I n d i a n M u s l i m s L e a d i n g E n g l i s h N e w s p a p e r , p u b l i s h e d s i n c e J a n u a r y 2 0 0 0

MG THE
Fortnightly
285 Vol. 12 No. 23

MILLI GAZETTE
1-15 December 2011 32 pages
MAUJI KHAN... 16, 17 Terrorism 1,4,11,12,13,14 Communalism 7 India/Palestine 17 Babri 3 Reservation 4 Kalbe Sadiq 5 Mushawarat 6 JMI 8 Education 2 Sachar 8,9 Gujarat 10 J&K 12,14

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Analysis 12,14 Special Reports 3 Issues 2,12-13 Books 27 National 3-22 International 23-26 Speaking Out 14 Newsmakers 16 19-22 Community News Our Publications 28 Islamic Perspectives 9,29 Classifieds 30 Letters 31

UP: Mayas move may boomerang

MOHAMMAD SHAHID
ucknow: The UP Chief Minster, Ms Mayawati, had her way in getting the controversial resolution on division of UP into four smaller states passed by the UP Assembly in record 16 minutes during the winter session which lasted less than one and a half hour. Mayawati moved the resolution and got it passed by a voice vote even as the opposition Samajwadi Party members aimed paper missiles at the Speaker and held up placards decrying a minority rule in the state and their indecisive colleagues from the Congress and BJP watched on. Later, while the opposition parties blamed each other for the lapse which resulted in the success of Mayawati, a Samajwadi Party delegation presented a memorandum to the Governor condemning murder of democracy in the assembly and urged him to quash the proceedings of the House. Whatever decision the Centre or the Governor may take on the issue, the hurry in which a resolution on as important an issue as the division of the largest state of the country was passed without any debate does not show Mayawati in good light. Division of any state is connected with the emotions and sentiments of the people who get affected by it. Besides, the resources, population, culture and several other factors are taken into consideration before arriving at a final decision. And to achieve this, a debate and planning are required. But the way Mayawati rushed through the resolution only enforces the opposition claim that her move is an election gimmick to trip her political rivals. Also, Mayawati should know that playing on the sentiments and emotions of the people does not always pay as the Congress learnt it hard way in Telengana. Mayawati should, therefore, tread cautiously on the issue which has the potential of creating discontent in the state. The Chief Minister through her well-calculated move has not only tried to counter antiincumbency factor and reap the harvest in the forthcoming elections by polarising the voters

on this issue but also to draw long-term benefits of holding clout in the proposed smaller states by sheer power of her votebank. Mayawati knows that in the proposed states her votebank (Dalits) would be evenly spread in all the four states, thus she would have a chance to rule all or a majority of these states instead of just one big UP. Naturally, Samajwadi Party, whose influence in the proposed states will be limited to the central state and to some extent in Poorvanchal, has opposed the move and is planning to bring a no confidence motion against the state government in the coming winter session of the Assembly. The party also feels that in the absence of a clear stand by Congress and BJP on the issue, the party will get the votes of those opposed to the division of the state. On the other hand, Congress and BJP, the two parties having national presence, are confused. While Congress can neither openly oppose the move for fear of losing votes in the forthcoming elections nor support it because that would create problems for it in Telengana. BJP, which has been an advocate of smaller states and created Uttarakhand out of UP, naturally finds itself unable to oppose the move. But the saffron party is worried that the division of the state will create regions of high Muslim concentration in eastern and western states. The Congress and BJP are also worried because in smaller states more regional parties might crop up that may hamper their upward movement in these states. That is why the two parties have favoured a reorganization commission to work out the modalities before going ahead with the move. The demand for division of U.P. into smaller states is not new. Voices for Harit Pradesh, Poorvanchal Pradesh and Bundelkhand state have constantly been raised by leaders of the respective regions. These leaders and parties naturally welcomed the move but doubted Mayawatis intention in taking the decision in the twilight of her five year tenure. These leaders feel that if Mayawati was sincere she should have taken the initiative in the beginning of her tenure for then she would have

enough time to pursue it with the Centre. But moving the proposal on the eve of elections is certainly to divert attention from her misdeeds and draw poll benefits out of it. The Chief Minister, however, defends her move saying the power to carve out new states from bigger ones vests with the Centre. But seeing the Centre failing in its duty, I proposed division of the state for better management and development. But do smaller states guarantee better development because of their smaller size? The answer is in the negative if we go by the performance of Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh which were carved out of UP, Bihar and MP respectively. Some of these states fared worse than their parent states despite being smaller in size and having ade-

quate resources and those which fared better did it because of their efficient and honest administrations. The day corruption crept in the administration the efficiency declined. Thus management and development do not depend on the size of a unit, in this case a state, but on good governance and efficient and honest administration. Smaller states may be easy to govern but without efficient and honest administrations, better development cannot be achieved. Mayawati Government has proposed, it is now for the Centre to dispose. But the Centre is still groping with Telengana issue and cannot take a decision on Mayawatis proposal unless some solution is found of that issue too. So the division of UP remains a distant dream for now.

From arrest to bail: pathology of Malegaon

MUSTAFA KHAN
alegaon: Overwhelming people in Malegaon are good natured. That does not exonerate them from the few who are in a pathological condition. They are of course not terror-prone at all. Among the scourge that has exacted a terrible price from them is that the town is bustling with police informers. They would go to any extent to trap anyone for a trifling amount of money. There are also some who have liaison with police officers who use them in their nefarious designs. There are those who display expensive ornaments in a gaudy show that they are so close (intimate?) to the authorities. They are so meagre in possession that the gold is the symbol of having gained at long last the spoils of office and so they sashay and flaunt their decoration. Like Shakespeares characters in Measure for Measure, they make even the highest officer fall victim to their charms. By being exceptional, they have made Malegaon no less than the notorious towns of the old Bible, Sodom and Gomorrah. Thus adultery has come to stay. It finds manifestations. It subjugates the other better half to suit the ulterior designs of the rulers of the democratic set-up of sorts. It is this exception that has made the town suffer for its being otherwise so teeming with the good-hearted. Inversely speaking, looking at what the town went through, a recourse to literature leads to the truth, by indirection find direction out, as Hamlets would-be father-in-law Polonius says. In Joseph Conrads novel The Secret Agent, there is a sensible woman of middle class background. She has a retarded brother and marries a fat secret agent. She hopes that her husband would be kind to her brother in return. The agent is used by the police as well as Russia which uses him to snoop on the British. The masters in Russia want him to plant a bomb. The agent gives the bomb to his brother in law and sends him to the weather observatory. It explodes and kills the poor differently abled. When she comes to know the secret design of her husband she kills him and tries to escape to a foreign country. The police and Hindutva groups keep a tab on even this unseemly side of life in the town.

Reservation

If Congress is voted to power, well give you that

Sachar Misra

They have information of the age and gender of the child of the accused or children their kin have. Thus the registrar collecting the papers of bail and solvency from the nine accused lost her temper when the evening was etherized upon the table like a patient. When the people beseeched her to hurry up she flared up and even threatened to frame the twelve-year-old son of one of the accused in blast case. They protested that they would tell it to the media to check her move. Many of the accused have grown beards in the prison and others who already had made it wholesome as the five years had a bumper crop. One of the clean shaved was Abrar when he went to prison; and came out a bearded and clad in fashionable dress. In his affidavit of April 18, 2009 he speaks about Superintendent of Police Rajwardhan. The cop exhorted him to throw away the shoes which had been badly used and are torn. Abrar wrote that the cop wanted to drive a wedge between him and his wife. His advocate brother Jalil says that the wife and brother-in-law of Abrar got him framed up in the case. She, of course, sought to be divorced and is rumoured to have married another person to get rid of the nagging past. Her past might be like that but not her hubby. How can either of them redeem from their past? He in jail desired her photo as a companion to dispel loneliness in the cell. She inadvertently gave the photos which reveal more than the espousal companion he sought. She refused to be his companion in despair in the words of the subtitle of Alan Patons novel Cry, the Beloved Country. Coincidentally she is the next door neighbour of a famous man nicknamed Khurshid Bomb-walla. In 1968, a bomb had exploded in Ghoti neibourhood of Aurangabad. It was traced to a worker of Khurshid for which the owner of powerlooms and his worker were arrested. Jalil blames the family of his brothers wife as police informers. Thus, history repeats itself for those who forget their past. In the meantime, the people are celebrating the release of the accused little bothered by the Parliament-accused Prof SAR Gilanis counsel for caution, the release of an innocent accused is not a matter of celebration but a time for reflection.

MG/Yusuf

2 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011

ISSUES / OPINION

Should Religion Be Taught In Schools?

FR. ANAND MUTTUNGAL
mppro2@yahoo.com he debate on teaching Bhagwad Gita has again come to the forefront with the recent statement of the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh that Bhagwad Gita would be included in the states school curriculum. Teaching Gita is no crime and the government would include the teaching of Gita in educational curriculum. Shivraj Singh Chouhan said while addressing a function organised by the RSS-backed Saraswati Vidya Pratishthan. Political parties, and secular and faith-based organizations have taken a different stand. Political parties and secular organizations say that religion should be kept out of the educational curriculum. They say it is against the spirit of the Constitution of India. They quote the Constitutions Article 28(1,2&3) which states that no religious instruction shall be provided in any educational institution wholly maintained out of State funds or receiving state aid. It makes clear that no children can be compelled to attend such classes either. Article 27 further says that tax payers money should not be used to promote any particular religion or anybody can be compelled to pay tax for the same. Faith-based organizations say that religion can be a subject in the school. India witnesses many issues related to communalism. An optional subject in the school curriculum can provide children right knowledge about all religions. It can mould better citizens to live in India. It need not be called religious studies but as a subject of eternal wisdom. It can reduce communal tensions. They say that Constitution of India very well allows it. In the landmark case of S.R. Bommai vs. Union of India (1994), Honble Supreme Court reiterated that secularism was a part of the basic structure of the Constitution. The Indian State will not identify itself with or be controlled by any particular religion. We hold that no one religion should be given preferential status or unique distinction, that no one religion should be accorded special privi-

... the decision by the Chief Minister is purely political. It is trying to whip up the emotions of the majority community. Religion is a personal affair of people and teaching religion is basically the duty of parents and religious communities. Teaching religion as a subject can cause problems as the teachers knowledge on all religions would be very limited and at times misinformation can be taught to children which may lead to communal tensions. They quote the Father of the Nation Gandhiji who wrote in Harijan (1946): I swear by my religion. I will die for it. But it is my personal affair. The State has nothing to do with it. The State will look after your secular welfare, health, communication, foreign relations, currency and so on, but not my religion. That is everybodys personal concern.
leges in national life or international relations for that would be a violation of the basic principles of democracy and contrary to the best interests of religion and Government. So teaching all religious teachings would not violate the spirit of the Constitution. The spirit of Indian concept of Secularism can be well-understood in the statement of the great statesman-philosopher Dr. S Radhakrishnan who said, When India is said to be a secular State, it does not mean that we reject reality of an unseen spirit or the relevance of religion to life or that we exalt irreligion. Fundamental Duties demanded in the Indian Constitution Article

51-A, (e) that every citizen shall promote harmony and spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities. Basing on these teachings, a subject of eternal wisdom would enhance the spirit of the Constitution of India. We also have a third opinion that the decision by the Chief Minister is purely political. It is trying to whip up the emotions of the majority community. Religion is a personal affair of people and teaching religion is basically the duty of parents and religious communities. Teaching religion as a subject can cause problems as the teachers knowledge on all religions would be very limited and at times misinformation can be taught to children which may lead to communal tensions. They quote the Father of the Nation Gandhiji who wrote in Harijan (1946): I swear by my religion. I will die for it. But it is my personal affair. The State has nothing to do with it. The State will look after your secular welfare, health, communication, foreign relations, currency and so on, but not my religion. That is everybodys personal concern. Even though we are confused with the varied views, we need to listen to the judgemental view of the Supreme Court of India in the case of the S.R. Bommai vs. Union of India [1994 (3) SCC 1] which, while holding that the values enshrined in the Constitution impose a positive duty on the State to ensure the attainment of secular values, observed that the actions of the state government which are calculative to subvert or sabotage secularism as enshrined in the Constitution can lawfully be deemed to give rise to a situation in which the government of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. It has further held that the encroachment of religion into secular activities is strictly prohibited. Secularism in India has acted as a balance between socio-economic reforms. A State which doe not protect secularism or does any act to destroy secularism would, according to the Supreme Court, be amenable to action under Article 356 of the Constitution.

Does Education Empower Women?

MUSHTAQ UL HAQ AHMAD SIKANDER
It is our culture, we have to hold a feast for more than a hundred Baaratis(people accompanying the groom to the brides house) on the marriage ceremony of my elder sister angrily retorted my classmate with whom I was arguing that it is anti-Islamic and anti-Women to host and feed so many gluttons, accompanying a starving pauper groom, but my classmate wouldnt listen to me, despite my open challenge that Islam completely forbade Baraat and any function at the home of the bride which proves a heavy burden for her family and enjoins Walima which is obligatory for the groom to organize and celebrate the marriage. Islam upholds the dignity of daughters and it is enough sacrifice for the families of brides that they marry their daughters to total strangers on mere trust, but customs demand that a daughter must remain a burden and like a burden she needs to be traded off, despite the fact that the whole Quranic discourse for men is duty based and for women right based but men always try to shirk away from their duties and responsibilities. Unfortunately what about the women who readily give in to these patriarchal whims and strengthen the structural prejudices against them? My classmate happens to be educated and completed her Masters, with a good percentage and sooner or later she will surely secure a nice job too, but what about her selfperception and confidence? Her argument set my mind thinking about the genuine query; Has
Indian Muslims Leading English Newspaper

education really empowered women? though it is often repeated that education is the fundamental tool for every empowerment! I began to recall my little study and reflection on world civilizations, cultures and society, and could infer that certainly women used to enjoy a prestigious and envious status in some of the civilizations, cultures and societies, even if they could be described as illiterate and uneducated in the modern sense, but they were wholly conscious of their rights and didnt let patriarchy define their roles, rights and boundaries. With the spread of education, womens literacy too responded with an upward graph, but most of us are deceived by this rising graph and we fail to distinguish between literacy and education. A person can be literate but not educated! Education empowers you to break the shackles of superstition, helps you to unlock your hidden potential, and overall revolutionizes your whole life, wherein you fail to succumb to the surreal impositions of the society. On the other hand a literate person can read, write and understand a language well, but literacy has failed to turn into education for him, and the real empowerment remains miles away, and he exists in a surreal-deceptive world thinking that he/she is educated? The Dowry Deaths, Female Feticide, Domestic Violence, Rapes and Crimes against women are increasing with each passing day though we never fail to boast that we have achieved cent percent literacy rate and more schools and colleges are being opened every day, plus the girls enrolment is also increasing.

So what are the reasons for this apathy? To understand the reasons a few concepts need to be clarified. The difference between education and literacy must be understood! The literacy that is imparted in our schools and colleges, is job oriented, where the destined goal is to secure a good job with immense perks and privileges. Hence the whole concentration of students is to secure more and more marks in a cut throat competition, and this is achieved by cramming and rote learning scores of books with hardly any little understanding. This superficial learning fails to transform the character of an individual; add to it the dearth of focus on morals and ethics, pluralism, tolerance and lofty humane ideals; a student rarely gets transformed from a beast to a human leave aside an angel through education, which is its real aim. Hence education fails in its real purpose! Plus the failure of teachers to inspire and act as role models for children, add insult to injury, hence when the end-product is received, he/she is no less harmful for the society than an illiterate moron. The well known saying that an illiterate thief can only steal the tyres of your car, but a literate thief your whole car, becomes self evident in such a society, as we are witness to the rampant corruption in which mostly literate people are involved. These literate people are bold enough to commit crimes of varied hues with impunity, because they are accustomed to use of the legal loopholes. Women when literate not edu-

cated, easily sing the tunes and carry the whims of patriarchy with a smiling face. They are even ready to become an accomplice in the crimes against themselves, like female feticide and dowry. The face value of literacy cant be denied, as womenfolk have become better than their predecessor generations in various aspects be it child rearing or family affairs, but it has still not been completely successful in making them completely empowered. When dowry death, female feticide, rapes, domestic violence and honour killings are becoming rampant among the literate women, it certainly points to the fact that something is seriously wrong with our concept of education and educational institutions. We have to acknowledge the fact that the soaring literacy rate has simply failed to inculcate the spirit of education and the empowerment which must accompany it, among the women. Education revolutionizes your whole style of thinking; enlightens you with a burning desire to revolt against anything which is repugnant to being a human. An educated girl or woman wouldnt give in to anti-feminist or misogynist cultural practices because it has been sanctioned by society or even by religion in certain cases. She will revolt being an accomplice to those crimes which bruise, belittle and crush her womanhood. The need of the hour is for women to understand their worth, realize their potential and develop a sense of real education, which will ultimately set them free. The author is writer-activist based in Srinagar, Kashmir

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The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011 3

NATIONAL

Kar seva should continue till Ram Temple is built

Rae Barielli: Despite repeated claims made by BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani that he was against the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992, more evidence has come up to prove his role in demolition of the historic mosque. Senior journalist Renu Mittal has made sensational disclosures before a city court here on 17 November, saying that Advani had played an important role in the demolition of the Babri Mosque in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992. She said it was Advani who used loudspeakers to direct closure of all routes to the temple town of Ayodhya, not allow anybody enter or exit and saying that the kar seva should continue till the Ram Temple is constructed. Renu Mittal told Special Judge Vishnu Prasad as a prosecution witness of the CBI that none among the BJP leaders stopped kar sevaks from destruction and violence. Renu, who is a senior special correspondent of Rashtradoot in Delhi, said she was working at that time for magazine Onlooker of the Mumbai-based daily Free Press Journal. She said despite roadblocks, she had succeeded to reach the district town of Faizabad on December 5 and the Babri Masjid complex in Ayodhya next day on December 6 at around 8 am and talked to VHP chief Ashok Singal. At around 10:30, the complex was swarmed with people. They were led by Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Ashok Singhal, Vinay Katiar and Shiv Sena MP Moreshwar. A day earlier Moreshwar had told a press conference that he will not rest till the destruction of Babri Masjid. Renu told the court that speeches were made from the dais to inflame kar sevaks and were told to finish the work for which they had arrived. And the aim was to demolish Babri Masjid. She said Ashok Singhal spoke first and then she saw some karsevaks engaged in a fight with some cameramen, thrashing and damaging their cameras. When I tried to save a cameraman, a karsevak threatened me, pointing a knife to my abdomen. He asked me to leave the place. Karsevaks were attacking journalists in the campus. It looked like they did not want to leave any proof of their crime. On one side, Babri Masjid was being demolished and on the other karsevaks had engaged journalists, beating and thrashing them mercilessly, she said. Sadhvi Ritambara and Uma Bharti were repeatedly and by turns inciting people, Renu further deposed, adding that none on the stage tried to stop those engaged in bringing down the mosque.

