJtxuGAkDwOOm-1MaJqYe2QsscJxjcqNsSF8ITGBQ/s1600/Balwant+Singh+Rajoana+issue+raises+the+question+why+anti-Sikh+and+anti-Muslim+riot+accused+are+still+scot-free.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUfKDGZEJv0t2g7urfsS5Yd9PM3nzhQtIiaVL84c2jv0nryuqaEaRqA5WH73VVdEKkSS1tZY7fQGStMHGsTYZL_NZfRF37IC1TnzJtxuGAkDwOOm-1MaJqYe2QsscJxjcqNsSF8ITGBQ/s200/Balwant+Singh+Rajoana+issue+raises+the+question+why+anti-Sikh+and+anti-Muslim+riot+accused+are+still+scot-free.jpg" width="161" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Balwant Singh Rajoana</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The BJP leaders who are most vocal over the demand to hang Afzal Guru, were singing different tunes when it came the issue of hanging Balwant Singh Rajoana, the Sikh militant who was convicted for assassination of Beant Singh.<br />
<br />
In parliament, BJP's leaders spoke against capital punishment to Rajoana. Already, in Punjab a huge movement against the hanging, had built up. Law-and-order situation was fluid once again. The jailer said that he couldn't hang Rajoana, despite court's orders.<br />
<br />
<u>Sushma Swaraj was no longer mouthing fire over 'Centre's delay'</u> in hanging the convict. Clearly, it was coalition-era politics consideration that was a reason for this stand. The same party has been aggressively pushing for execution of Parliament attack accused Afzal Guru.<br />
<br />
As Akal Takht ordered the Punjab Chief Minister to ensure that Rajoana was not executed, the Chief Minister acted as per the directions. Akal Takht, the supreme Sikh body, had suggested to Parkash Singh Badal, that he should take up the issue of staying the execution with President Pratibha Patil and PM Manmohan Singh.<br />
<br />
Rajoana's supporters said that among those prosecuted, he was the only person who didn't contest the charges. He didn't engage a lawyer and also refused to accept the government appointed lawyer. The situation is quite similar to the Guru case though.<br />
<br />
The issue of clemency led to an upsurge of popular opinion among Sikhs. The jailer refused to conduct the execution in his prison. Administration and police were wary of the situation as well. There were violent protests in Punjab.<br />
<br />
To a large number of people it may seem insane that a 'terrorist' is not being hanged and there is a movement to stay the death sentence. But one must see from a larger perspective. The Sikhs perhaps rightly question that why Rajoanas get death sentence, but nothing happens to those who were behind the horrific dance of death in Delhi in 1984.<br />
<br />
Rioters and the <u>politicians who led the killer mobs that led to rapes and murders in Delhi, remain scot-free.</u> Of course, one wrong doesn't justify the other. But slow judicial process, either in case of the Delhi anti-Sikh massacre or Gujarat anti-Muslim carnage, are reasons for this pain among minorities.<br />
<br />
Big politicians who fanned the flames of hatred and were responsible for the large scale killings in riots are never prosecuted. They didn't spend a day in jail. They were not prosecuted under TADA or POTA.<br />
<br />
After the desecration of Golden Temple in 1984, the extra-judicial killings, the overzealous cops' excesses in Punjab and human rights violations aren't forgotten as yet. Communal riots create deep scars and it's high time that the governments must ensure that the accused get punished.<br />
<br />
Else, there will always be comparisons and discomforting situations. Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab are too states that need healing touch, rather than mob justice. When cases involving influential persons can drag for decades, there can be a thought surely when it comes to hangings that may inflame passions.<br />
<br />
These issues must be dealt with sensitivity. For the moment, the hanging has been stayed. But the larger issue remains. Will politicians who preside over riots and communal pogroms face similar cases and get harsh sentences or they are above the law? <br />
<br />
Of course, a debate is needed on capital punishment. Most countries have done away with his practice. In India also, the popular persons with mass support would never be given death sentence. Then, why continue this practice, at all?<br />
<br />
Let's discuss it right now. Rather than wait for the next Guru or Rajoana.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-13837984511660347852012-02-27T10:34:00.001-08:002012-02-29T21:23:29.028-08:00Gujarat Genocide: Ten years after riots wounds remain, justice eludes victims, Narendra Modi still at the helm<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVPVo2y8rVXzCDpRJsWwtnCioxQ6dcIlgvn7MMWlFy1BB84F1ihzqqaJw_A8b4cVvHnkSCcc4LZTJOrLqfDQeHnaQwa3Ca59V10Go-6q7grlpkhyphenhyphenClEuSa0VnjD3Zoc6Wx9enEFJw9U8/s1600/Hindutva+hate+lab+in+Gujarat+had+led+to+the+ghastly+killings+that+left+the+world+shocked+in+2002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVPVo2y8rVXzCDpRJsWwtnCioxQ6dcIlgvn7MMWlFy1BB84F1ihzqqaJw_A8b4cVvHnkSCcc4LZTJOrLqfDQeHnaQwa3Ca59V10Go-6q7grlpkhyphenhyphenClEuSa0VnjD3Zoc6Wx9enEFJw9U8/s1600/Hindutva+hate+lab+in+Gujarat+had+led+to+the+ghastly+killings+that+left+the+world+shocked+in+2002.jpg" /></a></div>
Ten years ago Indian state, Gujarat, witnessed a modern era holocaust. The birthplace of Gandhi turned into the land Godse*.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Independent India's worst riot(s) that was termed as state-sponsored pogrom and even genocide had made the world sit up and notice how the land where the apostle of non-violence was born, turned into the land of killers.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The horrific killings had disgusted even BJP leaders. It was India's plunge into dark ages. Gujaratis, the business community, were not known for intolerance. One recall the period with words like mass murders, rapes and killing of infants or images of hate-spilling eyes that now characterize the era. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Godhra train burning was an incident that was used to target entire Muslim population in Gujarat. Hate had swept Gujarat. Much water has flown down the Sabarmati since then and it is common now to say that Gujarat has moved on. But is it true?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The BJP was at the helm in Gujarat then. Narendra Modi was the chief Minister. Ten years later there is not a slight difference in status quo. There is no regret or remorse. The successful PR exercise has to an extent positioned the Gujarat CM as 'vikas purush'.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Riot victims remain on the fringe of the society. Justice eludes them. Muslims live as second class citizens. Whenever one talks of Gujarat's post-Godhra massacre, the BJP and RSS sympathisers try to draw parallel with 1984 riots.<br />
<br />
The difference is that Congress apologised for the riots. Narendra Modi hasn't said a word about it. He doesn't accept a mere skullcap from a Muslim Sufi who met him recently. There is no gesture to show that the state government cares for victims.<br />
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqItVXhBBoN9hnDa4jJ90kfrcoH0Hcd00Ot1LsMEnrAl6I2gDcGSG196r8OO1A52p7q-jYnQffdI3vYIKO_8COFNlz-WoaQN9zT0phc56iIkrGgzsl5s9C04z2T4z6NnQSoUtqUAo2eg0/s1600/surat+ahmedabad+gujrat+map.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqItVXhBBoN9hnDa4jJ90kfrcoH0Hcd00Ot1LsMEnrAl6I2gDcGSG196r8OO1A52p7q-jYnQffdI3vYIKO_8COFNlz-WoaQN9zT0phc56iIkrGgzsl5s9C04z2T4z6NnQSoUtqUAo2eg0/s200/surat+ahmedabad+gujrat+map.bmp" width="200" /></a></div>
In 2002, children were burnt alive, women raped and entire residential townships wiped off. Incidents like the one when a pregnant woman's stomach was torn up and the foetus was thrown in fire, brought shame for the country.<br />
<br />