Racial discriminations singling out Indian Muslims

Police threatened me saying they would arrest me as a terrorist: Siddiqhi
Bangalore: Raising voice against corruption could make ones life torturous sometimes and the case of S Siddiqhi, a building contractor, is no different. Siddiqhi had complained to the Lokayukta against a subinspector who was demanding bribe from him. But little did he realise that he was in for a long struggle. For, trouble came in from not just the sub-inspector, but also from his successor and other cops as well. Siddiqhi, first approached the Lokayukta in December last year when he found himself being harassed by Halli subinspector Ramakrishna Reddy for a bribe of Rs 50,000 in a civil dispute of one of his clients. Not to be cowed down, he lodged a complaint and the sub-inspector was trapped by Lokayukta police. He was arrested and was later suspended after a case was booked against him. But the trouble did not end for Siddiqhi, who found himself being harassed by the successor sub-inspector Srinivas asking him to withdraw the complaint. They started harassing me constantly, sending people to my house and pressuring me to withdraw the complaint and come to a settlement. I had to change my phone number several times, but it did not make a difference as they would track me down somehow. Fed up, he then changed his residence from Pillanna Garden to Bharathinagar. But in vain. Threats: They have threatened me several times that they would arrest me as a terrorist. They kept telling me that they knew how to manipulate the records, and how they could land me in serious trouble, relates Siddiqhi. Things came to a head when a jewellery theft at Siddiqhis in-laws house was reported to the cops and they refused to work on the case, till Siddiqhi came to the station. They took my fingerprints and said they would show that I was responsible for the theft of gold. The gold belonged to my wife and why would I steal my wifes jewellery? he said. Siddiqhi was so depressed that he began to feel suicidal. My business has suffered and I felt there was no one to support me. Everyone, including my parents, questioned me why I have got into this mess. These officials are misusing their powers and something had to be done about it, he firmly said. Two days ago, Siddiqhi lodged another complaint with the Lokayukta police detailing the problems and threats he has faced both from the Bharathinagar and KG Halli subinspectors. Despite everything, I feel very confident about justice being done, an unrelenting Siddiqhi said. (Nandini Chandrashekar, Deccan Herald)

She recalled that when she had asked a police officer why they are not stopping people, he told her blandly that the then Chief Minister Kalyan Singh has issued strict orders not to even raise an eyelid towards karsevaks; firing bullet was not even in the imagination. Pointing out that the Babri Masjid had three domes, Renu said the demolition operation had begun at 11:30 am and finished at 4:50 pm. After the demolition, it was a party there. Leaders and people hugging and congratulating each other. Karsevaks were taking demolished mosques bricks as souvenirs. Leaders at stage were also congratulating and hugging each other, she recalled. Meanwhile, message came from police wireless that Kalyan Singh has resigned. CBI witness further said, after the demolition, some people brought Ram Lalla on a throne and placed it on the debris. Then they covered the place with a cloth. Renu said whatever she saw on that fateful day was filed by her as a vivid account to the Onlooker magazine. It was published in December 31 issue of the magazine. Her cross examination could not be completed for want of original copy of the magazine as the other side objected to take on record a photocopy. The court ordered procurement of the copy of the magazine from the Lucknow court where a separate trial is going on and adjourned the hearing, without fixing the next date. There were a battery of lawyers in the court, including special CBI lawyer P. K. Chaubey and defence lawyer Vimal Srivastava. There are many accused having different lawyers who will be cross-examining Renu at the next hearing.

Yousuf Ali most influential Indian in the GCC

dominate the list of 100 most influential Indians in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This years list proves beyond any doubt the huge contribution Indians have made to the development of the Gulf in the past few years, said Edward Attwood, deputy editor of the Arabian Business. What is fascinating about the list is that many of those close to the top came to the region several decades ago without any real capital. Through sheer hard work, they have built empires worth billions of dollars. Yousuf Alis Emke Group owns the Lulu chain of hypermarkets headquartered in Abu Dhabi. It has offices in 29 countries, employs around 27,000 people (including 22,000 Indians) and has an annual turnover of $3.75 bn. He had earlier topped the list of 10 most influential foreigners in UAE prepared by the Wall Street Journal. Yousuf Ali was born on 15 November 1955 at Nattika, Thrissur district in Kerala. He is the Managing Director of UAEbased EMKE Group which has a net worth of US$ 1.75 billion. The group is active in a number of Gulf countries. Its holdings include the LuLu Hypermarket chain in Middle East. He was awarded Padma Shri in 2008 and Puravasi Bharatiya Samman Award in 2005. He is the member of Central Wakf Council of the Government of India; Chairman of MES Medical College; Director of Cochin International Airport Limited; Vice-chairman of Roots-NRK Development Initiative; Chairman of Lakeshore Hospital & Research Centre, Kochi and an independent director of the Air India.

No change in visa policy for Modi: US

Even after praise from USs Congressional Research Service (CRS) in its latest report that has identified Gujarat as the best example of effective governance and impressive development the United States has not changed its visa policy for Narendra Modi. The United States on 15 November clarified that there is no change in its visa policy for Narendra Modi but at the same time opined that there is a conducive atmosphere for American business to flourish in Gujarat. Replying to a question by reporters in Washington, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Robert Blake said that there is no new development on giving or reviewing visa to Modi. Earlier, US had denied visa to Narendra Modi for they held him responsible for the worst riots in Gujarat in 2002. Robert Blake also said that the United States will continue to promote and encourage investment for the state.

Quote, Unquote
If Muslims in India constantly crib to have no say and no power, they should come to Pakistan to see the plight of minority Hindus with their own eyes. Theyll never complain and learn to live peacefully with their Hindu brethren in India. ASMA JAHANGIR, Human rights activist, Pakistan The fact that some of its worthies still think that the 84-year-old rath yatri LK Advani is a PM candidate, despite the fact that he led a losing campaign in 2009, demonstrates the bankruptcy of their political strategy. ADITYA SINHA, DNA

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4 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011

NATIONAL
Sunil Joshi case transferred to Bhopal

Historic meeting between Church & Muslim leaders

New Delhi: A first of its kind meeting was held between Christian and Muslim leaders at CBCI Centre conference hall here on 21 Nov 2011. The meeting was convened by the National Council of Dalit Christians (NCDC) and was organized by National Coordination Committee for Dalit Christians (NCCDC), a joint programme of Catholic Bishops Conference of India and National Council of Churches in India. The discussion examined the possibilities of cooperation between the Muslim and Christian communities to ensure the rights of Muslim and Christian Dalits denied to them unconstitutionally by the 1950 Presidential Order which restricts reservation benefits to Hindu (and later Buddhist and Sikh) Dalits. The meeting also discussed ways to decide the course of action politically and legally. The Christian side was led by Rev. GC Arokiaraj, executive secretary of CBCIs Commission for SC/ST/BC, AS Jayakumar, Secretary of NCCIs Commission on Policy, Governance and Public Witness and Franklin Caesar Thomas, National Coordinator, National Council of Dalit Christians who has been spearheading the campaign from the Christian side. The Muslim delegation was led by Dr ZafarulIslam Khan, Working President of All India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat and included Muhammad Ahmad, Political Secretary of Jamate Islami Hind, Maulana Shees Taimi, Secretary Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadis, PC Hamza, General Secretary, Welfare Party of India, Navaid Hamid, General Secretary, MOEMIN. Well-known activist Ariz Muhammad and Qamar Alam, Coordinator of the Lucknow-based Muslim Reservation Movement also participated. The Christian side presented the case of

Church and Muslim leaders meeting at CBCI Centre

Bhopal/Dewas: The Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered transfer of Sunil Joshis case from District court Dewas to the Special Court of National Agency in Bhopal. The NIA insisted that the case be handed over to it because of suspected involvement of Sunil Joshi in various bomb blasts Samjhauta Express, Malegaon, Ajmer and Hyderabad. Initially the case was investigated by M.P. police and was closed. However, after Harshad Solankis arrest it was reopened. Joshis niece had alleged that a few hours before Joshis murder Pragya Singh Thakur, a close friend of Joshi, had taken a suitcase from the Dewas residence of Joshi. Pragya Thakur, Anand Raj Kataria, Vasudeo Parmar, Harshad Solanki and Ramcharan Patel are accused in Joshis case. Doors of Madurai temple opened for Dalits The walls of untouchability finally crumbled after two long decades when Dalits in Uthapuram village entered the Muthalamman temple on 11 November. Both the upper caste Hindus and Dalits were at loggerheads for the past two decades over offering worship in the Madurai temple. In order to prevent Dalits entering temples the upper caste Hindus had even built a wall. The wall was partially damaged with the intervention of the CPM and human rights organisations. Any attempt to enter the temple resulted in clashes between the two communities and as a result several cases were pending against people from both the communities. Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front, district collector U Sagayam and Superintendent of Police Asra Garg played a key role in defusing tension and ultimately resolving the age old dispute between the two communities. The Dalits under the leadership of K Ponnaiah and Sankaralingam offered puja and rituals at the Sri Muthalamman and Sri Mariamman temple. All this was done under police protection. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) that played an important role in resolving the dispute has hailed the occasion of Dalits entry into the temple as a historic event. Leaders of the Hindu community and Dalits together offered puja at the temple. Dalit leaders Sankaralingam and Ponniah while talking to reporters expressed their happiness after jointly offering worship at the temple. They also said that from now onwards all issues of the past are a closed chapter and thereby all pending cases would be withdrawn to start a new beginning. Upper caste Hindu leaders have now decided to perform festivals and rituals together and would remain united with the Dalits in the near future.

Christian and Muslim Dalits from a historical and legal perspective and a broad-discussion followed. Both sides expressed their full support for the common action towards their demands. The Muslim side assured the Christian community of its longterm support until the goal is achieved. It was agreed that the issue of reservation and affirmative action for the backward sections of the Muslims and Christians is a common goal, and they need urgent action as well as long-term planning. During the discussion it became clear that the mind- set of the people in the government is that they do not want to give minorities their constitutional rights and are determined to prolong the matter in the rigmarole of bureaucratic and legal processes. In the discussion, it became clear that the issue goes

beyond the fabric of the term reservation. Rather, it is an issue related to human rights and of social justice guaranteed to each Indian citizen. They agreed that the government should be reminded of its obligations and responsibilities, and political parties and like-minded leaders and people should be approached for creating awareness and impressing upon the government to fulfill its duties and responsibilities for ensuring the rights of the deprived minorities. At the end of the deliberations a joint Christian-Muslim memorandum was signed by all present to be sent to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Smt Sonia Gandhi for further and urgent action.

NADIM AHMAD

Attacks continue on Muslim youths in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Rashed (30 years), a resident of Bagh-e-Zehara, who was going to Jumerat Bazar early morning on 17 November at around 3:30 am, was stopped at Gode Ki Khabar and his name was enquired and where he was going. As soon as he uttered his name, he was attacked by rod and sickle on his head and he was continuously beaten for more than 15 minutes during which his whole body received injuries. His head, shoulders, jaws, fingers of the right hand and elbow bone were fractured. The attackers thought he was dead and left him. When he became conscious, he saw a Police Shahinathguj vehicle going and returning after 10 minutes but did not stop to enquire about him. The Police Shahinathgung thought he was some drunken person lying on road. Somehow he returned to his home and his relatives and locality people got him admitted in Durreshewar Hospital. The Hospital authorities informed the Shahinathgung Police about the incident. The SI and some constables came to the Hospital and took his statement. After taking the statement, the Shahinathgung Police hid the incident from their seniors and did not register an FIR. As the family was very poor and could not afford the medical bills, they got him discharged and approached the MBT office for help. When inquired about the incident with the Inspector of Police Shahinathgung, he said that such incident did not take place within his Police station limits; he further claimed that due to ongoing incidents and attacks he is personally patrolling roads. Amjed Ullah Khan, MBT corporator then took the victim along with his mother to the Shahinathgung Police Station and questioned the inspector about the statement recorded by the SI in Durreshewar Hospital. Khan demanded action, threatening a dharna. It was only then that the Police Shahinathgung booked a case.

Rashed with MBT council Amjed Ullah

Protest against former Home Secretarys sexist comments about Ishrat Jahan
(Saheli), Manisha Sethi, Farah Farooqi, Azra Razak, Sanghamitra Misra and Ambarien Al Qadar (JTSA). Released by Jamia Teachers Solidarity Association on 24th November 2011 Comment: G. K. Pillai may be technically correct that the charges levied against Ishrat Jahan and others, are not cleared up by the declaration of their death as Encountered assassinations. Still the verdict directly impacts the creditability of the entire crime story concocted to carry out the encounter. It is clear, G. K. Pillai is not happy with the encounter verdict and apparently would not have minded, if there are extra-judicial killings, however flimsy and arbitrary the charges of terrorism are levied by the security authorities. He wants to be above the law of the land and people like him, are the real tragedy of India, where bureaucrats rule with a mindset that they know the best. This tragedy is highlighted by the new Press Council Chief, Justice Markandey Katju, when he questioned the media practice of instant defamation of Indian Muslims, as soon as any news of such incidents are reported. If the chain of the defamation process is to be investigated, the security agencies, with people like G. K.Pillai with grossly communal mindset, cannot be left unchecked. Now that more and more terror suspect Muslims are being exonerated for one reason or other, there is strong case for compensation payment for them for wrongful arrests and detention. Besides, the Muslim community itself has a case of defamation both against the relevant security officials and those in the media, who have been instrumental in spreading the canard of Muslim terrorism, to shield terrorists of other kind. With the court now rightly levying 100 Crore defamation compensation against TIMES NOW, one can only guess, what Indian Muslim community collectively may or must demand for their defamation as terrorists by the media in general and TIMES Group in particular.

Prominent women activists issued the following statement on 24 November about a statement made by Mr Pillai, the former Home Secretary about Ishrat Jahan: Stung by the SIT report which concluded that Ishrat was executed in cold blood, former Union Home Secretary G.K. Pillai-hard-pressed to defend his affidavit to the Supreme Court that Ishrat was a Lashkar operative-has stooped to now slandering the girls personal life suggesting that her checking into different hotels with another man was definitely suspicious. Perhaps, Mr. Pillai wishes us to believe that all those young women who travel and work independently are suspicious and could have terrorist links. Pillai is no doubt aware that questions will be raised about his affidavit-and also all those journalists who were churning out whatever that was emanating from his office-and is now rushing to hide behind sexist insinuations. Pillai knows well that with the killing of Ishrat and three others, the case is forever closed. No court is now going to try Ishrat for her alleged links with Laskhar. And that is precisely the convenience of encounter killings-the allegations can never be proven or disproven. Lashkar-e-Toibas hailing of Ishrat does not count for much. Organisations have been known to make grand claims for purposes of propaganda-Norway being a case in point. We condemn Pillais insensitive sexist slandering of a girl who cannot defend herself, and demand an immediate apology. Signatories: Jyoti Punwani (Independent Journalist), Githa Hariharan (writer), Kamini Jaiswal (Senior Lawyer), Uma Chakravarti (Academic), Uma Saumya, Lalita Ramdas (Concerned citizen), Uma V. Chandru (PUCL, Bangalore), Saba Dewan (filmmaker), Sabeena Gadihoke (Associate Prof, Jamia Millia Islamia), Prof. Janaki Rajan (Jamia Millia Islamia), Prof. Anuradha Chenoy (Jawaharlal Nehru Uni), Kavita Srivastava (PUCL), Seema Mustafa (senior journalist), Tahira Hasan (Tehrike Niswan), Kavita Krishnan (AIPWA), Rita Manchanda (activist), Khaadeej Arif (journalist), Shikha Sen (independent filmmaker), Mansi Sharma (activist), Seema Duhan (activist), Mona Das MG NEWS DESK (Satyawati College, Uni of Delhi), Vani Subramanian, Satnam Kaur and Vinita

GHULAM MUHAMMED
ghulammuhammed3@gmail.com

The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011

NATIONAL

Coffee-table album Jahaan-e-mukafaat released

New Delhi: Jahaan-e- mukafaat, a coffee-table album published by Iqbal Academy India (www.iqbalindia.org) was released here at an impressive function on 16 November at the India Islamic Cultural Centre. The event was jointly organized by Iqbal Academy India and Interfaith Coalition for Peace. The album was released by Mr E. Ahamed, Union Minister of State for External Affairs & HRD. He praised the efforts of the organizers to carry to the masses, particularly the youth, Allama Iqbals message of high human moral standards, piety of soul, philanthropy and selflessness activism. Justice Rajender Sachar identified himself with Iqbals philosophical views regarding high moral conduct and said that the new album should be made available to the students for taking inspiration. The function was also attended by Wajahat Habibullah (Chairman, National Commission for Minorities) and Mr Safdar Husain Khan (Chairman, Delhi State Minorities Commission) besides a large audience. Children of Gods Grace School and Central School sang Iqbals poetic supplication Lab pe aati hai dua ban ke tamanna meri and the national song Saare jahaan se achha Hindostaan hamara. Aziz Burney, Group Editor, Rashtriya Sahara Urdu newspaper released the collection of selected speeches, writings and project
Kalbe Sadiq with Sudarshan

details of Dr Syed Zafar Mahmood titled as Paikaare-Zindagi. Dr Mahmood is the chairman of Iqbal Academy India and President of Interfaith Coalition for Peace, New Delhi. The couplets are printed in Urdu and also transliterated & translated into Hindi and English alongwith suitable illustrations. The couplets give the message that a good human being should devote his/her substantial time everyday for working selflessly so that the life of others becomes better, more comfortable and pleasing. Paikaar-e-Zindagi is a collection of selected articles and speeches authored and delivered by Dr. Syed Zafar Mahmood on different occasions during the last few years coupled with a description of the projects initiated by him for social uplift. He has had a three-decade long

experience of public service and social life as a senior government bureaucrat in different states of India and abroad. He had the opportunity to work in various important positions in different departments. This enabled him to make befitting observations and criticism as evident from this book. Specifically his concern regarding the current pathetic condition of the Muslim community in India, and in the world, incite him to think and find out practical solutions. He presents these to

the community and the society with a motivating call for action duly illustrated by how he himself has made several institutional arrangements successfully putting these into practice. The book is divided into four sections: Thus, Raftaar-e-Zindagi, Afkaar-e-Zindagi, Guftaare-Zindagi and Ashjaar-e-Zindagi together make Dr Zafar Mahmoods life, so far, as Paikaar-e-Zindagi - It means perseverance launched in life.

Kalbe Sadiq welcomes Advani

Kalbe Sadiq: a million tragedies

HAIDER ABBAS

ucknow: When Neville Chamberlain returned from Berlin to London, he said to the world, Peace achieved with honour - Peace of our time. This he had conveyed after he shook hands with Adolf Hitler, and what followed was an outbreak of the deadliest war in human history - the second world-war . A political analyst here mentioned this in the context of Syed Kalbe Sadiq, the Vice President of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) shaking hands with the former supremo of Rashtriya Swamsewak Sangh, K Sudarshan at Unity College, Lucknow on Oct 30. No one could have expected this scene except those who know Sadiq as to what lengths he can go to grab the headlines. Sadiqs ability for scoring brownie points with Hindus, from all and sundry, is his hallmark. Whether his out of the hat recommendations for family planning, getting his forehead painted with vermillion at a function of Hindus, his invitation to Kesri Nath Tripathi, the UP assembly speaker of BJP government under Kalyan Singh to Unity College, his overt presence at Gayatri Parivar, his personal call for a holy bath at the feet of river Ganga at Haridwar (later withdrawn), his gleeful endorsements at Murari Bapus function, something which regularly gets aired on Aastha channel, his flirtations with Jayendra Saraswati Shankaracharya for a compromise on Babri Masjid, his meeting with Pravin Togadia when the scars of Gujarat Muslim massacre were still fresh, and his announcement to Togadia that he would build a Shanti sena (which failed to even start), and now very lately, his hug to the BJP leader LK Advani at an Eid Milan function in New Delhi three months ago! The picture dynamics (Advani and Sadiq showered with rose petals) show a smiling Sadiq, as if in all likelihood, congratulating Advani for all his rath-yatras, which had found thousands of Muslims killed, in the pre- and post-Babri Masjid demolition. LK Adavni is, of course, the chief architect of the demolition of Babri. And, one more presence, of the same kind, which has gone almost unnoticed, is when Sadiq willingly sat with Hindus bent upon demanding Jama Masjid be changed into a temple at Sambhal (UP), as Hindus claim that the building was constructed after demolishing a Hari Har temple. This mosque was built a millennium ago during the Sultanate period.

All such steps push Sadiq towards enlarging his acceptance inside the Hindutva constituency. And all at the cost of Muslim sentiments. Who can forget the way he went on to thank Vinay Katiyar of BJP at his residence on the latters support to his forced return from US. Needless, to say that probably every Muslim organisation worth its name had rallied around Sadiq over the shameless way he was maltreated in America and forced to return to India from the airport. Ironically, it was the same Sadiq who had once given a statement Taliban are AntiIslam, immediately after 9-11, and had attached that newspaper clipping along with his visa application in order to placate the US officials. His courting with US officials is well known until of course came 2005 when he was deported from US. In fact once he almost rallied to go ahead with the idea of inviting Condoleeza Rice, to earn a sobriquet of being a good-Muslim before GW Bushs second stint in While House in 2004, but somehow the plan did not take off. This was all despite the Muslim anger against US was at its peak at the time. The execution of Saddam Hussain made Sadiq hilarious. He celebrated his death by citing Saddams personal afflictions on his own family. He did not care that Muslims had organised a ghaibana namaz-e-janaza (funeral prayers in absentia) at Eidgah, Lucknow, and where for the first time slogans Kalbe Sadiq murdabad were heard. Sadiq sensed the writing on the wall and immediately announced that he would offer the ensuing Eid prayers behind Khalid Rasheed, the (Sunni) Naib-Imam of Eidgah, and after earning accolades, soon disappeared from the yearly exercise. But this time Sadiq has been caught unaware. As never there had been a vocal opposition to any of his moves except in whispers. This time, however, he was severely reprimanded by Muhammed Azam Khan, the seven times MLA from Rampur and Samajwadi Party general secretary, when the latter called Sadiqs move as a political manoeuvre and asked Sadiq to shun his traditional attires and put on a kurta-pyjama and engage into politics. This happened on Oct 31. Sadiq talked back. He called Azam to be the one who has harmed Muslims even more than BJP and RSS. Now Azam sought to know as to who had got the huge land allotted to Unity College at the rate of Rs one per square feet despite facing a stiff challenge from his own cabinet

colleagues? If not he alone? He also wanted Sadiq to recall how he had helped Sadiq to get his governments support for the various other institutions and how as late as 2006 his government had tried to facilitate the allocation of land for Begum Hazrat Mahal Degree College, something which failed to pick up during the whole five years of BSP regime. It may be recalled that Sadiq had exhorted people to vote for an honest Hindu and not for a dishonest Muslim (and vice-versa), along with Sudarshan, in order to make India become powerful. Azam wanted to know as to who is honest? RSS has been the paragon of all honesty and virtue (!). I want to know from Sadiq if RSS is not the same which every now and then goes to the court, to get 27 verses be deleted from the holy Quran. I want to know from Sadiq if he tried to seek explanation from Sudarshan as the latter had once claimed that Babri Masjid was demolished by a bomb. I also would like to ask Sadiq if he has any inkling of the book Bunch of Thoughts by RSS ideologue Golwarkar who has called Muslims as internal enemies alongwith Christians and Communists! RSS is soaked in blood of Muslims, from even prior to the partition days until today, as it has been proved by so many never-implemented commissions of inquiry. How many Madhukar Sarpotdars (one of the main convicts in the 1993 Bombay riots) would Sadiq need to understand before he stands partisan to the killers of Muslims, asked Azam. Azam recalled as to how he had been extremely courteous to Sadiq. He recounted as to how he had wanted to address a joint press conference to welcome Iran President Rafsanjani in 1994, and how he was later not even invited by Sadiq and Co. I am happy that I did not represent myself at the venue or else there would have been bad blood as Rafsanjani had advised Muslims to forget Babri Masjid. How come he had the cheeks to say so? I still wonder. Azam also pointed out as to what more Sadiq has to score by advocating that Muslims were responsible for the Gujarat riots and it is time to forget Babri Masjid and look forward. Forward towards what - towards Muslims total annihilation, subjugation and cleansing in the name of rule of law and chauvinistic majoritarian politics, said Azam.

adiq, meanwhile, is gearing up for his yearly errand, which is almost like a world tour, during which he delivers sermons over the tragedy of Kerbala, and is first to go to Pakistan this time for the purpose. But before he would embark, he spoke in Lucknow at Chota Imambara that Muslims have persecuted Hindus for 900 years and are, hence, facing their ire, quite explicitly suggesting that the best way now is to befriend the bully. Firstly, Muslims did not engage in such wanton ways for if ever they had done so India would have changed into a Muslim country. Sadiq seems to have been taking his Sudarshan tutorials well, countered Azam, cautioning that the next move can be a campaign of Sadiq and Anna Hazare together. Hazares lieutenant Kejriwal has already met Sadiq. The duo would campaign for honest candidates, and the honesty-test can only be qualified by BJP, a progeny of RSS, overhauled and manufactured by the Muslim hate. Remember the 1977 popular JP government which fell only due to RSS fascistic dual membership issue, said Azam. Azam also said that the final deal which Sadiq would like to clinch is to empower Hindus towards the construction of Ram temple, on the disputed site of Ayodhya, particularly in the wake of Sep 30, 2010 judgement, but Muslims need to be vigilant as the matter is in the Apex Court and Sadiq might oblige to pave the way for the singing of Vande Matram, which was a war cry of Bengali Hindus against Muslims, as propounded by Bankim Chatterjee and had become a slogan against the Britishers much later, said Azam.

6 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011

NATIONAL

For the first time, AIMMM has appealed to Muslim organisations, especially human rights groups, to approach international and foreign human rights groups and forums and apprise them of the situation in India.

Mushawarat deliberates on national and international situation T

body next month. handled only by the NIA which has been expressly created for this purpose. he meeting deliberated on national and international issues and passed a number of resolutions which are as follows: Reservation: The Central government has been delaying action on the recommendations of the Misra Commission to give ten percent reservation to the Muslim community. Now, Minority Ministry has reportedly forwarded a proposal to the Central Government to allocate a sub-quota for Muslim backward biradaris within the OBC quota. AIMMM rejects this backdoor approach which will only create unnecessary friction between Muslim and Hindu OBCs. Instead, the Central government must offer a separate quota for Muslims on the basis of Mishra Commission, which undoubtedly will be for the backward and needy among Muslims and not for the creamy layer classes. AIMMM urged the central government to implement its minority schemes in minority-concentrated areas and villages and publish dis-aggregated data about the same so that the real position may be known to the people. Un-Islamic social practices: MMA strongly condemns and disapproves of un-Islamic social practices creeping into the Muslim society, especially in relation to marriages. The most reprehensible is the demand for dowry, going to the extent of rejecting agreed rishtas if the dowry demand is not met, and harming or even killing brides if they fail to bring in the demanded dowry. Extravagant marriage functions are now the norm among the rich in the community where crores of rupees are spent on a single evening. A recent reprehensible development is the slow creeping in of the un-Islamic practice of tilak where monetary and other costly presents are offered to the would-be bridegroom at the time of marriage agreement. Such practices are sinful and make life difficult for ordinary Muslims who have to sell their assets in order to meet such sinful demands. Ulama, imams, muftis and Muslim media should play their active role to educate the masses against these un-Islamic practices. Muslims should shun such functions and socially boycott those adamant on carrying on such practices. Acquittal/bail of Terrorism-accused youth: The recent bail after five years incarceration of the nine accused in the Malegaon 2006 blast (only seven came out as two are implicated in other cases), brings to the fore the issue of thousands of Muslim youths languishing in jails for years across the country under similar charges even where Saffron terrorists are thought to be involved. Acquittal of another similar group falsely implicated in the Pandya murder case and the earlier acquittal of the group falsely accused in Hyderabad Makka Masjid blast shows the vengeance of the Police and investigative agencies and the inadequacy of the legal system to deal with such fabricated cases. AIMMM demands that where chargesheets are not filed within six months of the arrests of such suspects, they should automatically get bail and when and where they are discharged, they should get proper compensation extracted from the salaries and provident funds of the concerned officers who falsely implicated them. AIMMM also demands that all investigations of terror-related cases must be D voters of Assam: A Guwahati High Court verdict last April to arrest all so-called illegal immigrants in Assam pending verification of their citizenship, which has since been stayed by a larger bench, has again brought the issue of D or Doubtful voters of Assam to the fore. The bogey was created by a former bigoted governor, who also caused havoc in J&K. There is a need to relook at the whole issue and return to the IMDT tribunals which alone should decide who is an alien in Assam and the onus should be firmly on the complainant to prove his/her claim that a certain person is an illegal immigrant.

New Delhi: The Central Committee (Markazi Majlis) of the All India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat, the umbrella body of Indian Muslim organisations, met here on 19 November at the central office, under the chairmanship of the national president Syed Shahabuddin and was attended by the following members: Dr. Zafarul Islam Khan (Working President), Janab Mohammad Jafar (Vice President), Maulana Mohammad Irfanul Husaini (Vice President), Janab Nusrat Ali (General Secretary, Jamaat-e Islami Hind), Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mehdi Salfi (General Secretary, Markzi Jamiat Ahl-e Hadees), Janab Ahmad Rashid Shervani (General Secretary), Prof. S.M. Yahya, Janab S.M.Y. Nadeem, Prof. Shakil Ahmad, Janab Mohammad Abdul Qayyum (former General Secretary), Abdul Khaliq (General Secretary, Lokjanshakti Party) and Janab Irfanullah Khan. he meeting, conducted by the Working President, paid tributes and prayed for the souls of the following important members of the community and the country who departed recently: FAZLUL BARI, former President, Muslim Majlis U.P., and a former MLA; MAUJI KHAN, former ACP, Delhi Police, and Treasurer, All India Milli Council; Ms. SHEHLA MASOOD, an RTI activist; Allama Syed MAHMOOD QAISAR Amrohvi, noted author, poet and man of letters; Dr. KAUSAR YAZDANI, former Ameer of Jamat-e Islami Hind Haryana, editor of JIHs Hindi organ Kanti for many years; Professor ABDUL MAJID SIDDIQUI, noted scientist and former dean of AMUs Faculty of Life Sciences; DR. SYED ATHER HUSSAIN, well-known surgeon and an administrator of Hyderabad; Maulana Mufti ABU TAYYAB AHMAD MIAN FIRANGI MAHLI, Imam of Lucknows Aish Bagh Eidgah; Prof. JALALUDDIN, teacher and former Principal of Jamia Millia Polytechnic; Prof. MUHAMMAD SULAIMAN ASHRAF, a well-known Arabic scholar and retired professor of Arabic, Delhi University; Noted Hindi scholar and former Chairman, Department of Hindi, Aligarh Muslim University, Prof. S. Jafar Raza Zaidi; Maulana Mufti IZZATULLAH, former City Imam and City Qazi and a religious scholar of Amroha; Dr. RAJ BAHADUR GAUR, a prominent Urdu litterateur and critic and former President of Anjuman Taraqqi-e Urdu Hind; renowned environmental scientist Subhan Khan Pathan; SALAHUDDIN PARVEZ, prominent Urdu poet, novelist, journalist and winner of Sahitya Academy Award: and Mrs. SHAKILA KHAN, known social worker of Allahabad. The meeting discussed a number of milli and national issues like the forthcoming U.P. Elections, Lokpal issue, Right to Education Act and its implications for Muslim educational institutions, Subramaniam Swamys article and Election Commission of Indias reaction to the same based on complaints including AIMMM, Mushawarat Trust issues. The meeting also appointed Janab Ahmad Rashid Shervani (General Secretary) as the returning officer for the organisations elections to elect the central

Gujarat riot cases: Sardarpura is only half-justice as the masterminds have cleverly been saved by Modi regime. AIMMM feels that no justice is possible in Gujarat until Modi regime is removed along with the saffron prosecutors and judges it has planted in the system. AIMMM condemns Modis attempts to gag honoured activists, citizens and officers like Teesta Setalvad, Adv. Mukul Sinha and IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt, who are struggling to ensure justice in Gujarat. Mass/Unidentified graves in J&K: There are around ten thousand persons in Kashmir who disappeared after their arrest or kidnapping by security agencies during the militancy years since late 1980s; their families have been searching for them all over the Valley and beyond all these years. Both the central and state governments denied these figures and even claimed that these people may have crossed over to the Pakistan-administered Kashmir. J&K State Human Rights Commission, however, confirmed last September the existence of 2156 unidentified graves in 38 graveyards across north Kashmir. More such graves exist in other parts including Jammu and some of them have already been identified by human rights groups. It is high time the state and central governments accepted the truth, started a process of rehabilitation, reconciliation and compensation of the victim families and prosecution of the criminal elements responsible for these crimes. Media: AIMMM lauds statements by Justice Katju, the new head of the Press Council of India, who has for the first time openly castigated the media for its tendency to criminalise the Muslim community and its rush to announce that Muslims are behind terror attacks hours after any incident. Media has to introspect hard and draw a charter of honour if it wants to be spared harsh laws to control it. Saffron Terror: AIMMM finds it strange that the Central Government, and NIA in particular, are lukewarm to take action against the masterminds of the Hindutva terror. Those arrested so far are the foot soldiers who executed the plans while the masterminds and financiers are at large although names of some of them, like RSS Indresh Kumar, are mentioned even in the chargesheet filed by Hemant Karkare in the Malegaon 2008 case. AIMMM demanded immediate ban on saffron terror outfits. J&K: Though Interlocutors report, as leaked so

far in the press, does not go far enough, its recommendations should be faithfully implemented in order to create an amicable and healthy atmosphere in J&K. Removal of AFSPA and rollback of laws imposed on the state after 1953 are basic requirements to create such an environment. It is a sad commentary on India that army has become a stakeholder in Kashmir and today it vetoes any political decision to withdraw or even curtail a totally unethical law enacted to control civilian population by use of soldiers. Official sources for years have conceded that there are barely 300-400 militants in the whole Valley of Kashmir (this years figure is just 200), yet Delhi finds it acceptable to keep an army of 700,000 in Kashmir. No peace and tranquillity in Kashmir is possible while the army remains entrenched in the populated areas of the Valley. Libya: AIMMM denounces the way Gaddafi was treated in his last moments. This behaviour of the rebels shows that those demanding change and rule of law do not themselves practice the same. AMMM is afraid that a new neo-colonial era has started in Libya and beyond where the US and its close allies will hold sway for decades. Riots: Communal riots and one-sided attacks on Muslim by goons and policemen are back with a vengeance. According to Union Home Ministry, 773 incidents occurred in 2009, 651 in 2010 and 413 this year until 11 October 2011. Police attacks on Muslims at Forbesganj, Gopalgarh, Mainather and Rudrapur show that we are entering a new phase where the police is used to kill Muslims with impunity. AIMMM appeals to Muslim organisations, especially human rights groups, to now approach international and foreign human rights groups and forums and apprise them of the situation in India. AIMMM noted that the Central government is wavering in its commitment to introduce the proposed Communal Violence (Prevention) Bill in Parliament. AIMMM demanded that the bill should be tabled in Parliament during the winter session. Sectarian politics: AIMMM notes with dismay last months so-called Ulama and Mashaikh Conference in Moradabad, looks at it as an attempt to divide the community, and notes that any movement based on sectarian considerations will only weaken the community. Interference in Muslim personal laws: Of late, Indian courts of law have been encroaching upon issues of personal law which have profound bearing on Muslims. With a view to match current western legal wisdom, courts have allowed live-in relationships including inheritance rights of such people, legalised same sex unions, gave lifelong maintenance to divorced women etc. The latest is the verdict reported by Indian Express on 16 Nov. 2011 in which a Delhi judge has rejected the established principle that marriage in Islam is a contract. AIMMM noted that these legal issues are not contested in courts of law by the concerned bodies like AIMPLB, and as a result, with passage of time, they will become established law and will be applied to Muslims also despite the protection Muslim personal law enjoys to date in the country.

SIMI ghost refuses to die

IMI ghost still haunts security agencies. According to information gathered by Intelligence Bureau (IB), SIMI in the M.P. state has gone into a period of hibernation and developed a silent cell. Having wound up their operations in West Bengal and U.P., the organisation has opted for M.P. as a safe haven, according to IB claims. M.P., according to the statistics supplied by official sources, has 123 cases registered against

SIMI followed by Maharashtra (94 cases) and Gujarat (49 cases). SIMI sympathisers are still being pursued and arrested. Misbah, residing in Jahangirabad locality of Bhopal, and Jawed Ahmed of Sunrise Colony were recently arrested for helping Mujib and Iqrar in procuring a driving licence (!). The two were remanded to judicial custody. Mujib Shaikh, arrested in June 2011, has complained of mental sickness and drowsiness

after the narco-analysis test conducted on him on 13 October at the Forensic Laboratory at Gandhinagar. The family has been devastated. Mujibs wife has developed heart ailment while his daughter has abandoned her studies. Mujibs lawyer intends to move the court seeking medical treatment for Shaikh and moving him to a different cell where he is presently held and denied access to sunlight and fresh air. Salimullah, Shahar Qazi of Badnawar (distt.