So much that the word Gujarat itself became synonymous with Injustice. No amount of progress can change the perception unless the justice is done. SIT inquiry is on. Its report on Narendra Modi's role is being awaited.<br />
<br />
Whether it holds him responsible or not, there is need to make amends in Gujarat and there is no doubt in this regard. Gujaratis should also introspect. A financially strong state can not be vibrant and progressive unless there is humanitarian concern and inclusiveness.<br />
<br />
*Godse. Nathuram Godse was a Hindu fanatic who had shot Mahatma Gandhi dead in 1948.</div>
</div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-1924117425684338402011-09-06T12:04:00.000-07:002011-09-06T12:04:42.784-07:00BJP loses moral high ground on corruption to Congress<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxPEd753y3X2gGYr_OfMfkPLtTeUWWsEu1_SbgaFdaQ7_oIZTDhFVt7B0gk_ghr08AI5GQefsX9MxDgnTUENh8UpQh-UMdVCOTugOXbCBc6o1Dp1xk0-smCOCI64TPzUgFPKyFFoSBxI/s1600/Why+should+the+BJP+oppose+a+Lokayukta+in+Gujarat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCxPEd753y3X2gGYr_OfMfkPLtTeUWWsEu1_SbgaFdaQ7_oIZTDhFVt7B0gk_ghr08AI5GQefsX9MxDgnTUENh8UpQh-UMdVCOTugOXbCBc6o1Dp1xk0-smCOCI64TPzUgFPKyFFoSBxI/s320/Why+should+the+BJP+oppose+a+Lokayukta+in+Gujarat.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Why should the BJP oppose Lokayukta in Gujarat?</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Is there much difference between BJP and Congress when it comes to Corruption? The answer may vary as per a person's perception and his/her liking for either of the parties.<br />
<br />
But for the last few months, BJP had got an upper hand over Congress. The ruling party was cornered due to scams. The huge corruption in Commonwealth Games had put the UPA on the defensive. The spectrum scam involving DMK and Congress had worsened the situation for the party.<br />
<br />
With Anna Hazare's agitation, the BJP got another shot in the arm. Corruption had become the national issue. Congress seemed incapable of handling the situation. But no sooner did the Governor in Gujarat appointed a Lokayukta, the BJP was crying hoarse.<br />
<br />
The fact that Narendra Modi government had not appointed a Lokayukta for <b>seven years</b> is ample proof of the state government's reluctance in establishing an anti-corruption ombudsman. However, when as per the Gujarat state act, the Governor appointed the Lokayukta, the BJP leaders went on staging protests.<br />
<br />
The manner in which the party has made it an issue from street to President's House, has once again showed it in extreme poor light. If Modi administration is clean, why should the BJP be wary of a Lokayukta? Unless of course, its leaders are as corrupt as Reddy brotherss of Karnataka. Most of the major states have the institution.<br />
<br />
With CBI arresting the Bellary brothers--the Reddys--for illegal mining and stashing away huge wealth, the focus is back on Karnataka. The BJP that had an advantage over Congress has once again lost it. As its ex-MPs are sent to jail by court in Cash for Vote scams, the party can only curse itself for mishandling the situation.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-58093836680081101342011-08-22T13:38:00.000-07:002011-08-22T13:59:38.937-07:00Anna Hazare: Anti-Corruption Crusader or Elitists's pawn!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiel46i565h1i6qIAiqmZwsQQ5IDsyZYnoPs5nAlQNms_4GuGUUnhofkWItvmCm_BPqUqRmLwk-GeejgauN_xg6BjhHUTnZgTlrFemRTvE7YKkwlI4e6fyW3KU7Vu-3yUcd8EFUt1VOyUM/s1600/Is+Anna+Hazare%2527s+lokpal+bill+the+panacea+that+will+get+us+rid+of+corruption+in+India.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiel46i565h1i6qIAiqmZwsQQ5IDsyZYnoPs5nAlQNms_4GuGUUnhofkWItvmCm_BPqUqRmLwk-GeejgauN_xg6BjhHUTnZgTlrFemRTvE7YKkwlI4e6fyW3KU7Vu-3yUcd8EFUt1VOyUM/s320/Is+Anna+Hazare%2527s+lokpal+bill+the+panacea+that+will+get+us+rid+of+corruption+in+India.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Four months after Anna Hazare's movement had <a href="http://hindustaniat.blogspot.com/2011/04/rss-bid-to-take-over-anna-hazares.html">fizzled out due to allegations of RSS infiltration</a> and the fiasco surrounding yoga guru Baba Ram Dev's entry into the scene, the veteran has once again taken centre stage in Indian politics.<br />
<br />
The septuagenarian is sitting on a fast at the Ramlila Ground for a week. As support for him grows across the country, the centre seems to have lost its way. UPA leaders are at their at loss how to contain the rising tide of anger against the UPA government.<br />
<br />
With citizens laying siege at the residences of ministers and MPs, clearly the Anna phenomenon has taken the nation by the storm. With Sonia Gandhi away, Congress leaders are having a tough time devising a strategy to check he frenzy.<br />
<br />
Anna Hazare hasn't got adequate support from some sections including Dalits and Backwards. But his team has made it up with active support of the print and electionc media and the vocal middle-class, which have the capacity to make or break any movement.<br />
<br />
There is criticism that the <u>'civil society' is dictating terms</u>. That they are autocratic and don't tolerate dissent. That <u>those who are against it are readily termed 'anti-national' or less patriotic</u>. That this movement is starting a new trend which will subvert authority of democratic institutions.<br />
<br />
Fears have been expressed that Hazare who had earlier praised Narendra Modi and who didn't take stand on a wide range of issues has been used as a pawn in the so-called fight against corruption which aims at weakening constitutional authorities.<br />
<br />
Even activist Arundhati Roy has cricitised Anna's methods. She says that he may be a Gandhian but his ways are not. In an article published in The Hindu, she drew comparison with Maoists, saying that Team Anna also wants to take over power without any regard for constitution or electoral process.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_3iUzky4GoF2qx3bAgL5pSTOhgVNqsBTehWRTMwD9ije77u5oM-YzAFx4hRrdwCNCRuYNwEMkwCoc2bQs_HOaspZ8JlXlWtNecg4eDw8WO8iuCxeQPQ0B_5OMe4JdmY0szSOaxZ4q8U/s1600/Actress+Urmila+Matondkar+sitting+in+support+of+anna+celebrities+are+endorsing+his+cause.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_3iUzky4GoF2qx3bAgL5pSTOhgVNqsBTehWRTMwD9ije77u5oM-YzAFx4hRrdwCNCRuYNwEMkwCoc2bQs_HOaspZ8JlXlWtNecg4eDw8WO8iuCxeQPQ0B_5OMe4JdmY0szSOaxZ4q8U/s320/Actress+Urmila+Matondkar+sitting+in+support+of+anna+celebrities+are+endorsing+his+cause.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Urmila Matondkar endorses Anna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Roy has said that while 10,000 people protesting at Koodankulam don't get five minutes on TV, any demonstration that is supported by the top layer like the current agitation at Ramlila Maidan is given extensive coverage by the news channels.<br />
<br />
Anna magic has surely caught the ruling party by surprise. It is not just man on the street or the activist, celebrities including Bollywood actors are supporting his mass movement. In fact, it has become a sort of fashion to root for Anna.<br />
<br />
But the tone and tenor of the protesters worry intelligentsia. While a section condemned the government crackdown and its refusal to deal with Anna, there was a feeling that the self-righteous attitude of Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi and the team that 'Either you are with us or against us' is wrong.<br />
<br />
Interestingly, Congress has said that the campaign comprises anarchists, fascists and maoists. It is also being alleged that the right-wing groups are using the Anna movement to appropriate the jingoistic Hindutva line in Indian political mainstream.<br />
<br />
There is a campaign on facebook to portray Anna's movement as casteist. It is alleged that the team is working to protect the interests of the Upper Castes. <u>Parallels are being drawn with the Ram Mandir movement and the Mandal agitation</u>, both directed against underprivileged sections.<br />