Ratlam), after the Id-uz-Adha prayer declared that in future bridegrooms belonging to other cities shall have to produce proof of their identity failing which they would not be allowed to marry. According to him, the administration has issued directives following the Nikah case of a person in Ratlam who was later found to be having SIMI links. The Darul Qaza will maintain a record of identity proofs alongwith other particulars of the two families (AG Khan)

The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011

NATIONAL
Convention against communalism

In Miyaon ko maro; bach ke na jaane paayen: Police

the Convention against Communal Conflict organised by AIDWA in Delhi on the 16th Nov. was really a sad but inspiring event. Victims from Forbesganj, Gopalgarh and Moradabad most of them women - spoke ofthe tragedies that had befallen them and of their determination to fight for justice. I am sending you the Resolution adopted. After the Convention, we went with the victims to meet the Home Secretary who gave us a sympathetic hearing and has promised some relief and intervention. Ms. Shweta Bhatts presence and speech were a source of strength for all
ABDUL BARI MASOUD
New Delhi: Police also exhorting others by saying, in Miyaon [Muslims] ko maro; bach ke na jaane payen this was narrated by one Safi Mohammad whose brother Zakir was shot at and killed by the police inside the Aisha mosque in Gopalgarh of Bharatpur district in Rajasthan on September 14 this year when police attacked the minority community members following a graveyard dispute. At a national convention here against the Communal Conflict organized by AIDWA, CPMs woman wing, family members of those killed and maimed in recent communal incidents were present to narrate their harrowing experiences and demand justice. From Forbesganj (Bihar), Gopalgarh (Bharartpur, Rajasthan), Rudrapur (Uttarakhand), to Moradabad (UP), it was a tale of police and administrations one-sided action: firing by police, followed by attack on the minority community, followed by harassment and arrests. Abdul Quddus from Forbesganj, whose brother Mustafa succumbed to police firing, said: no action has so far been taken against anyone. In Moradabads villages, where police played macabre dance on hapless people including women, children and elders, wife of Dingerpur village pradhan Mohammad Kamil, Sameena Khatoon, who herself was a victim of police atrocities, narrated that her husband was arrested for no fault of his, whereas in Rudrapur police have arrested 200 persons out of which 165 are Muslims. Brining to light cases of police atrocities unknown to many, the convention expressed deep concern over recent resurgence of communal conflict and violence in several states. It is said in each incident, unfortunately, members of the minority community have had to bear the brunt of the violence and destruction and in each case, the police and administration have acted in a partisan manner. All India Democratic Womens Association (AIDWA), which held the convention, demanded immediate passage of the communal violence bill and justice to the victims. AIDWAS patron and CPM politbureau member Brinda Karat slammed the UPA government for not doing enough to curb the communal forces. She spoke about the fascist power in Gujarat that is stifling all attempts to book chief minister Narendra Modi. She said that witnesses were being intimidated and killed. Deploring the role of the UPA government at the Centre in not protecting the witnesses, she said the Law Commission had prepared a draft bill in 2006 on witness protection that has two parts, one witness identity protection and the other witnesss personal safety. She said till date the government has not been able to move this draft bill. Karat lamented the fact that thousands of survivors of the Gujarat genocide were still living in camps in deplorable conditions. Introducing victims to the gathering, AIDWA chief Subhshini Ali said police even did not spare minors in Moradabad and many minors were still languishing in jails. She lamented that both the MPs, namely Mohammad Azharuddin (Congress) and Dr Shafiqur Rehman Barq (BSP), did not pay any visit to the affected villages which fall under their respective constituencies. The star of the convention was Shweta Bhatt, wife of IPS officer Sanjeev Bhatt, who was felicitated by Brinda Karat for the courageous stand she has taken against the Government of Gujarat and its chief minister. Speaking on the occasion, Shweta expressed solidarity with the riot victims and offered her hand of support to them. Activist from Jaipur, Soumitra Chopra, who visited the violence-affected Gopalgarh, alleged that the communal forces are trying to turn Rajasthan into a Hindtuva laboratory. What has happened in Gopalgarh is a clear pointer towards this and the states Congress government is doing nothing to rein in the communal forces, she added. Passing a number of resolutions, women leaders and the victims of the violence resolved to work for the unity of women and to mobilize women in the struggle against communal forces. They specifically expressed concern over the partisan role of the police and administration in each case. The convention condemned the communal bias of the police and administration during these riots. It also condemned the refusal of the state governments involved to take strong action against the officers responsible for the atrocities. The convention expressed strong protest against the actions of the Gujarat government in threatening and intimidating those who dare to expose the role of the chief minister and his government in the Gujarat genocide. Later in the evening, a delegation comprising officials of AIDWA and members of victims family met Home Sectary of India and presented a memorandum.

Resolutions
This AIDWA Convention against Communal Conflict
Expresses deep concern about the number of incidents in several States where citizens of India belonging to the minority Muslim community have been targets of violence, primarily by forces of the State. It expresses its strong solidarity with the families of the victims, and especially, the mothers, sisters, wives who bear the heavy burden of loss of their innocent loved ones. These incidents include: The police firing in Bharatpur Dist., Rajasthan where ten members of the minority community were shot dead by the police, many of them inside the masjid where they had taken shelter. This was the result of a long-pending dispute on the issue of ownership of a graveyard which the administration had allowed to fester, encouraging communal elements; The police firing on villagers in Araria Dist., Bihar who were protesting the forcible takeover of their land by a powerful local politician belonging to the ruling JD-U/BJP alliance. Four Muslims, including a woman and her baby, were killed and a policeman performed the barbaric act of jumping on the dead body of a young man killed in the firing; The police firing on Muslim protesters in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand and the razing of minority-owned shops and property by communal fanatics; The police firing in Moradabad, UP killing a young man and then arresting several minor Muslim boys. In all these incidents many innocent people were injured and property of the minority community destroyed. This convention strongly condemns the communal bias of the police and administrations

reflected in all these incidents. This convention also condemns the refusal of State Governments involved to take strong action against the officers responsible. Particularly in the case of Rajasthan, the Gehlot Government did everything to protect the officers involved. Similarly, the Nitish Kumar Government refused to take prompt action against those responsible for the barbaric firing and no compensation has been paid to the families of those killed. This Convention demands justice for the victims. It demands exemplary punishment to the police officials responsible and full compensation to the victims. This Convention expresses its strong protest against the actions of the Gujarat Government in threatening and intimidating those, including senior officers, who dare to expose the role of the Chief Minister and his Government in the Gujarat genocide. Almost ten years after the genocide, a large number of victims are yet to get justice. Instead, activists fighting for peace and harmony are being targetted and harassed. This Convention demands justice for the Gujarat victims. It expresses its solidarity with those who are being threatened by the Modi Government. It demands that the Central Government take action to protect witnesses who have given evidence against Modi and his Government. This Convention demands a legislation against Communal Violence and for protection of secular principles and against attacks on minority rights. This AIDWA Convention pledges to uphold the principles and values of secularism. It pledges to defend the rights of minorities against attacks by communal forces including by administrations with a communal bias, regardless of the political party involved. It resolves to work for the unity of women and to mobilize women in the struggle against communal forces.

Mulayam remembers Azam to garner Muslim votes

n an attempt to rebuild the popular M-Y (Muslim-Yadav) factor which Mulayam Singh believes is a combination which could once again help him to bounce back in Uttar Pradesh and for this he is putting his best foot forward to woo the Muslim community. In the process he is trying to raise and project all the concerns of the Muslim community in and out of the state. Once acclaimed as Maulana Mulayam he is aware of the anger of the Muslim community and the damage done after he embraced Kalyan Singh. The Samajwadi party to undo this jolly relationship of the past has raised the Muslim reservation issue every now and then or claiming that Muslims have been cheated by other parties over the ages or mildly insinuating that Azam Khan is the probable CM or deputy CM if the party regains powers after the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh next year. Mulayam Singh in his first election rally at the Ramlila ground in Etah said that his partys theme for the upcoming assembly elections would be the deplorable condition of the Muslims and held the Mayawati government in Uttar Pradesh and UPA at the Centre responsible for the present plight of the Muslim community in the state. Pitching for the concerns of the Muslim communi-

ty further Mulayam urged the people to vote for him because the condition of Muslims has further deteriorated under the BSP regime. On the implementation of the Sachar Commission report he said UPA is least interested in doing so and the condition of Muslims in Uttar Pradesh is even worse than the Dalits. Lauding his efforts for the community in his tenure he said under Mayawatis rule the recruitment of Muslims in the police department has been only 2 percent while during his two terms as Chief Minister the percentage was 9 percent and 13 percent. One cannot expect that the issue of Babri Masjid would not be brought up in one way or the other in an election rally in Uttar Pradesh. Azam Khan while speaking at the Etah rally said that the Congress must rebuild the Babri mosque before asking them to support the Congress party in Uttar Pradesh. Azam further said by raising the issue of dividing the state into four parts Mayawati is trying to divert attention from the backwardness of the Muslims and by doing so she wants to divide the population to weaken the community or confine them into zones.

MOHAMMAD NAUSHAD KHAN

8 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011

NATIONAL

Delhi CM inaugurates Al-shifa Hospital

New Delhi: Alshifa Multi-Speciality Hospital was inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on 20 November at Okhla here. In her inaugural speech, Dixit appreciated the efforts of Human Welfare Trust, the umbrella body of Vision 2016 programme in general and the hospital project in particular which puts forward the concept of quality and affordable healthcare for all. She said the project is a landmark initiative of the people of Okhla. She expressed her long desire for establishing a maternity hospital in Jamia Nagar which was not executed due to unavailability of land so far. She said it will be established once a suitable land is found or the Delhi government will support Human Welfare Foundation to start one. She said that the government can join hands with HWF for efforts in capacity-building and human resource development. The inaugural function was presided over by Syed Jalaluddin Umri, President of JIH and Chairman of Human Welfare Trust. He said that serving humanity and providing care is worship in Islam. Prof. K. A. Siddique Hassan, Secretary General of Human Welfare Foundation, said that the hospital will be a helping hand for the needy. It will solve the problem of non-availability of quality and affordable healthcare in the Okhla area which has predominantly Muslim population. The hospital will be a model of healthcare in a place where healthcare is a means of exploitation and a means for huge profits. He said that 12 crore rupees have already been spent for constructing this hospi-

Sheila Dixit inaugurating Al-Shifa Hospital; right: speakig at the function

tal and further support of the philanthropists, well-wishers and donors will enable HWT to raise its capacity to 150 beds. He said that in last five years of Vision-2016 has established 40 schools and it is trying to establish 100 technical schools in different parts of India. He said that HWT has established six national NGOs like APCR which have been successful for releasing 1000 innocent youths from jails, and providing pensions to old people, SBF is doing disaster management work in different parts of the country and ten hospitals, 500 micro-co-operative society to

benefit 73 lakh families and to start one hundred medical vans in remote places are planned under its vision 2016 programme. Sandeep Dikshit (Member of Parliament representing the South Delhi area which includes Okhla), Safdar H. Khan (Chairman, Delhi Minority Commission), Kiran Walia (Minister of Social Welfare, Delhi), Dr. Azad Moopan (Chairman, DM Healthcare), Dr. Hussain (Chairman, Fathima Healthcare Services) and Saiyid Hamid (Chairman, Human Welfare Foundation and Chancellor, Jamia Hamdard) spoke in the function.

Al Shifa hospital has specialised departments for general medicine, general surgery, orthopaedics, gynaecology, paediatrics and physiotherapy. It has a bed capacity of 36 at present and will be upgraded to 150 shortly. The hospital will soon have two more specialised departments: eye and dental. Medical laboratory, radiology, ultrasound scanning, spirometry and ECG are available in the hospital. The Outpatient Department (OPD) of the hospital was earlier inaugurated by the Saudi Ambassador Faisal Aal Trad on 20 July this year.

Jamia Millias Convocation

New Delhi: Jamia Millias 91st Convocation was held on 16 November, degrees and diplomas for 2009-10 academic session were awarded to as many as 4294 post graduate and graduate students from different faculties and courses of the University. In addition to degrees and diplomas, 279 PhDs to research scholars and 155 Gold Medals were awarded to toppers in different courses and classes. Convocation address was not delivered by any VIP but by the Vice Chancellor Najeeb Jung himself, though Delhis Lt. Governor Tejinder Khanna was invited to this function as the chief guest. The Vice Chancellor in his progress report of JMI mentioned the new centres which have been started in this University such as Centres for Nano sciences and Nano Technology, Centres for China, Afghanistan and Sikkim Studies and new courses such as M.A. in early childhood development, post-graduate diploma in broadcasting technology, M.Tech in earthquake engineering and so on. He also said that efforts are being made to acquire about 40 acres of additional land adjacent to the Jamia Campus itself which strangely enough is UP governments land which is a pahari or hilly area, and there is a dispute over it between Delhi government and UP government for its possession. Jamia has been trying to get this land for the past 30-35 years for its expansion plan but U.P. government refuses to hand over this land on the ground that it is its irrigation departments land for which UP government has its own plans. This matter is now pending in the Delhi High Court. Jamia V.C., however, hopes that with Lt. Governors intervention, this land may be acquired soon. The Convocation function was however somewhat marred by dissatisfaction and opposition by some influential students who were opposed to the invitation extended to L.G. Tejinder Khanna and his presence at this august function. A well-known student of Jamia, Afroz Alam Sahil who has distinguished himself as the R.T.I. man, described the invitation extended to Khanna and his presence in this Convocation as a condemnable and mean step by Jamia authorities. He said that it is Tejinder Khanna who had rejected the demand for judicial enquiry into the fake Batla House encounter in which two students of Jamia Millia were killed by Delhi police and three others were arrested because of suspected relationship with terrorists. He said that by inviting such a person and honouring him with the status of chief guest Jamia VC has insulted the feelings of Jamia students. He claimed that he got the information through RTI that National Human Rights

A Controversial guest (centre) at Jamia Millia Convocation

Commission has confirmed that Delhis Lt. Governor, inspite of requests by many important Muslim leaders had refused to issue an order for a judicial enquiry in this encounter which was from many angles a fake encounter. He accused Jamia administration also which had promised legal assistance in this case but did not take any step towards it. He also said that nothing is known about the huge amount running into lakhs of rupees donated by people towards legal assistance, including Rs. 10 lakh donated by Rajya Sabha M.P. Amar Singh as to where it has gone and where and how it was spent. He said that three years have passed after the fake

encounter but no help has been provided to the families of those killed. He said that VC Najeeb Jung himself had expressed his solidarity with the affected families many a times and also had demanded judicial enquiry but inspite of all this, how he could invite such a person and honour him in this function? He said that it is a matter of great shame for me to continue my education in an institution where rights and honour of students are suppressed and unjust people are honoured as chief guests. Hence I am now cutting off my relationship with this institution. It is understood that he has left this institution by now. (NA Ansari)

Pawar demands early implementation of Sachar report

nion Agriculture Minister and Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar while addressing a meeting of the NCPs National Convention on Minorities on 12 November in New Delhi demanded early implementation of the recommendations of the Sachar Committee and the Ranganath Mishra Commission Report on the status of Muslim community in India. Pawars demand for early implementation of Sachar and Mishras report has come after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati announced her plan to bring a resolution in her states Assembly for reservation for Muslims in educational institutions and government services and it is also significant because it has been made prior to assembly elections in five states including Uttar Predesh slated to be held next year. All political parties chant the issue of Muslim reservation before every election no matter how big or small but their commitment towards this issue is yet to be seen. It has always been political rhetoric only to be forgotten after elections, at the time of political prosperity. Issues pertaining to Muslims hardly bother political parties when they are numerically strong in assemblies and in parliament and when no one is in a position to turn their apple cart in terms of numbers

and political arithmetic. All political parties look for Muslims support without any condition attached to it or even if any condition is attached it has to be formal and only verbal in nature and not time-bound to fulfil the promise after winning elections or coming to power. Pawar has also demanded that the Commission for Equal Opportunities be set up at the earliest and has sought review of the Wakf Act so that encroachments on Wakf land can be removed. NCP supremo has also announced that his party in association with Maulana Azad Education Foundation (funded by the Ministry of Minority Affairs) is looking forward to establish educational institutions in Maharashtra, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. In its resolution passed during its national convention the party has expressed concern that despite the prime ministers repeated emphasis on the overall status of the Muslims nothing much has changed so far. NCP also observed that the Prime Ministers new 15-point programme and recommendations of the Sachar Committee have not been implemented which is unfortunate and painful. For the Congress, the reservation issue is easier said than done. At one point it was felt that the Congress will provide

Muslims with reservations in jobs and education before going to polls in the upcoming elections in five states. May be it has decided to move it forward to the next general elections depending on the outcome of the five assembly elections results. Is the reservation issue more complex or is it deliberately made out to be so to buy time one election after another? Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khursheed in his recent interview said that the government has more or less decided to provide Muslims reservations in jobs and education and for that matter the government should be prepared for a constitutional amendment in order to make it a reality. But at the moment the government wants to make a point by saying that it is facing legal and political hurdles. As per 2001 census Muslims in India are 12.4 percent. There are already some states where Muslims have their percentage of reservation fixed. Kerala has 12 percent in government jobs reserved for Muslims. In Tamil Nadu 3.5 percent jobs are reserved for Muslims and Christians. In Karnataka the reservation for Muslims is 4 percent. In West Bengal there is 10 percent reservation for Muslims in government jobs. And in Andhra Pradesh the Supreme Court has already allowed 4 percent reservation. The big question: Why cannot this model be replicated by the government to overcome political and legal hurdles if they really exist? (Mohammad Naushad Khan)

The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011

NATIONAL

Protection of Minority Rights not a virtue but a political necessity: Justice Siddiqui
Aligarh: Protection of minority rights is no longer viewed as a virtue but it is seen as a political necessity that strengthens modern plural society, this is what came through in a national seminar on Minority Rights: Vision and Reality organized by the Department of Political Science, Aligarh Muslim University on November 14. Inaugurating the national seminar, Justice M. S. A. Siddiqui, Chairman, National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI), said that the article 30 gives special rights to minorities and article 30 is absolute and it can be regulated by two counts. First it has to be reasonable and second, the interest of minority must be kept in mind. Explaining Article 30, Justice Siddiqui said that Indian Muslims have been given the full right to establish and run their academic institutions. The Commission is committed to protect the minority rights duly granted by the Constitution of India, he said. Using its adjudicatory powers, the Commission has declared Jamia Millia Islamia a minority institution. Justice Sifddiqui said the salvation of Muslims lies in modern education and they must adopt information technology. Delivering the presidential address, AMU Vice Chancellor Prof. P. K. Abdul Azis said that education is the key to empowerment and Muslims are enjoined by the Quran to rigorously pursue education. He said that AMU has been striving to spread education relentlessly and setting up of two new centres bears a testimony to its commitment to propagate education among Muslims as it was also the cherished dream of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan at heart. He said that no one can doubt the minority character of the AMU as it fulfills all conditions of a minority institution. Former Member of Parliament, and presently President of All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, Syed Shahabuddin said that

Muslims should strengthen their relationship with the majority community and draw their attention towards their social, educational and political problems. He urged the government to ensure that the benefits of all minority schemes are made available to the minorities. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Faizan Mustafa, Vice Chancellor, National Law University Orissa at Cuttack, said that democracy could only become fully functional if minorities are provided with special rights as these rights do not symbolize appeasement but they are essential for the growth of a pluralistic society. Tracing the minority rights all over the world, Prof. Faizan Mustafa said the Indian Constitution grants special rights to minorities for fulfilling their cultural aspirations. By safeguarding

the cultural and linguistic aspirations, the minorities can be actively associated in the process of nation-building. Prof. Mustafa referred to the gearing up of AMU minority case in Allahabad High Court and quoted several landmark judgments of the Supreme Court. Maulana Fazlurrahim Mujaddadi, Rector of Jamiatul Hidaya at Jaipur made a PowerPoint presentation and regretted that minorities are not being benefited by the welfare schemes of the central government. Dr. Aftab Alam, Convener of the seminar said that minorities do not enjoy rights but article 30 is the most violated article of the constitution and made a strong point for its effective implementation. Today that Babubhai had been residing at that place much before he (Bhemabhai) was born and has tax receipts for several decades. He regards the demolition unethical on the ground that the matter was subjudice. The demolition team did not listen to pleads of weeping women nor to the pleas of children (asking them to rescue their pet pigeons). The jeevadaya governed authority crushed four pigeons to pulp. The family, of course, was showered with filthy abuses. Babubhais advocate son Rais Quraishi said that they had approached the High Court and their petition had been filed. City Survey Suprintendent, Ashok Gomti, was apprised of the fact through fax. Babubhai has decided not to vacate the land and continue to reside on the debris by erecting a shamiana. He is receiving AG KHAN threats and fears an assault.