<br />
On the contrary, Anna's supporters have said that it is a historic moment and it's time when a strong law could be enacted through people's pressure. They claim that it is a smear campaign that is directed against them to weaken the movement.<br />
<br />
With government losing its confidence by the day, Anna Hazare's moment has surely arrived. It is to be seen if the Centre manages to take steam out of the agitation or the anti-corruption drive will succeed in getting the government nod on its Jan Lokpal bill.<br />
<br />
It's only after the bill that one may ask, what next! And will the all powerful Lokpal under whose ambit comes every institution, bring the much needed transparency to this country and in process get us rid of the menace of corruption which we encounter in our daily lives.<br />
<br />
Time will tell.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-40966698049564451892011-04-17T12:19:00.000-07:002011-04-17T12:20:03.888-07:00RSS bid to take over Anna Hazare's movement backfires, helps scam-hit Congress<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVs1MdoywbjcmFtswBtsdXPSu0idmpFsT3rHCGZIxi2Z59DgpACAf0TZAwkqhwZ33CDAWt_rHDjKWHq6YikHPf2_DAxe_43NiSi5mwYUAE6foqDyhZgnN_syhV98QcM8CysSlQlIjTX4/s1600/Anna+Hazare%2527s+movement+against+corruption+lost+credibility+due+to+BJP+and+RSS+leaders%2527+immature+conduct+and+it+helped+Congress.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVs1MdoywbjcmFtswBtsdXPSu0idmpFsT3rHCGZIxi2Z59DgpACAf0TZAwkqhwZ33CDAWt_rHDjKWHq6YikHPf2_DAxe_43NiSi5mwYUAE6foqDyhZgnN_syhV98QcM8CysSlQlIjTX4/s400/Anna+Hazare%2527s+movement+against+corruption+lost+credibility+due+to+BJP+and+RSS+leaders%2527+immature+conduct+and+it+helped+Congress.JPG" width="205" /></a></div>Gandhian Anna Hazare's movement against corruption evoked an unprecedented response from across the country, particularly, the middle-class and youths.<br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />But just when the Congress-led UPA government was appearing to be cornered and the party think tank was worried as to how they should deal with this surge of popular emotions, something unexpected happened.<br /><br />One after the other, controversial personalities linked to RSS seemed to take over Anna's movement. From Uma Bharati to Ram Madhav, almost everybody in the Hindutva Parivar was keen to reach Jantar Mantar and offer its solidarity to Anna's 'Aandolan' on the Lokpal bill issue.<br /><br /><b>Yoga guru Baba Ramdev</b> who is known for his pro-BJP and Hindutva links seemed to be taking over the agitation. The growing <u>Saffron presence</u> was visible not just in the form of posters and banners at the venue. But, the slogans chanted at the 'dharna' were also turning right-wing and in accordance with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's ideology.<br /><br />Anna may be a naive person. But the statements, particularly, his praising Narendra Modi, was the final nail in the coffin of the movement. Modi himself hasn't appointed a Lokayukta in Gujarat for years. And everyone knows that there is a problem with his acceptability over the issue of post-Godhra riots.<br /><br />So Anna fell in the trap. The campaign that had taken along a vast majority of Indians including the young generation and the generally apathetic middle-class was now losing its direction. When activists said that 'everybody' was 'welcome' in the 'fight against corruption', it signalled a clear <u>Hindutva takeover</u>.<br /><br />Poor Anna lost his credibility. The central government that was on the backfoot was no longer as shaky. After all, there seemed chinks in the agitation. The secular Indian was worried, as he had seen VP Singh's anti-corruption fight leading to a parallel rise of right-wing that caused the demolition of Babri Masjid.<br /><br />One after the other, the corruption cases ranging from 2G spectrum case to CWG (Commonwealth Games) mess had put the Congress in an embarrassing position. Anna Hazare's fast had stirred citizens, led to public anger and had shaken the government.<br /><br />Surely government agencies must have been doing their best to discredit Anna and his movement. They had failed so far. But RSS' over-activism gave the government a shot in the arm. It made the government's job easy. Soon came the statements from all corners<br /><br />The sudden allegation of nepotism over the presence of Shanti Bhushan and his son Prashant Bhushan by Ramdev were even more surprising. Narendra Modi's statement that Anna would be targeted for praising him and later the CD row, <u>led to even more confusio</u>n.<br /><br />What was turning into the <u>most powerful mass movement</u> in recent Indian history was killed. The surprising (and immature) role of RSS and its political front BJP is all the more surprising in the entire episode as the movement was eventually going to help the BJP.<br /><br />So will the BJP explain it? </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-46585926397070538172011-02-08T13:27:00.000-08:002011-02-08T13:27:45.635-08:00Sex Scandal in JNU: The trend of circulating pornographic MMS, video clips<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD52Ok6S1Ye6vEzjbaiaIWKvgVvBXprpDwYhvaCWNSmmw3adxG060SCDeZfqSUZ8FCwql8wuu2K15FOZH6TfJip-nYRXri_Nol2MZXI02V1ab9b2a65e7Mt-S5IWEYAOxRDMyVRtGOpmI/s1600/MMS+scandals+in+India+are+a+shame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD52Ok6S1Ye6vEzjbaiaIWKvgVvBXprpDwYhvaCWNSmmw3adxG060SCDeZfqSUZ8FCwql8wuu2K15FOZH6TfJip-nYRXri_Nol2MZXI02V1ab9b2a65e7Mt-S5IWEYAOxRDMyVRtGOpmI/s400/MMS+scandals+in+India+are+a+shame.jpg" width="115" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Say No to porn MMS</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
A dangerous trend of circulating pornographic MMS clips has caught on among youths and even the middle-aged professionals in India.<br />
<br />
The recent JNU scandal in Delhi highlights how young girls and boys get carried away and shoot their own private moments which later turn not just embarrassing for them but can also put them into jail. But the 'culture' of circulating MMS has acquired alarming proportions.<br />
<br />
It's much easier than carrying the blue film cassettes or even X-rated CDs as umpteen films can be kept in your cell phone. But little do people realise that even sending the clips in a serious criminal offence in India.<br />
<br />
Sheer luck if no one complains but if you are unlucky and there is a police complaint about a porn clip forwarded by you, it can land you in prison for years as the Information Technology (IT) Act is much more serious about such crimes than you can ever imagine.<br />
<br />
The MMS scandals have ruined lives. Ironically the cases of youths blackmailing girls with the clips taken in the past are getting reported from all over India including small towns also. However, there is little the authorities or the government has done to create awareness.<br />
<br />
As St Valentine's Day approaches, take a vow that you will not store any sexually explicit image in your cell phone and avoid forwarding or sending any Multi-Media Service (MMS) clip that has a sexual content.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695518863641470435.post-6555026019984514632011-02-05T13:03:00.000-08:002011-02-05T13:03:37.140-08:00Injustice Vs Investment: Can Gujarat riots be forgotten, role of Narendra Modi forgiven?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUXC2CMTqD1sODesQfkS_wZroQnr4EI3uyxQ-sXsgwecFG6Tpt6_ZN5896pC0TDzrI2SDIO8MLCl3JXRNLncGzkJPuPjSi30nYMzR_PttmxnpD6qONMuNCHE_wzoFBHIk_jDcBEbq5Zk/s1600/Can+Narendra+Modi%2527s+role+for+bringing+investment+wipe+off+the+stains+of+post-Godhra+anti-Muslim+communal+riots.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUXC2CMTqD1sODesQfkS_wZroQnr4EI3uyxQ-sXsgwecFG6Tpt6_ZN5896pC0TDzrI2SDIO8MLCl3JXRNLncGzkJPuPjSi30nYMzR_PttmxnpD6qONMuNCHE_wzoFBHIk_jDcBEbq5Zk/s400/Can+Narendra+Modi%2527s+role+for+bringing+investment+wipe+off+the+stains+of+post-Godhra+anti-Muslim+communal+riots.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Almost a decade has past since the post-Godhra carnage took place in Gujarat. Much water has flown down Sabarmati since the riots and though the horrors haven't been forgotten, there are now voices that Indians must look ahead of Gujarat riots.<br />