Operation cleansing: sadbhavna in action

The only Muslim family of Babubhai Munnabhai Quraishi residing in Ambaji (Banas Kantha district) of Gujarat for several decades was asked to vacate the land encroached by them. On their refusal to vacate the house their house was razed to the ground inflicting on the family a loss to the tune of 30-40 lakhs. This too was done when the male members of the family had gone to Ahmedabad for seeking a stay from the High Court. The timing too was perfectly precise so that they could not obtain an instant stay order from the court just prior to Diwali vacation. Babubahis family has been paying all the taxes for the last 40 years and were considered as proof of communal amity where pilgrims throng at the renowned holy place. Mixing with

No place for Muslims in his fiefdom

the mainstream, like sugar in milk, they used to participate in the navratri and other festivities of the community which also used to reciprocate the sentiments on Eid and other occasions. However, this was objectionable for the extrem-

ists. A prominent cabinet minister has built an inn (dharamshala) close to Babubhais house. He has several projects in mind hence this sole Muslim family was a kind of thorn in the flesh. A notice was served on Babubhai on 8 August 2011 accusing him of being an encroacher on government land. City Surveyor dismissed his plea on 11 Oct. 2011 This was followed by Deputy Collectors rejection. The 74 year old man filed an application in the High Court. The case is pending in the court. Inspite of this the authorities planned the eviction (demolition) before the court could consider the case. It may be pointed out that Babu bhai is not the sole encroacher. Similar notices were issued to more than 700 house owners. However, the authority deemed it fit to punish Babubhai only. Sarpanch Bhemabhai Thakore has strongly condemned this demolition. He told Gujarat

Sri Sri Ravishankar and art of politics

RAM PUNIYANI

s elections in Uttar Pradesh are around the cover, so is the number of journeys by spiritual gurus. These gurus are giving their discourses against corruption. (November 2011). The major ones amongst them are Baba Ramdev and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Sri). Sri Sri has shared space with Anna and played a considerable role when the government arrested Anna. Sri Sri came to play the role of an interlocutor between Anna and his followers, during his prison stint. As if by a divine design, yoga guru Ramdev and Sri Sri have suddenly realised this menace of corruption and have plunged themselves head long into the anti corruption movement. So, the teachings of Ramdev have a supplementary dose of anti corruption teachings added on to his lectures/speeches. Similarly Sri Sris Art of Living has now the additional flavour of anti corruption in his sermons. While this is going on, Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh has alleged that Ramdev, Anna and Sri Sri are team members of the RSS. Ramdev is known to be close to the BJP and had also toyed with the idea of floating his own political party. However, Sri Sri never spoke on these lines, and has maintained that he has nothing to do with politics. According to him his UP tour is a mere extension of what he has been doing, making people take an oath against corruption. And, now Digvijay Singh has gone hoarse, claiming Sri Sri has a political agenda and he is Team C of the RSS. Does Sri Sri really have no political agenda? Or is he a part of the RSS pantheon? Surely one can guess that Sri Sri may not have attended

the Shakha bauddhiks (intellectual sessions conducted in RSS branches, known asShakhas) and might not have worn khaki shorts and saluted the saffron flag in RSS shakhas. But yet, Sri Sri is surely a part of a scheme to influence electoral politics. Having said that, lets understand that electoral politics is not the only form of politics influencing society; it is also done by social movements and awareness programmes. Bills cannot be passed on the streets and not under pressure. The government had accepted and is furiously working in that direction. Despite that the threats from team Anna continue and team Anna actively worked against the ruling Congress in the Hisar elections. It seems there is more to the Anna upsurge than just the JLB or anti Corruption issue. They have a deeper agenda, and Sri Sri is very much a part of it. Earlier the bill for Right to Information, NREGA etc were brought in, anti Corruption bill is in the offing, then why such pressure from Team Anna and associated gurus. This just reconfirms that there is more to Annas movement than meets the eye. The political agenda of this movement is much deeper than what is apparent at the surface. One needs to question whether under the garb of spirituality a particular type of politics is being strengthened. Sri Sri had a phenomenal rise during last three decades. To beat the stress of todays working youth, Sri Sri has devised Sudarshan Kriya, based on breathing exercises from the old traditions of India. Today, he is in league with many a Godmen, people like late Bhagwan Satya Sai, Asaram Bapu, Baba Ramdev, propagating values of a particular type. While these godmen are selling tranquilising therapies, keep fit regimes on one hand, on the other they also support the prevalent social

dynamics in society. The deeper changes to ensure the rights of weaker sections of society is what we should strive for. On the contrary the type of politics, which comes in the garb of religion, propagates values which are opposed to the politics of affirmative action for weaker sections of society. The godmen are rubbing shoulders with the Nitin Gadkaris, Narendra Modis, Ram Madhavs and the like. So logically they are the ones touring the states where elections are due and they know for whom they are canvassing in a subtle fashion. Such type of politics, laced in the color/garb of religion, is tied to the apron strings of a Hindu Rashtra, which in turn is being spearheaded by the RSS. WHILE SPEAKING on the eradication of corruption which is a noble sentiment, there is obvious rise of a parallel movement of Anna and initiatives of Godmen on the issue. Their simultaneity is striking. RSS chief claims that he talked to Anna Hazare to take up this issue. It is appalling as to how this triad of Anna Hazare, Baba Ramdev and Sri Sri realised the need for anti Corruption movement all at the same point of time? And, of course, the RSS rushed in its swayamsevaks in this movement all over the country without a minutes delay. Mere coincidence? No way! While talking against corruption is good, the question is why is there no talk about female foeticide, atrocities against dalits and violence against minorities? The spiritual guru, one hopes, is aware that these issues are prevalent in our society. Why no support for right to food issue, or why no support to eradicate communal violence? And last but not the least how come there is such a perfect match in what Sri Sri believes and what the RSS-BJP want on the issues related to minorities, reservations for dalits, etc?
(Issues in Secular Politics)

10 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011

NATIONAL

Sardarpura verdict: is it the road to justice?

ABDUL HAFIZ LAKHANI, Ahmedabad
A decade long wait for justice and the palpable sense of insecurity clearly has shrouded the recent verdict by a special court which sentenced 31 accused in the carnage to life behind bars. At Sardarpura, the reactions were muted. The handful of Muslim families staying here are mindful of the need to coexist Almost a decade after 33 people were burnt alive in Sardarpura village in Gujarat in 2002 during the riots that had engulfed the state, 31 people have been sentenced to life. As the verdict was widely welcomed, it has kindled hopes for justice in the nine other riot cases. The train was reportedly packed with karsevaks returning from Ayodhya. The tragedy triggered an unprecedented wave of riots, in which 1200 people were killed. With the verdict, the country witnessed a major breakthrough in terms of justice as this was the first time 31 people were convicted, the highest in number, in a communal violence post independence. Teesta setalvad of CJP said that the investigation team then had hardly probed into the incident. She accused the Gujarat govt of doing nothing to dispense justice. She said justice has only been possible because of external agencies like the Special Investigation team and the CBI. Teesta maintained that the rule of law will work in Gujarat only on the day when the SIT files a chargesheet against Narendra Modi. Yatin Oza, Senior lawyer and BJP Member however retaliated saying, barring two, all the accused were arrested by Gujarat police. Dilip Trivedi, the district secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad was appointed as the special prosecutor by the Gujarat govt to probe into the Sardarpura riot case. However, a sting operation by Tehelka showed how he was put there to subvert the course of justice in the case, which led to the granting of bail to the accused. Setalvad said the verdict has restored the faith of people in the judicial system. In one sense it is a huge victory for the victims, survivors and us, 31 people have been convicted under section 302 and 149 which is murder and mob frenzy which generally mean at least a conviction for life; 31 have been given the benefit of doubt and 11 have been acquitted, Setalvad told mediapersons in Ahmedabad. In that sense being the largest number of convictions it is a welcome victory. The courage of the victim survivors and the faith in the lower judiciary under the watch of the Supreme Court has been reaffirmed, she added. Setalvad further informed about the follow up appeal she is about to file in court. Having said that there were certain aspects of investigation regarding the wider conspiracy and build up of arms coming into Mehsana and Sabarkantha, prior to the Godhra incident brought out on the one hand by the Tehelka magazine sting operation and secondly by the state intelligence reports which were made public by the affidavits of former Director General of Police (DGP) Mr. R.B Sreekumar, said Setalvad. These aspects the SIT (Special Investigation Team) somehow failed to investigate and therefore could not be put before the court. Witnesses did testify to some political incitement, these are issues that we will take up possibly in the appeal, she added. Meanwhile, former Director General of Gujarat (DGP) Police, R.B Sreekumar, also lauded the verdict and said that it would send out a positive message. This is a great success, a great leap forward, a great achievement for the NGOs and people like Teesta Setalvad who had relentlessly, consistently pursued it. Please note that no secular party had taken up these cases. Secondly please note that for the first time the so called good people, so called respectable people who had never committed any crime but committed communal crime, because of the impact of the communal indoctrination, said Sreekumar. Very good people acted as pre-planned robots, many of these convicted people do not have any police records even in misappropriation or economic offences. But they have been convicted, this will send the right message, he added. Survivors: more should have been convicted Some survivors of the 2002 Sardarpura carnage in Mehsana district of Gujarat said they were happy with the verdict of a special court (awarding life term for 31 accused), but would have appreciated it much more if more of the accused had been convicted. Sheikh Dilawar Miya, 21, who lost his parents and a sister in the killings and was among the survivors in the only pucca house in the locality that was attacked by mobs, and Sheikh Ghulam Ali, who lost 13 members of his family at Sardarpura, echoed this sentiment. They claimed that during the trial, they and other witnesses were under tremendous pressure, but refused to disclose who was pressurising them. We have only heard that some of the witnesses were threatened.

Isharat case: SIT report is a welcome step

Rights activists and lawyers hailed the Gujarat high court-appointed SITs conclusion that the police encounter killing of Ishrat Jahan and three others was fake. Activists also sought an apology from the Police and media for tarnishing the image of the college girl and her family with related stories. They (Gujarat police) made their life hell. The family stands vindicated. They killed and tarnished the image of a young girl and her family. They should apologise publicly, lawyer-activist Vrinda Grover shouted outside the court. Grover appeared for Ishrats family in the petition. Another lawyer-activist, Mukul Sinha, called for a fresh FIR and further probe into the case. We want the SIT to file a fresh chargesheet after conducting a comprehensive probe, Sinha said. Gujarat Congress chief Arjun Modhvadia slammed CM Narendra Modi for fake encounters. It is impossible to believe that police have killed so many people in fake encounters without the knowledge of Modi, who is also the home minister of the state, Modhvadia said. Former Gujarat deputy director general of police RB Sreekumar slammed the police and government for staging a series of extra-judicial killings. He also said that the state police was responsible for failing to act during the 2002 post-Godhra riots. Even delayed justice has its uses. Extra-judicial killing by the The surviving relatives of the victims, now living in the Satnapur rehabilitation centre after all the years, are still too scared to go to Sardarpura and would never go back to their original village. The atmosphere there is still not conducive for us to live there." Meanwhile, the Gujarat government had sacked an employee in connection with the riot case that led to 31 life terms in sardarpura case recently not the three among the accused but one who became a key prosecution witness. It was police constable Munsaf Khan, who had not only identified several key accused in the Sardarpura massacre of 33 Muslims but exposed the rioter-police collusion. Khans victimisation partly mirrors that of another whistleblower policeman, IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt, who was suspended and arrested after spelling out chief minister Narendra Modis alleged role in the Supreme Court. Khan was dismissed in 2007 after he had filed an affidavit in the apex court describing how the local police had forsaken and left the village, giving the killers a free hand. He was sacked for going on unauthorised leave, the same charge on which Bhatt was later suspended. The constable, however, again moved the top court, on whose orders the government had to reinstate him six months later and provide him with police protection. Khan, 61, retired as a constable in 2009 and lives with his family in Sardarpura, his home village, with a single constable guarding his house. Khan says he had been at home in Sardarpura on medical leave on the night of the carnage - March 1, 2002 and saw the mob torch the house, 300 metres from his own house, where the victims were hiding. He says the previous day, February 28, police had come to the village after 20 shops owned by Muslims were torched, but had done nothing to protect the community. Being a policeman himself, Khan, who was then posted in Kallol near Gandhinagar, tried to restore peace. I wanted to set up a peace committee on February 28 but neither the sarpanch nor others from the Patel community responded. Perhaps they had made up their mind to attack us, Khan said. He later told the apex court-appointed special investigation team how the then sarpanch Kanubhai Patel, 46, and his successor Kachara Patel, 58, led the rioters. Both were convicted yesterday, as were three government employees electricity board staffers Mathur Patel, 49, Jayanti Patel, 46, and Ganesh Prajapati, 54 who had all these years not faced even a departmental inquiry. Khan says he saw Kanubhai help Mathur fix a searchlight before the house that was torched. He saw Kachara on the rooftop while a mob surrounded the house and shouted: Kill them all. Not one should live. After Kanubhais term as sarpanch ended four months later, Kachara, a Congress member, was elected unopposed. Kanubhai remained influential in the area as a BJP leader. The local police had not informed their higher-ups about the attack, which lasted from 9pm till 2.30am. It was Khan who called police in the name of protecting the chief minister from alleged jihadi terrorists added to the communal discourse of politics in the state. Delivering justice in a situation of acute communal polarisation that aroused doubts about the entire justice delivery apparatus of the state would play a positive role. The other aspect of the verdict has to do with the wider pattern of police or security forces in other parts of India which too resort to such criminal acts. Fake encounters or extra-judicial killings are an extreme contravention of the law, regardless of whether the victim is innocent civilian or involved in unlawful activities. A person in a uniform working for an institution of the State represents the State itself. Such an individual violating the law of the land is nothing short of unravelling the very law on which the State rests and derives legitimacy from. Not for nothing has the highest court in the land expressed serious concern over fake encounters and even called for harsher punishment against such erring agents of the State. There is, therefore, an ineluctable need for perpetrators of these crimes to be punished in Gujarat as well as in the rest of the country. Fake encounters must not be tolerated. The notion of the police as a responsible and accountable public force, helping citizens and not scaring them at sight, and not indulging in violations of law itself, entails wider reform. And the initiative for that must come from the political class. up a relative in Ahmedabad and got him to somehow contact district police chief Anupam Gehlot, who rushed in from Mehsana town, 50km away. The entire Muslim population of the village would have been wiped out if Gehlot had not arrived, a villager said. Of the 76 Muslim families that lived in Sardarpura, over 40 have left for good, selling their shops to the Patels. Only a few landowning Pathan families have stayed back. Khan himself moved to Sanvala village, 30km away, for the next six months. We have relatives there and Sanvala has a sizeable Muslim population. We felt safe, he said. He added that after he rejoined work, he was harassed because he had identified the riot leaders and exposed the police collusion. So, he filed an affidavit in the apex court a few years later.

Silent protest in Juhapura

Around 50 RTI activists, many of whom had come from far away places after driving for 5-6 hours, held a silent protest in the largest Muslim ghetto Juhapura locality of Ahmedabad. Nadeem Saiyed, an RTI activist and riot case witness, was hacked to death in this very locality recently. Strangely, very few people of Juhapura took part in the protest despite the fact that Saiyed was a resident of this locality. While some saw this as a sign of the local peoples indifference, others said that the local people were in a state of shock and were scared of Nadeems assailants who lived in the area. There were no speeches but the activists appeared angry and determined in their protest. Later, some activists said that they would be submitting a memorandum to the authorities demanding Rs10 lakh assistance to Saiyeds family. Bhikhubhai Jethwa, father of RTI activist Amit Jethwa who was killed in the city last year, was also present at the protest in Juhapura. We want to ask the head of the state government, who is the RTI activist who will be killed after Nadeem? It is surprising that the state police who were able to get information about terrorists entering the state to kill the chief minister, have no information about which RTI activist inspite of the police protection given to him, would be killed next, Bhikhubhai said bitterly. He accused the government and its leaders of orchestrating these attacks. City-based RTI activist, Bharatsinh Zala, said that Nadeem had been living with his wife and two sons in his brothers house and now they have no one to look after them and they have no source of income either. The government must provide them assistance of Rs10 lakh, he said. Another RTI activist, Vinod Pandya, said that with the growth in its power and influence, the state government was becoming even more authoritarian. In such a situation, it is the people who are raising their voices. Nadeem was an activist and it was the state governments responsibility to protect him. Yet, despite the fact that Nadeem was given police protection, the government and the police failed to protect him. His family must be given fair compensation, said Pandya. Shivabhai Ram, RTI activist from Pipavav, said that in the last two years, the number of RTI activists to be killed, and also those who had been attacked was the highest in Gujarat. All RTI activists must be provided protection, Ram said.