<br />
Even editorials in mainstream newspapers have recently lauded Deoband rector Maulana Vastanvi for his statement that under Narendra Modi's rule, the state was going on a path of progress and the minorities are also tasting fruits of development and prosperity.<br />
<br />
It is becoming fashionable to praise Gujarat's booming economy. But to suggest that investment can wipe off the stains of bloodshed is ironical. Chief Minister Narendra Modi does deserve to get credit for his success in bringing investment in Gujarat but has he taken interest in ensuring justice for riot victims?<br />
<br />
Leave aside rehabilitation, justice or compensation, the Gujarat government hasn't even shown any remorse for the 2002 pogrom, which was nothing short of a genocide. If it was an aberration then there should have been efforts to get financial help to victims of violence.<br />
<br />
*Rioters remain free, victims remain in relief camps<br />
<br />
*State didn't take responsibility of rehabilitation and relief to riot-affected<br />
<br />
*Administration remains helpful to rioters<br />
<br />
*Upright officers are targeted or given punishment postings<br />
<br />
*Muslims framed under draconian POTA during post-Godhra riots remain in jails<br />
<br />
*Writers, poets, artists don't have freedom to speak and are persecuted<br />
<br />
*Criticism of state can lead a person to jail or registration of false cases<br />
<br />
*Muslim-dominated areas in Ahmedabad, Surat and other cities remain under-developed<br />
<br />
*Government remains inattentive towards need for hospitals, educational institutions in Muslim localities<br />
<br />
*Fake encounters have stopped but witnesses are pressurised, harassed<br />
<br />
*Even journalists who dared to speak or expose are hounded<br />
<br />
Though industrialists ranging from Rahul Bajaj to Ratan Tata are falling for the success story of Gujarat, one can't overlook the fact that today Gujarat that fashions itself as a sort of state-within-state is not adhering a bit to principles of justice for its citizens.<br />
<br />
The horrors of Gujarat and the blot of communal riots may have been washed off, had the state government taken some steps to resurrect itself. For Chief Minister Narendra Modi, it is not possible to acquire a pan-Indian acceptability unless his administration proves that it is just and not biased against Muslims, Christians and other underprivileged groups.<br />
<br />
The report of Supreme Court appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) has once again confirmed that the anti-Muslim pogrom had the support of state ministers. The Gujarati entrepreneurship is well-known and this is the reason for shining Gujarat. Time and again the Supreme Court has to step in to stop the injustices.<br />
<br />
And investment can't overshadow injustice. Just that Congress can't escape its responsibility for the 1984 mass killings of Sikhs in Delhi even after 27 years, BJP and its Chief Minister can't wipe this stain. <br />
<br />
As Chief Minister, he could have stopped the riots. Or in later years, his administration could have provided a healing touch. But there has been no signs of sympathy. Rhetoric apart, in a climate of hate and fear with no signs of remorse, it is impossible to forget the riots and forgive the perpetrators.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com