The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011 11

HUMAN RIGHTS/TERRORISM

Politics of human blood in India

ments but even then more than two never go there together and they die after killing many times more armymen and police personnel than themselves. But they come to Delhi only to be killed. Why dont they go to After the terrorist attack in Mumbai in November other states besides these five states? In states like Bihar, not a single 2008, Maharashtras chief minister and the then encounter on the pretext of Lashkar-e Toiba etc. has taken place. The police officer said that much depends on the thinking of the chief union home minister were sacked but the National Security Advisor on whom lay the main responsi- minister of the state. In Bihar neither any action was taken on IBs inforbility of security continued to hold his post because mation during Lalus times nor even now under Nitish Kumar. He said he must be in the know of some state secrets that now in UP also there will be no encounter in the name of terrorism. whose disclosure could have affected the continu- And thereafter no encounter has taken place in U.P. in the name of terrorism, though encounters are taking place daily in the name of criminals ation of the existing government. When a high-ranking police, civilian or judicial officer makes some and the numbers of Muslims are very large in these encounters, but this wrong moves for politicians in power while holding office or dances to is because of the mentality of the local police. Obviously, a government officer can talk on such sensitive subjects their tune, political leadership also perforce has to take good care of him after his retirement because he can expose the misdeeds of these politi- upto a certain point. Now it is certain that in Mulayam Singhs period, on the basis of information received from IB that such and such person is cians if not obliged. While writing about Babri Masjid I had written that Rajiv Gandhi had LeTs terrorist, UP police used to kidnap him like Tariq Qasmi and after deputed a Supreme Court judge to Faizabad who had made the district a few days he was killed and a concocted story was registered on GD and issued to the press. judge Krishn Mohan Pande Same things were being got agree to the unlocking of the done by Modi in Gujarat but Babri Masjid. After retirewhen Modi changed his attiment, that honourable judge tude, terrorists stopped works as the chairman of going to Gujarat. Since Delhi some commission or the police is directly under the other and is also enjoying the control of the central governsalary of Chief Justice of the ment, its record is worst. Supreme Court. Therefore, if As long as the Shiv he holds a press conference Sena-BJP government was and reveals why Rajiv in Maharashtra, terrorists Gandhi had deputed him to were not going there but get the locks of the Babri All the murders of Muslim youths that had taken place in Gujarat in the ever since a Congress govMasjid opened, how would the Nehru dynasty solicit name of encounter were no doubt executed by Gujarat government/police but ernment is in power, terrorMuslim votes? Hence, they it was in fact the central government at whose behest all these murders were ists regularly come here to committed by Gujarat government/police. die. For some police officers have to be paid for not disthe term encounter specialclosing their secrets and these payments are made from the government exchequer which is pub- ists started from there. For some time terrorists had a desire to be killed lic money. In this way, bureaucrats, police and even judicial officers are in Andhra Pradesh too. As long as Telugu Desam government was there, made to do illegal and unfair assignments but fearing that after retire- Andhra Pradesh did not exist on the terrorists map of India but as soon ment these people may expose the misdeeds of politicians or ministers, as a Congress government came to power there, terrorists started they are suitably rewarded in some form or the other. In this way, corrup- reaching there to be killed. It is another matter that before his own death, Raj Shekhar Reddys eyes opened and he sternly said that no terrorist tion and evil practices go on multiplying. will now come to Andhra. He set free all terrorists who had been in jails n UP only a few months after Mayawati had come to power, ATS had as a result of IBs identification and gave them some compensations too picked up Hakim Tariq Qasmi of Azamgarh and Khalid Mujahid of and he also apologised to the Muslims. As long as Narendra Modi got Jaunpur from the vicinity of their residences and after about a week or youths of Gujarat and other states picked up and killed in bulk at the ten days it showed their arrest from Barabanki alongwith RDX and some identification of IB on the pretext of being terrorists, they used to go other dangerous weapons. In addition to this, a Kashmiri youth, who every month to Gujarat for being killed but when he decided not to used to sell shawls, was killed near Chinhat (near Lucknow) and a map encounter them despite the identification by IB, terrorists stopped going of the chief ministers residence was recovered from him. The CM her- there. Now neither any encounter is taking place in Gujarat nor will there self was so frightened that her movements and activities were confined be any while Modi rules. Now the central government and its beloved agencys thirst for blood to her residence and continue to be so until now. In another similar incident, a Pakistani national called Noor Baksh, can be extinguished only in Delhi and Maharashtra. UP, Gujarat and who was imprisoned in Lucknow jail, was made to get off the police van Andhra Pradesh are now out of their bound till the writing of this report. On the courts order, investigation of Sohrabuddin encounter in while being taken to court and later killed near the jail itself whereas some Indian MPs including myself were asked to carry on a campaign Gujarat was done by the special team of Gujarat itself, which proves that for securing the release of Sarabjeet Singh, an Indian spy who was there was no truth in Sohrabuddins alleged relationship with LeT and yet arrested in Pakistan and sentenced to death (for executing a bomb blast he was picked up by the police and killed. DIG Vanjara and about a dozen police officers are even now in jail. Ishrat Jahan was a resident of there). I, as a Bahujan Samaj Party MP, was very worried that if UP-STFs Mumbara (Maharashtra). She and three other educated Muslim youths high handedness was not reined in, BSPs image will be greatly harmed. were picked up with the help of Maharashtra police and got killed on a Meanwhile I happened to meet a high ranking police officer of UP for cer- lonely road of Ahmedbad at night after they were forced to get down from tain work. We knew each other since long. He asked me about the image a police vehicle. Next day, newspapers published the good news for the of the new government (Mayawatis) among the general public. I shot whole country that four hardcore terrorists of LeT were killed in a police back and said that during Mulayam Singh Yadavs regime you people encounter. The whole country was told that these dangerous terrorists killed about three dozen educated Muslim youths and spoilt the image of had come to kill Narendra Modi. Ishrat Jahans mother knocked at the Mulayem Singh and now you are doing the same with our (BSP) govern- door of the court which ordered a magisterial enquiry. The magistrate ment. I told him that Hakim Tariq Qasmi was kidnapped when his motor- conducted the enquiry and said in his report that Ishrat Jahan and the cycle was stopped on a busy road of Azamgarh of which there were three youths who were killed alongwith her neither had any connection many eyewitnesses. After about ten days the police showed his arrest with LeT nor were they making any plans to kill Modi. They were simply from Barabanki alongwith arms. This is a case connected to my own picked up and got killed. On this report Congressmen were highly elated. They issued many place and I know Hakim Tariq personally. People who themselves had statements against Narendra Modi and indulged in political rhetoric to seen him being kidnapped told me about this. Hearing this, he became serious and said that he has been holding fool my politically stupid community. Central government also filed a important posts since Mulayam Singhs times and today also with good affidavit in the court. When a fascist like Modi also lost his patience, Bahenjis grace he is in a still better position. He added that truly speak- he said in a statement that Gujarat police had no idea that an Ishrat ing, we are all bound with a system which has been developed over the Jahan lives in Mumbra of Maharashtra and it was the central government and IB which had informed Gujarat police that Ishrat Jahan and her such past many years and we are bonded labourers of this system. He said that I and you know each other for the past 15 years and and such colleagues are hardcore terrorists of LeT who are hatching a here you are an important member of the ruling party and also one of the conspiracy to kill the chief minister. Modi also said in his statement that distinguished Members of our Parliament but even then if I get a mes- it was the central government which had informed the Gujarat governsage from the I.B. in Delhi to declare that some RDX was recovered from ment about Sohrabuddin and others that they were LeT men and were the MPs residence, I will be bound to take you to your residence for hatching a conspiracy to kill the chief minister. This means that all the search and if in our team there is any communal-minded officer or some- murders of Muslim youths that had taken place in Gujarat in the name of one who has some grudge against you, it is not at all difficult for us to encounter were no doubt executed by Gujarat government/police but it say that 100 or 50 grams of RDX was recovered from your residence. He was in fact the central government at whose behest all these murders said that it is true that youths were encountered on the pretext of terror- were committed by Gujarat government/police. Central government felt very uneasy at these disclosures by Narendra Modi. Union home minisism but it was all because of orders from Delhi. I asked him why after all, terrorists come to five states, i.e., Delhi, ter could not say that Modi is telling lies but said in defence that if IB had U.P., Gujarat, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh only where they failed furnished this information, it had not given a licence to kill them. Thus, P. to kill even a single policeman all these years but when they come to Chidambaram indirectly admitted that whatever encounters of Muslim these states they get killed? Do they come to these five states when they youths have taken place in Gujarat, all were on the basis of identifications and information supplied by the central government. (Translated want to get killed? In Kashmir, where there is real terrorism, they attack military canton- from Urdu)

ILYAS AZMI

Former Member of Parliament

Belguam Court acquits 11 innocent Muslim youths

Belguam: A sessions court here pronounced the order acquitting 11 Muslim youths of charges leveled against them for alleged offensive activities. There were two cases registered in the Malmaruti and APMC police stations of Belgaum during 2008. Principal District and Sessions Judge Mr. M. S. Balakrishna passed the order on Nov. 8. Totally 15 Muslim youths were charged for their supposed involvement in alleged activities related to help in bombs and abetting communal violence. Mr. S. R. Mundargi, advocate for the accused youths said, The Honourable Judge Mr. Balakrishna in his order observed that the Police Department (prosecution) failed to prove the allegation leveled against the accused and that whatever evidence they provided did not substantiate the charges. Those who were acquitted by the court order are: Nasir Liyaqat Ali Patel (28), Aijaz Khan Ghulam Hussain Khan, Imtiyaz Abdul Azeez Dhalayat (29), Nadeem Abdul Nayeem Sayed (27), Naveed Munir Ahmad Qazi (30), Liyaqat Ali Abdul Gani Sayed (34), Iqbal Shoukat Ali Jakati (35), Nasir Abdul Majid Rangrez (34), Tanveer Abdul Sattar Mulla (28), Dr. Munroz Nalband (35), and Dr. Mohammed Asif. The two youth who are still lodged in Ahmadabad jail are Nasir Patel and Nadeem. As per the police version the accused who are declared to be absconding are: Sadiq Sajid Mulla and Imran Jafarsab Rajgoli of Belgaum, Mufti Abu Bakar of Azamgarh (Uttar Pradesh), and Hafiz Hussain of Bijapur. (A.S. Khanapuri, karnatakamuslims.com)

Togadia demands death sentence for conversion

Pravin Togadia of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad while addressing the final day of the three day Akhil Bharatiya Dharmaprasar Karykarta Sammelan on 9 November in Ahmedabad sought the death sentence for those trying to convert Hindus to other religions. Togadia further said that anti conversion measures have always been a priority and also the reconversion of converted Hindus from Islam and Christianity. The sammelan was held close to Pirana Dargah which is run by a trust having Muslims and Hindus as its members. Togadia also said that conversion is being carried out only because of the appeasement politics and nothing else.

Butchers reel under illegal VHP embargo

Ahmedabad: With the passing of Gujarat Animal Preservation Act 1954 (amendment) which carries a penalty of a seven year jail term, VHP has swung into action. There have been violent confrontations between the cops and butchers. Strict enforcement has led to a steep rise in the prices of goats and sheep which has doubled since last year from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 this year. Police have started harassing people in the slaughter business. A member of the Quresh Jamat said that they planned to challenge the amendment in the Supreme Court. On the one hand, Modi is trying to woo Muslims. But he does not restrain his officials from harassing the community even during festival days, retorted an angry businessman. For the first time, VHP workers entered Muslim ghettos like Juhapura and Dariapur to protect cows and calves. Pravin Togadia discussed the issue with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat who was on a two-day visit to Gujarat. This has come as a shock to Khokhars, a sect of Muslims in animal trade, who tilted the balance in Modis favour at Kathal, formerly a Congress bastion, in the recent by-poll where the BJP candidate emerged victorious. Muslims voted for BJP announced a jubilant Modi. So, the Muslims have been warmly rewarded with the amendment! This has also created a dilemma for the 25,000 Muslims who want to join the party for the 2014 polls.

12 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011

issues

The circus of terrorism

MusTAfA KHAn
than what you hear by word of mouth? And yet against thus being deprived access to facts and records there are those like B Raman. He was not only a senior Research and Analysis Wing (a forbidden agency for Muslims aspiring to be employed) but enjoys a post-retirement post of continuing the same work in superannuation. In the quagmire of his prolific writing on terror and attendance at international conferences on the subject there is no chance of him being myopic. Even so his serialized news and slide show on rediff.com is a comic relief. When the ruler of a northwestern princely state hung the Kohinoor diamond from his sex insignia the people went gaga over this show, gratis and sans tax. Rudyard Kipling thanked god for having created this source of entertainment. One has also to offer thanks for this comic relief. Raman wrote on November 17 what is a series of stalls at the amusement park and to sample a few for your benefit: First, the release on bail is communalizing and politicizing that would vitiate the relationship between the Hindus and Muslims paving the way for more acts of terror in the future. Writing from Malegaon I saw no communal tension on the day the bombs went off in the graveyard mosque and the Mushawarat chowk. On the contrary, Hindus as well as Muslims were frightened by the visitation of bombing on the town. The Hindus also rushed to donate blood. As to the next bomb blast of 2008 it appears the same Hindutva group was behind it with the addition for the first time that a serving army officer was also central in the attack. Second, there will be paralysis of the investigation agencies of the state and central government. The truth tells another story. The local police were quite active and questioned 20 Hindus and called in for questioning a leading yarn merchant in connection with the blast. Then they abandoned this line for a new angle they acquired for hunting the Students Islamic Movement of India. Years later a tribunal judge asked the government to give/provide at least one concrete evidence against SIMI to justify continuing the ban. She recommended the ban to be lifted. When the ATS took over the game plan was continued with greater vigour thanks to its chief KP Raghuvanshi even after DGP Dr Prischa asserting that it was the work of Bajrang Dal. Third, only 26/11 was a successful investigation and conviction. Kudos for it. But it also

here is no tension in Malegaon as the 9 accused are granted bail in the September 8, 2006 bomb blast case and the 7 detainees have returned home. Dr Salman Farsi is the uncle of Noorulhodha and was framed as a conspirator when he attended the marriage of his nephew. Since when have wedding guests chosen hatching conspiracies in such heinous crimes as conspiring to explode bomb on their own wedding day, of all days? Farsi and Mohammad Ali had complained to the Mumbai police against a video parlour posing a threat to their family life and social culture. That was enough in the eyes of the Anti Terrorist Squad to club them together as potential terrorists. Noorulhodha had been already arrested five times and honorably acquitted in all the cases. He had to report every week at the local police station and was under close surveillance and yet he was framed in the sixth case. The crime of the sixth case has not been resolved and he is now released on bail. As against him, Sadhvi Pragyasingh Thakur and Lt Col Shrikant Prasad Purohit and others were arrested for the first time ever for the September 29, 2008 bomb blast. Neither the Sadhvi nor the Lt Col of the army were brutally assaulted and beaten as was Noorul hodha. She was allowed to malinger in JJ Hospital while Abrar was coaxed and insidiously and sedulously tempted and occasionally threatened to toe the ATS line in their version of the crimes. He had slipped on the bath room floor and was hospitalized. Zahid led prayers in Phoolsangvi in Yawatmal five hundred miles from ground zero. Yet the ATS continued to blame him as the person who had planted the bomb. Atif, witness number 369, was a servant of Shabbir Masiullah. He was made to bear false witness against others. The identification parade in the jail was a charade because he was made to memorize the face and dress of Mohammad Ali and Asif Khan from the photos supplied to him. This was the result of three weeks of brutal torture in the prison cell. He was set free as reward for having done a dirty job for the authorities. A week after his release he was overwhelmed with remorse and submitted an affidavit to the Allahabad court. He has the postal record but the court has refused to confirm and says there is no record. What proof the present writer or anyone can give when there is nothing more

raises a host of other issues concerning the death of Hemant Karkare and the situation at the Chabbad House of the Jews. The framing of Fahim Ansari and his acquittal eclipses much of the shine and then clouds darken with the assassination of Shahid Azmi who was instrumental in his release and the farce of the map he purportedly supplied to Kasab. Only the map came out untouched but no one else. Is it a tribute to the present ATS chief who was then in charge of crimes branch? Third, the accused released and the scores of absconding accused are beneficiaries according to Raman. This would make sense like this, that the Congress government in its largesse gifted them parole to go on doing what they are accused off and ensure such benefits for them. Interestingly, Shabbir was arrested in August 2006 and yet the conspirators in his workshop continued assembling bombs for weeks on end. According to Atif this went up to the day the bombs were detonated. This would make sense only if the doctors and others accused were bereft of even common sense. The second slide show of Rajan is even more amusing. One, only 31 were killed most of them Muslims. There were 37 killed. The beard of one of them had come off. The people became suspicious and thought that he was only the second Hindu killed with a false beard. The police claimed to have sent the body to Nasik and then next day had to eat their words and deny it. Second, whether the suspected and accused and prosecuted before 26/11 were the real perpetrators. This would make sense only in this way, that the suspected and arrested in 2006 were from SIMI and therefore they alone are responsible for all the previous terrorist acts. This would obliterate Hindutva terror in one go. We need to pat his back for this ingenuity-after all he has put in so many years in the service of RAW! Third, the ATS completed investigation in 2006 Malegaon case in record time. That the ATS and then in tandem CBI enjoyed benefits of office for full four years and more to finish their work. They deserve the Nobel Prize for procrastination. This record time of which Raman boasts is on account of putting blame on SIMI and LeT which of course police know better than RAW, to automatically blame after every bomb blast. What new have the ATS and CBI found? Ex nihilo nihili fit. Fourth, that the accused Muslims indulge in terrorism while the Hindus do it as reprisal. How back in history would Raman go to prove who started first? The third slide shows that Sheila Bhatt let Raman display was: One, that there is no possibility of truth being found out. Hemant

Karkare used science to trace crime. Does it mean that others including Radha Vindo Raju or Kandaswamy lack scientific temper? The Samjhauta express case is nearly solved and this despite the hurdles of the killing of Sunil Joshi and the absconding of Sandeep Dange and Kalsangra. Second, that the ATS should have submitted a closure report once for all. If the Malegaon 2006 case had been closed once for all there would have been no need for circumstantial evidence, scientific investigation, forensic reports, etc. Just beating the framed accused mercilessly would have extracted all the confessions the police wanted and that would have saved their time to do more lucrative work. Third, In the case of the Hindu arrested in connection with some cases of reprisal terrorism the facts and circumstances are exactly the same as in the case of the nine Muslim accused. By what stretch of imagination does he say this? The Sadhvi whom he calls a religious lady has stolen valuable material proof from the house of Sunil Joshi and was connected to the murder. This kind of criminal behavior makes her stand with Moll Flanders. Most of the nine had no such record. Each of the accused whether Hindu or Muslim has his own satellite world to revolve around. Basically no proof was found against the accused in 2006 case whereas the accused in 2008 have left 34 video films, hundreds of phone calls, etc. Fourth, Ramans skewed division of jihadi terror but Hindu reprisal is exercise in inanity. Terrorism is terrorism. The fourth slide show: One, in the eyes of the government of India it is all right to be harsh with the Hindus but not with the Muslims. The way Pragyasingh has been pampered by the cops is very self evident. An allopath-doctor is appointed to treat her in ayurvedic way. She is finicky so she is flown by plane. Purohit is given a laptop to compose appeals for his wife. The list goes on. Second, the UP election is round the corner so Muslim vote bank is dearer. Results of election prove that the Muslim have shown greater prudence in choosing those whom they like or think is good. Third, politicizing and communalizing terror produces more terror. Malegaon proved that the blasts in 2006 produced more terror. Raman should bother to illustrate how. The people should ask him to come clean on what he has penned in this latest foray into polemics of terror. Karkare had outclassed him in his smiley farewell plain interview to Indian Express even without attending conferences and holding forth from time to time. The often flaunted appeasement of minority has become meaningless, q except to the right wing groups.

Juvenile rights violated in J&K: ACHR

New Delhi: In a report published on 16 November 2011, Hong Kong-based Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) said that in Jammu & Kashmir juveniles are detained without trial, girls compulsorily sent to prisons and police lock ups. ACHR demanded immediate designation of suitable government building as Juvenile Home for Girls in Kashmir. While releasing its fact-finding report, Juveniles of Jammu and Kashmir: Unequal before the Law & Denied Justice in Custody, compiled after field visits to Srinagar, Budgam, Shopian, Pulwama, Islamabad, Kulgam, Ganderbal and Jammu districts from May to July 2010 followed up by updates, found that juvenile justice system is rotten in Jammu and Kashmir. The juveniles at R S Pura Juvenile Home are being detained without trial as they are not produced before courts, while juvenile girls must be compulsorily sent to police lock ups or prisons as the State does not have a single Juvenile Home for Girls. While the arrests of dozens of juveniles during the mass uprising in the Kashmir valley from June to September 2010 brought the abuse of the Public Safety Act against the children in conflict with the law into focus, Asian Centre for Human Rights stated that juveniles have been consistently arrested under the Public Safety Act, detained with adults in police lock up and prisons, and tried with and as adults in normal courts. The J&K Police has been fond of applying the PSA and they seldom invoke the Jammu and Kashmir Juvenile Justice Act, 1997. Consequently, juveniles are denied access to justice and benefits of the special protection provided under the 1997 JJA. The judiciary in Jammu and Kashmir is forced to intervene in every case to invoke the JJA, stated Suhas Chakma, Director of Asian Centre for Human Rights. To expose the rotten juvenile justice in J&K, the ACHR report cited the case of Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, who is a 25 years old adult now and was being held at the R S Pura Juvenile Home. Fayaz, son of Ghulam Hassan Bhat, resident of Gooripora, Palpora, Ganderbal, Srinagar was arrested and charged with offences under sections 302 of the Ranbir Penal Code (murder) and Sections 7 and 27 of the Indian Arms Act pursuant to the FIR no. 42/1995 registered at the Safakadal Police Station. He was arrested sometime in 2007 and was detained with adult prisoners for about three years at Sringar Central Jail. The Police contended that Fayaz was an adult. However, in its order dated 12 March 2009, the Court of First Additional District and Session Judge, Srinagar declared that Fayaz was a juvenile on the date of commission of alleged offence. The court ruled that the certificate of Fayaz issued by Shanti Public School in which Fayazs date of birth was recorded as 9 December 1984 was correct. The court further rejected alleged certificate issued by Government Boys High School, Dub Ganderbal in which his date of birth was mentioned as 25 February 1976. On 6 August 2009, the Court noted that police failed to produce the delinquent on the last five dates of hearing. The Court therefore directed the Director General of Police of Jammu and Kashmir to ensure presence of the delinquent on the next date of hearing and cautioned about initiating contempt proceedings against all concerned police officials in case of failure to produce the delinquent. hile in the rest of India, the flawed 1986 Juvenile Justice Act was replaced with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, Jammu and Kashmir, which has been quick to enact draconian laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, showed scant regard for juvenile justice. The Jammu and Kashmir Juvenile Justice Act was enacted in 1997 one decade after India enacted the flawed 1997 JJA. It took another decade for the State Government to adopt the Rules in 1997 meaning that the Act remained unimplemented. The findings of the fact finding mission are: n The State government of Jammu & Kashmir has been illegally detaining minors under the Public Safety Act (PSA) of 1978 that provides for upto two years of preventive detention. A large, yet unknown, number of children have been detained under the PSA. The detention of these minors is illegal as the Supreme Court of India in numerous judgements held that the Juvenile Justice Act has supremacy over all other Acts while trying offences committed by children in conflict with the law; n Prisons in J&K currently have large number of juvenile prisn n

n n n

n n n

oners and/or prisoners who have been arrested as minors but who have subsequently attained adulthood during their detention and are charged as adults in contravention with Indias national laws and international obligations; There is no Juvenile Justice Board and Child Welfare Committee in Jammu and Kashmir and minors are tried in normal courts, sometimes as adults, in contravention with Indias national laws and international obligations; There is no juvenile home for girls in Jammu and Kashmir in violation of 1997 J&K Juvenile Justice Act and all the girls taken into custody by the law enforcement personnel are placed in jails or police lock ups in the absence of a Juvenile Home for Girls; Juveniles detained at the R S Pura Juvenile Home at Jammu are not being produced before the Courts and hence being denied justice in contravention with Indias national laws and international obligations; Children in conflict with the law in J&K do not get the benefit of the Central law i. e. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000; Minors in pre-trial detention are assumed to be adults and are routinely detained with adult criminals, placing them at very high risk of abuse; Across India, school certificates are used to determine the age of a juvenile. That is not the practice in J&K. The J&K Police in all cases argue that those detained are adults. Until their age is medically assessed or ruled by the judge, the juveniles are assumed to be adults and are detained in adult detention facilities; Even if age can be determined, the lack of juvenile facilities such as juvenile homes means that detained delinquents are routinely detained in police lock ups or in prisons with adults; The juveniles detained in the R S Pura Juvenile Home in Jammu suffer from the lack of basic facilities such as drinking water, electricity, educational and recreational facilities; and Juveniles of Jammu and Kashmir are not covered under the programmes launched by the Government of India such as Integrated Child Protection Scheme. The full report is available here: http://www.achrweb.org/reports/india/JJ-J&K-2011.pdf

The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011 13

issues

Ruining innocent lives: guilt of investigating agencies

ram.puniyani@gmail.com Nine youth accused in the Malegaon blast case of 2006 have been granted bail by the MCOCA court. (Nov 6 2011). These Muslim youth were arrested after the bomb exploded on Shab-e-Barat, killing several people. Immediately after that the Anti Terrorist Sqaud arrested nine Muslim youth, there was really no evidence worth its name against them. Yet the police which is, motivated more by biases than by professionalism, arrested these Muslim youths. The investigating agencies firmly believed all through that all terrorists are Muslims. Human rights workers tried to reason with the top police authorities that how can Muslim youth conspire to kill their own kin. In other quarters the virus of Islamophobia and anti Muslim sentiments has gripped a large section in society including the police authorities, who have strong biases against Muslims. The investigations for authorities so far, was an easy job, after every blast, catch hold of a few Muslim youth put them behind bars and then try to manufacture the evidence, if possible. Similar things happened in the Mecca Masjid blast when the authorities arrested nearly 25 Muslim youth after the blast in the mosque. That time even the National Commission for Minorities minced no words and concluded that the case against Muslim youths, who were detained in the immediate aftermath of the 2007 Mecca Masjid blasts, had been fabricated. The Godhra train burning investigation is also mired in much deeper misconception and conspiracies, where nothing could be proved against the alleged chief conspirator, Maulana Haji Umarji. Despite that, other Muslim youth were sentenced. All these investigations show a clear pattern that the biases of the investigating authorities overtake their professional training. This was also the lazy way of going about things as arresting Muslims after each such episode is pass in public opinion and in the media in particular. Barring a small section of the media, the rest hardly played their role of raising doubts about the methods of the investigating authorities. In the blasts in Nanded (April 2006) two Bajrang dal activists died while making bombs. They were making bombs in the house of one Mr. Rajkondawar, a RSS worker. It had all clinching evidence of the Hindutva terror gang undertaking such terrorist operations. But Mahrashtra ATS stubbornly ignored the basic point and protected the real culprits who were guilty of the crime. It took the likes of Hemant Karkare to painstakingly unearth the

RAM PuniyAni

This raises multiple questions as far as our society and nation are concerned. The first is, do we deserve such biased investigating agencies who, episode after episode, keep repeating the same method despite the lack of proper evidence. The heavy reliance of agencies on the role of siMi, a banned organization and some vague groups with Muslim names has been the favourite line of investigation of the authorities. How can this trend be reversed? The biases in the minds of authorities are also a reflection of social common sense prevalent in society. This social common sense has been manufactured by communal forces and the media has disseminated it further. Despite the Harmony Programs by the Government, despite the Home ministrys lip service to prop up national foundation for communal harmony, not many awareness programs have been consistently followed or taken up seriously.
evidence linking the Malegaon blast of 2008 with Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, Swami Dayanand Pandey and other RSS associates, to meticulously demonstrate that the real cause of terror attacks in these places: Nanded, Modassa, Parbhani, Jalna, Aurangabad, Ajmer and Samjhauta blast lies somewhere else. It is unfortunate that the police officer of such integrity was killed in the Mumbai terror attack on 26/11 2008. What was happening so far was that since the police was merrily botching up the investigation, the real culprits were getting emboldened and they went on committing one after the other acts of terror. There is a long list of RSS affiliates, against whom there is strong ground to implicate them. Of course, RSS true to its character was quick to say that those involved in acts of terror, had already left the RSS. The matter really could not be hidden after the confession of Swami Aseemanand, which was reported first by the gutsy magazine Tehelka. Swami Aseemanand, an RSS worker, who was working for VHP in the Dangs, organizing Shabri Kumbh in the presence of top RSS brass, confessed in the presence of a magistrate. This confession as per law can be treated as evidence in a court of law. He

spilled the beans and confessed his role in the Mecca Masjid and other blasts and also named his colleagues in the crime. This forced the agencies to do some course correction. Aseemanand has named senior RSS leader Indresh Kumar, the murdered RSS pracharak Sunil Joshi, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and senior RSS pracharaks Sandeep Dange and Ramji Kalsangra, among others, as being key conspirators in the terror blasts. The result of this, fortunately is that in the Malegaon blast, the accused after 5 years of suffering and loss of youthful years in jails, have been granted bail. This raises multiple questions as far as our society and nation are concerned. The first is, do we deserve such biased investigating agencies who, episode after episode, keep repeating the same method despite the lack of proper evidence. The heavy reliance of agencies on the role of SIMI, a banned organization and some vague groups with Muslim names has been the favourite line of investigation of the authorities. How can this trend be reversed? The biases in the minds of authorities are also a reflection of social common sense prevalent in society. This social common sense has been manufactured by communal forces and the media has disseminated it further. Despite the Harmony Programs by the Government, despite the Home ministrys lip service to prop up National Foundation for communal harmony, not many awareness programs have been consistently followed or taken up seriously. The state has enough resources to ensure that police academies, officers training institutes and college-universities are made the conduit to disseminate the values of plural traditions, the synthesis of religions in the form of Bhakti and Sufi traditions, the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi on communal harmony. A lot is possible to give a boost to the values of harmony which underlie Indias freedom movement and are enshrined in the Indian Constitution. There are many NGOs and individuals who are trying to do this work, but definitely their reach is very limited. This promotion of culture of amity and celebration of diversity by the state is a must at this juncture. The second point of serious concern is what does state and society do when the lives of innocents are ruined by the callous attitude of investigating authorities. There have been demands that these youth should be adequately compensated and the amount of their compensation should be recovered from the salaries of the police officers who are blinded by their prejudices and push aside professionalism to give a free play their biases in arresting these youth. A suitable rehabilitation program, scholarship, assistance to rebuild the lives has to be the responsibility of the state in these matters. The state must come forward to undo the severe harm it has inflicted on these innocent youth. (Issues in
Secular Politics)

After Delhi High Court bomb blast on 7 September once again the needle of suspicion was pointed at Muslims. An honorary professor of Jamia Millia Islamia, Prof. P.K. Basu, while teaching his students in the class, made an Islamophobic statement. This professor has now been removed by Jamia Millia Islamia. Hate statements and accusations against Muslims after each bomb blast have become quite common. After many incidents of bomb blasts in Mumbai, Muslims were thrown on the defensive repeating time and again that they were against terrorism while other communities do not make such repeated statements. Such views are expressed in the street offices and markets. Even journalists who should be interested in finding out the truths in every incident do not miss any opportunity in using biased and taunting words against Muslims. After the terrorists attack in Mumbai by Ajmal Qasab & party, a Muslim journalist had gone to participate in a journalists function in Mumbais Art Gallery. After seeing his visiting card, the organiser of the function said without hesitation that terrorists are not allowed in this function. Immediately he realised the gravity of his biased remark and in a changed tone he said Oh, I was simply joking. Please come in. The journalist went in but probably the sting of this biased remark may not be removed soon from his mind. After the 13 July bomb blast in Mumbai, Muhammad Altaf, an employee of an international business organisation, had to put up with such taunting remarks that all this happens because of you people. Not only this, Muslims travelling in trains and buses also have to hear similar caustic remarks from non-Muslims. During his train journey, a Muslim traveller throughout was made the target of hateful remarks by his non-Muslim co-passengers. Some people were even heard saying that in order to tackle these Pakistanis, our Hindu youth should be given guns. Because of killing of innocent persons by Muslim terrorists, minds and hearts of some Muslims are affected and they start psychologically considering themselves guilty. The convener of Federation of Muslims, a welfare organisation of Maharashtra, Saleem Alware says that peoples style of thinking has been debased so much that whether or not complicity of Muslim terrorists is proved or confirmed in a bomb blast, no stone is left unturned in associating it with Muslims and spreading hatred and inciting the public against them. Federation of Muslims not only strongly condemned the Delhi High Court bomb blast of 7 September but put up a banner with nA AnsARi condemnatory statement.

Muslims suffer from fear and terror We are a reader- supported newspaper.

Our survival is at sake. Three ways to help us survive are listed here. Please act now. JazakAllah Khairan.

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14 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011

ANALYSIS
Speaking Out
N I L O FA R S U H R AWA R D Y

Anti-Muslim Bias Denies Them Fair Trial

ho is to be blamed for Indian Muslims being denied a fair trial and their being wrongly accused of being terrorists? Consider the irony of the situation, seven Muslims were released on bail earlier this month due to there being lack of evidence of their being responsible for Malegaon blasts of 2006. Please note, they were picked up by Maharashtra Anti-Terror Squad (MATS) within a few days after the said blast. They were released earlier this month, that too on bail, despite there being no substantial proof of being responsible for the 2006 Malegaon blasts. They have managed to step out of prisons primarily because of the role played by certain secular activists and bail paid on their behalf by an organisation. Had secular Indians and organisations not pursued action, relentlessly questioning their arrests, they may have still been languishing in their prison cells. Compare so-called judicial action faced by these seven Muslims with that of those responsible for the Gujarat carnage of 2002. The majority of rioters responsible for having incited mob frenzy and targeting Muslims have yet to face any punishment. A significant number of these may not ever be summoned by any court to explain their communal conduct in Gujarat (2002). Despite their having brutally targeted Muslims during Gujarat-carnage, they may never face any sentence. Against this backdrop, what does sentence received

recently by 31 people for rioting in Sadarpura village, Gujarat, in which 33 Muslims were burnt alive suggest? The Indian system has taken almost a decade in holding 31 as responsible for rioting in Sadarpura. Besides, seven years passed by before charges were framed in 2009 against 73 accused for murder, attempt to murder, rioting and arson, following which 21 persons were arrested. Please compare the case of a blast with that of a riot. Whenever there is a blast-incident, it is practically impossible to nab the guilty almost instantly. Elementarily speaking, in blast incidents, the criminals or terrorists responsible for these are least likely to be present at or near the site, unless suicide bombers are involved. In these circumstances, the investigating authorities are naturally expected to spend considerable time in studying the blasts before reaching any conclusion on who or which group is responsible for the same. In other words, the guilty party and/or persons cannot be nabbed almost soon after the blast-incidents. Yes, there have been cases of calls being made or emails sent, claiming that such and such group was responsible for certain blasts. But it would be foolish to accept such claims as genuine without investigating the same. The callers motives may simply be to misguide the investigating authorities. When there is a blast-case, there also remain strong possibilities of there remaining no clue as to who/what was responsible for the same. In fact, there remain strong chances of pursuing wrong presumptions, especially if these are guided by prejudiced notions. The situation is totally different in the case of a riot and/or a group of people targeting another. The guilty parties, primarily responsible for targeting another or being engaged in communal violence are present in person at the site of the incident itself. Sadarpura is one of numerous places in Gujarat where rioters were almost permitted to target Muslim communities at will. The

states law and order system failed, perhaps deliberately refused, to stop rioters and check the violence. Here again, it may be noted, whenever peaceful demonstrations take place, the concerned authorities are vigilant enough to take them into custody, that is arrest them for a few hours, if they violate any legal provision. In Sadarpura, while rioters were guilty of targeting Muslims, the concerned authorities were guilty of not being vigilant enough to check the same and take the rioters immediately into custody. The ironical complexity highlighted by comparing the judicial process speaks loudly of bias displayed against Muslims in both the cases. In Malegaon, despite the possibility of reasonable evidence surfacing immediately against the guilty were extremely dim, it did not take long for several Muslims to be pushed behind bars as terrorists. In contrast, despite there being little doubt about who were the persons engaged in targeting Muslims in Sardarpura, it has taken Indian system almost a decade in sentencing 31 of 73 accused while leaving the masterminds untouched. While 11 have been freed for lack of evidence, 31 got the benefit of doubt. Had Muslims in Sadarpura fallen victim to blasts, a delay in investigation leading to sentencing the guilty would have been understood. If blasts and not rioters were responsible for their deaths, owing to their own prejudiced bias, the concerned authorities would have probably immediately picked up a few Muslim youths and held them responsible for violence. And this apparently explains the nature of their functioning in Malegaon and elsewhere. The same attitude is responsible for Muslims being targeted in fake encounter cases, including the murder of college girl Ishrat Jahan and three of her friends seven years ago in Gujarat. It is time substantial and constructive attention was paid to removing the discriminatory bias held by certain keepers of law and order against Muslims!

Are we a pseudo-secular state?

ABDUL KHALIQ
akhaliq2007@gmail.com Last week, that inveterate hate-monger Pravin Togadia made an impassioned plea for a new Indian Constitution that allows for anyone who converts Hindus to be beheaded. He went on to assert that we Hindus should include Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains because their line of thinking is no different from Hindus, except for a few small habits. Is this isolated fundamentalist ranting or the indication of a trend towards increase in the forces of hatred and division in our society? The Preamble to the Constitution is the most-noble statement of our commitment to secular humanism. It spells out our resolve to be a humane society that will secure justice, liberty, equality for its citizens and promote fraternity among all. Of these cherished values, the greatest and the most neglected is fraternity or brotherhood, perhaps because it is least amenable to political action. As a wise man once said, the State can prevent me from coveting my neighbours property but it cannot oblige me, by law, to love my neighbour. And yet, the success of our pursuit to be a strong, united and civilized country ultimately depends on whether we love one another as brothers. Our prescient Constitution-makers, knowing its importance, underlined fraternity as a key ingredient for building a vibrant democracy. We have failed dismally in this endeavour. The country today is the hotbed of a million mutinies. Our PM has spoken of terrorism as the biggest threat to the nation. Others believe that the long shadow of the Maoists over the heartland is our Achilles heel. However, there is another insidious, omnipresent and all-consuming poison that is eating into the vitals of the nation: religious prejudice and intolerance. When a bomb explodes and kills innocents, cold fear grips the Muslim community. They know, from bitter experience, that although terrorism claims affinity to a host of faiths and ideologies, the invariable reaction to a terrorist act is to blame it on some Islamic terrorist group. The grim reality is that only Muslims are made to feel that they have to answer for the perverted deeds of their co-religionists, whereas an equally heinous crime by Breivik, the Oslo monster, is rationalized as a case of individual madness that has nothing to do with Christian fundamentalism. Similarly, the terrorist acts of the right-wing Hindu extremists are seen as an aberration. The fact that so-called Islamic terrorism claims many more Muslim victims than others is studiously ignored because it vitiates a neat argument. The bogus perception of Islam and the Muslim has unfortunately seeped into the State law-enforcement apparatus. Following every terrorist act, the intelligence agencies unfailingly blame some Islamist terror group. Then follows the all too familiar exercise of arresting suspects. Is it a surprise that they are all Muslims? Time and again, the nation is confronted with the unacceptable injustices perpetrated on members of the minority community in the guise of fighting terrorism. After the 2006 Malegaon blasts, 115 Muslims were picked up and all, barring nine, were released after five years of incarceration and torture. These nine innocents remained behind bars until last week, despite Swami Aseemanands confession about a year ago that it was the handiwork of Hindu extremists. Earlier this year, 63 Muslims who had languished in jail for nine years for alleged involvement in the Godhra train massacre of 2002

When a bomb explodes and kills innocents, cold fear grips the Muslim community. They know, from bitter experience, that although terrorism claims affinity to a host of faiths and ideologies, the invariable reaction to a terrorist act is to blame it on some Islamic terrorist group. The grim reality is that only Muslims are made to feel that they have to answer for the perverted deeds of their co-religionists, whereas an equally heinous crime by Breivik, the Oslo monster, is rationalized as a case of individual madness that has nothing to do with Christian fundamentalism. Similarly, the terrorist acts of the right-wing Hindu extremists are seen as an aberration. The fact that so-called Islamic terrorism claims many more Muslim victims than others is studiously ignored...
were released for want of evidence. The Godhra verdict itself threw up a major paradox. The Court on the one hand adjudged that this horrific incident was the result of a criminal conspiracy and on the other came out with the astonishing contradictory ruling letting off the main conspirators who were allegedly instrumental in mobilizing the mob on that fateful day. The Honble Judge apparently does not subscribe to the dictum that a case is only as strong as its weakest link. Full of loose ends and imponderables, the Godhra judgement has done little to inspire confidence and finally clear the air. In July this year, 12 Muslim youth who were implicated for the Haren Pandya murder were set free after five years as there was no evidence against them. More recently, 21 Muslims who had been implicated for the Mecca Masjid blasts of 2008 were released because they were innocent. Not surprisingly, the advocate commissioner who had been appointed by the A.P. State Minorities Commission to investigate allegations of police abuse not only confirmed torture but his report also added that the detainees believed that they had been picked up and tortured because they belong to a particular community. What the years of torture, unfair defamation and separation from their families have done to these broken spirits is impossible to express in words. So acute is the discrimination that Muslims wonder whether they have equal citizenship rights under the law. The most tragic irony is that hundreds of innocents are still behind bars because of their religious affiliations, whereas there are thousands of murderers - the perpetrators of the Sikh killings of 1984, the Mumbai riots of 1992-93, the subsequent Mumbai blasts of 1993, the Godhra train massacre of 2002 and the subsequent Gujarat riots - who are roaming free and wild in our cities. This is the chilling reality of life in our country today which can be ignored only at our own peril. These hate mongers would need little provocation to kill again. Justice Katju, former Judge of the Supreme Court, has recently berated the media for accentuating the false perception about Muslims. He is convinced that the media often twists facts and creates the impression that Muslims are terrorists and evil. Observers have noted that the media is quite muted and guarded in exposing the atrocities committed by other right wing extremists. It is significant that the mainstream media ignored the recent revelations by a special director of the IB at the annual conference of the State Police Chiefs that Hindu extremists have either been suspected or

are under investigation in 16 incidents of bomb blasts in the country (out of which four incidents have already been confirmed as the work of these extremists), which makes Hindutva terror a much bigger phenomenon than previously envisaged. The media, however, continues to portray the Muslim as the archetypal terrorist. uelled by prejudice and intolerance, our public discourse has degenerated to the lowest possible level. The most inflammatory and divisive rhetoric has become commonplace. For decades, we have heard the hate-filled ranting against Muslims by the Shiv Sena boss. This is what he said in 1993: If you take Mein Kampf and if you remove the word Jew and put in the word Muslim that is what I believe. More recently, Varun Gandhi had this to say during electioneering in 2009: All the Hindus stay on this side and send them to the other side. This is the lotus hand. I will cut their throats after elections. He won the election comfortably. We are all aware of the scurrilous remarks about Muslims recently made by Subramanian Swamy, who has called for disenfranchisement of Muslims if they do not proudly acknowledge that their ancestors were Hindus. He has also advocated making the learning of Sanskrit and singing of Vande Mataram mandatory in schools. Even the once respected Justice V R Krishna Iyer made this scandalous observation: I do suspect their loyalty. If every Muslim in India feels India to be his motherland and wants to defend it, the Indian Police intelligence will easily get information about the secret manoeuvres of hostile Muslim elements. Can hate and prejudice get more absurd and hurtful than this? With such deviant thought processes in the public domain, our founding fathers cherished dream of universal brotherhood lies in tatters. In this mind-numbing environment of hostility and prejudice, one would have thought that the political leadership would help to redress this grave situation with their courage and humanity. But far from trying to rectify matters, they have only added fuel to fire. Who can forget Rajiv Gandhis awful statement about the inevitable effect of the falling of a big tree? Or Vajpayees heartless comment following the Gujarat riots that Muslims did not condemn the Godhra carnage loudly enough and that they do not want to live with others peacefully. Then we had Narendra Modis infamous Newtonian observation justifying the Gujarat riots as reaction to an action. Contrast such inhuman reactions with the stirring response of the Norwegian PM Jen Stoltenberg who, in the immediate aftermath of the horrific killings by Breivik, declared we will meet this attack with more democracy, more openness. You will not destroy our democracy or our ideals for a better world. No one will scare us from being Norway. Today, the woes of the ordinary Muslim seem never ending. Living as he is on the margins of society, discriminated against in education and the job market, even when looking for accommodation, he is also burdened with the awful stigma of being in tacit collusion with terrorists. In communal conflicts, he is not only pitted against the other group but has to contend with the clearly partisan actions of the State as demonstrated in the Gopalgarh incident where only the Muslims were gunned down by the Police. And despite his intolerable travails, he is considered the main beneficiary of minority appeasement". Is it any wonder then if many believe that our secular democracy exists only in the statute books?

The author, a former civil servant, is secy. gen. of Lok Janshakti Party

The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011 15

JAMMU & KASHMIR

DATELINE SRINAGAR: AFSANA RASHID

Protests in Valley over missionary activity

Protests broke out at several places across the valley against anti-Islamic posts circulated on social networking website, Facebook. Protest demonstrations were held here at various places in Srinagar, Baramulla and Anantnag districts, November 18 immediately after Friday congregation. The demonstrations were held following a call by Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani. Pastor Khanna Raising slogans and carrying placards, a group of people marched through the streets in the city centre, Lal Chowk and demanded stern action against the culprits. Marches were thwarted by contingents of police and CRPF. Scores of people under the banner of Karwan-e-Islami, religious organization staged a protest demonstration here against Christian missionaries converting people by luring them with money and jobs. Under a conspiracy, Christian missionaries are converting people and the state government is watching like a mute spectator, said Moulana Ghulam Rasool Hami, president of organization, adding police had recently registered an FIR against Christian missionary but to no avail. Condemning the posting of blasphemous photos on Facebook and expressing concerns over the alleged conversion of Muslim youth to Christianity, senior Hurriyat (M) leader, Shabir Ahmad Shah November 20 said some vested interests want to hurt the sentiments of Muslims. Christian missionaries are exploiting poverty, unemployment and the miseries of Muslim youth for conversion. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman Hurriyat (M) asked the youth to refrain from these activities and sought the cooperation of the Ulama and mohallah committees. Addressing a conference of religious leaders here, November 21 Mirwaiz said previously missionary schools focused on education, now they are involved in missionary work through different NGOs to convert Muslim youth to Christianity. Weve documentary evidences to prove that. He added heads of all missionary schools would be called in to discuss the matter. A Monitoring mechanism in schools including missionary institutions would prevent children from apostasy and Christians putting up in the valley shouldnt feel scared of it. A resolution was passed by religious leaders from various groups that a core committee would be formulated to decide future line of action. Meanwhile, the pastor of All India Saints Church, Rev Chander Mani Khanna admitted his involvement in conversion after he was summoned by the Grand Mufti, Mufti Mohammad Bashiruddin last month. He reportedly made his confession before a group of 15 Islamic scholars and representatives of various religious groups, November 19. The Grand Mufti has been quoted as saying pastor said some NGOs and intellectuals were with him in this mission. Mirwaiz however, has said that any decision on the fate of pastor will only be decided by the Grand Mufti. Pertinently, police has filed a case against the pastor and arrested him for luring and baptizing Muslims to christianity in exchange for money. On the other hand, it has been reported that the government is contemplating a ban on Facebook following provocative, obscene and sacrilegious material uploaded by certain users. Even the police had recommended placing a blanket-ban on the website as objectionable material could bring back street unrest in the valley. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah however, tweeted that Facebook will not be banned. Only a request to block certain blasphemous pages has been made. (The video showing Pastor Khanna baptising Muslim youth in Kashmir was still on youtube on 25 November 2011 and may be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REq2mZjRN6c)

Police to probe armymans presence in rally The Police has assured a fair probe into an incident in which
an army personnel was allegedly caught by people during a rally organized by Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani at Sopore, November 11. Panic gripped the area and chaotic scenes were witnessed, November 11 when locals thrashed an unidentified person allegedly armed with a pistol during a rally. Police on November 14 said that Geelani has moved an application before Sopore police station to lodge FIR against alleged presence of army personnel in the rally. An FIR is already registered in this regard and Geelanis application will form part of the investigation. Terming it as an encouraging gesture police said, Geelani has reposed trust in the system and police due to their professional competence, adding a person who had filed an application on behalf of Geelani was asked to produce the pistol, identity card and camera of an army man which he failed. Even defence spokesperson here said that an army man was beaten up by the mob due to mistaken identity in the rally. His service pistol, identity card and mobile were snatched. Alleging that the Army has made 18 assassination bids on his life since 1996, Geelani, November 14 said that the army man had been sent to murder him or cause a stampede by firing. Army later confirmed that he was part of its covert team. He added that he is aware of the presence of people from agencies at his rallies but it was a planned conspiracy to eliminate him. He added identity card recovered from him identifies him as Naik Kamlesh Kumar Mishra of the army. Instead of registering an FIR against him, police registered a case against the youth present at a rally. Warning that people will once again rise against atrocities perpetrated by the army and other agencies Geelani said the revolution will be such that no force could stop it. November 16 to discuss partial revocation of the Act was postponed. An official spokesperson November 16 said no such cabinet meeting was scheduled and its postponement doesnt arise at all. The army has said no to a rollback of the Act that invoked in the valley in 1990 and in Jammu in 2001. Confronting the army for its statement, chief minister Omar Abdullah November 10 said, No, isnt an option that I am willing to consider. Give me other options that are feasible and workable. The chief minister November 16 called upon Governor N N Vohra in Jammu and briefed him about his meetings in New Delhi with cabinet committee on security headed by the Prime Minister and other leaders over partial withdrawal of the Act. A final decision on the Act would be taken by Unified Command Headquarters in the state, said A K Antony, defence minister, while addressing media in New Delhi, November 11. Soon after his meeting with the Home Minister in New Delhi, chief minister November 14 dared the separatist camp to do whatever they can in Srinagar. He was responding to a query about the statement by Hurriyat (G) wherein it had said that an uprising will sweep away Kashmir soon after AFSPA was withdrawn. The Hurriyat statement had come in aftermath of GOC 15 Corps reported comments at Unified Command Meeting that Kashmir will have to be liberated by 2016 if the Act was withdrawn. A spokesperson of Hurriyat (M), November 12 said that the army generals statement reflects that India was occupying Kashmir only through its army. Issues can be solved through meaningful dialogue only. In an interview with a local news agency, KNS November 15 he said, When India isnt ready to revoke the Act even partially, how can it settle the Kashmir issue? In a significant development, independent MLA Engineer Rashid called on Mirwiaz, November 13 and discussed issues ranging from AFSPA to the Parliament attack convict Afzal Gurus clemency. Hurriyat (G) spokesperson said Army has unintentionally admitted the truth that India is here because of its military. In the wake of the changing international scenario, military cant hold any nation by force for too long. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti November 16 said that if the National Conference wouldnt have rigged elections in 1987 that

forced people to take-up arms, AFSPA wouldnt have been implemented. Had the chief minister been serious about revocation of the Act, he would have done the spade work by involving coalition partner Congress, Cabinet and Unified Command before making an announcement, she said, after an anti-corruption protest in Jammu, November 15, adding that chief minister has used the act to divert attention of the nation from misgovernance, maladministration and corruption. Even Kashmir Economic Alliance, an amalgam of traders, industrialists and transporters November 14 warned a repeat of 2010 like situation if the Act remains intact. Adverse advisories of European countries cant go unless and until AFSPA is revoked. These Acts are impediments to our economy.

Enquiry into NC workers death

A one-man Commission of Inquiry has been appointed by state government to probe into the alleged custodial death of National Conference worker, Syed Mohammad Yousuf here in September. Exercising the powers conferred under section 3 of JK Commission of Enquiry Act, 1962 the government has appointed a Commission of Inquiry consisting Justice H S Bedi, a former judge of the Supreme Court that will enquire into the causes and circumstances leading to Yousufs death and fix responsibility for lapses, if any, committed by any person in the discharge of his duties. Sixty-five-year-old Justice Bedis name was proposed by Union Law Ministry after the state government wrote to it seeking names of three retired Supreme Court judges out of whom one was to be appointed to probe the incident. Prior to this, chief justice of Jammu Kashmir High Court had rejected the request of the state government to spare the services of a sitting judge for probing the case. A notification was issued on November 18, a day after the Apex court issued notices to the Centre and the state government on a plea seeking CBI probe into Yousufs death. The Commission is likely to begin its probe from the last week of November and submit its report within six weeks. Interestingly, Supreme Court on November 21 fixed the date for the next hearing in the case for December 15. Yousufs family demanded a CBI probe. Special anti-corruption court rejected their plea seeking a probe by CBI. Yousuf, 61, had allegedly died in police custody after he was handed over to the crime branch by chief minister Omar Abdullah, September 29. The chief minister had summoned Yousuf along with two other National Conference workers, who alleged that Yousuf had taken to his residence Rs1.18 crore from them for guaranteeing a ministers berth and a legislators seat. Yousufs family claims that he died after he was allegedly beaten up at the chief ministers residence.

Indo-Pak overtures welcomed in Valley

Reacting to a meeting between prime ministers of India and Pakistan on the sidelines of 17th SAARC Summit in Maldives on November 10, both separatists and mainstream political parties here hope that steps should be taken to resolve all outstanding issues. Both the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani agreed to continue talks in a positive manner in future. Welcoming the meeting, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman Hurriyat (M), November 11 urged both countries to bury past differences and take bold steps for the resolution of all issues including Kashmir. Let both countries start a new chapter by demilitarizing both parts of Jammu and Kashmir first. The process should be extended to Indo-Pak border. Both countries need to reduce the trust deficit. Warning Pakistan against any compromise on Kashmir, chairman Hurriyat (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani November 11 said it should stick to its principled stand on the issue. Any sellout or compromise on Kashmir will be detrimental to its security and akin to undermining sacrifices of Kashmiris. There is no other option for resolution of all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan including issue of Jammu and Kashmir, other than dialogue, said chief minister Omar Abdullah, November 10. Hailing the decision of both countries to start bilateral trade on Most Favoured Nation basis, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, patron PDP said since its formation, the party has been advocating dialogue with Pakistan and improving bilateral relations between the two countries by starting trade on a large scale.

J&K delegation to discuss AFPSA

A three-member high level delegation from the state of Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled to visit New Delhi by the end of November to discuss modalities of partial revocation of AFSPA that grants sweeping powers to security forces in counter-insurgency operations and shields them from any legal action for their acts of omission and commission, with defence and home ministries. A cabinet meeting that was likely to take place here

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16 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011

NEWSMAKERS

MEN & WOMEN IN NEWS

Dr. ABDUL HASEEB, a former member of Delhi governments advisory committee of health ministry, has been appointed by Delhi government a Member of Bhartiya Chikitsa Parishad (Medical Council) which (the Parishad) in turn has appointed him Chairman of its Registration Committee and Legal Committee. It may be stated that on the recommendations of these Registration & Legal Committees, Directorate of Indian System of Medicine was set up by the government. Prof. FARZANA ALEEM, Dean of AMUs Faculty of Agricultural Sciences has been appointed a Member of the Universitys Executive Council with immediate effect on the basis of seniority. She is senior-most among the Deans of other Faculties and her term as Member of E.C. will be upto the period she is the Dean of this Faculty. SULAIMAN MUHAMMAD KHAN, former secretary of AMUs Students Union, has been elected general secretary of U.P.s Youth Congress. Prof. KHALID HAAMIDI, a senior Arabic teacher of Jamia Millia has taken over as President of this Universitys Arabic Department after the completion by former President Farhana Taiyyab Siddiqi of her 5-year term on 14 September. As a general rule, being senior-most Arabic teacher, Prof. Haamidi should have been appointed President of this Department on the basis of his seniority but instead of him, Jamia administration appointed Prof. Aiyyub Tajuddin Nadwi as President. This decision very much angered staff and students of Jamia Millia. In order to avoid further resentment and dissatisfaction a mutual understanding was arrived at and the deserving person i.e. Prof. Khalid Hamidi was appointed who took over as President of Arabic Department on 4 November. Ms. SHADAB TABASSUM, Urdu writer has been conferred PhD Degree by Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi for her research treatise on Research and Critical Study of letter writing in Sir Sayyads Times which she completed under the supervision of Dr. Khalid Mahmood Predident of the Universitys Department of Urdu. UZMA BABY, a student of Yunani and Ayurvedic Tibbia College, Karol Bagh has topped in Bachelor of Unani Medicine & Surgery (BUMS)s Final and Professional Examination 2011 by securing First Position. She secured 77% marks. In earlier years she secured second and third positions. A resident of congested Muslim majority locality of Chauhan Nagar, she aspires to be a good doctor and physician. MUHAMMAD ZAFIR ALAM of DMRL, Hyderabad was the lone Muslim among about 15 metallurgists/scientists in the field of metallurgy who were honoured by union ministry of steel for their outstanding contribution/performance in this field for the year 2011 on the occasion of 49th National Metallurgist Day Celebration held on 14 November 2011 at the Indian Institute of Metals at Leonia, Shameerpet, Hyderabad. The contribution of M. Zafir Alam, who shared this Honour with Shri Arijit Laik of B.A.R.C. Mumbai was in the field of Metal Science.

OBITUARIES
Dr. HAROON QASMI, an active social and political worker who also worked for many welfare projects and activities died on 8/9 November night in a Gorakhpur hospital where he was admitted. He was a learned product of Darul Uloom Deoband and got his Doctors Degree from Lucknow Medical College. He worked and sacrificed a lot for Jamiatul Ulama-e Hinds religious work. Born in a village of Kushi Nagar district 70 years ago, he is survived by eight sons and four daughters. Jamiatul Ulama held many condolence meetings at different places to pay tributes to him. FAZLUR RAHMAN KAIFI, noted poet, social worker and a diamond merchant of Jaipur died at the age of 78 years. He was a linguist and had mastery over many languages like Chinese, Malayasian, Arabic and French in addition to Urdu, Hindi, English and Persian. He leaves behind his wife, four daughters and one son. Maulana QUTUBUDDIN AHMAD BAQVI, a senior member of Jamat-e Islami Hind, Tamil Nadu region died in Singapore on 6 November. He was a life member of Islamic Foundation Trust, Chennai and Islamic Centre, Vellore. He was one of those people who have translated the holy Quran into Tamil language. Justice ABRAR AHMAD of Sahranpur, a popular and respected personality who was known for his honesty and helping nature died on 16 November. His death was described at a condolence meeting as a great loss for poor and downtrodden people of society for whom he was a benefactor. NADEEM AHMAD SYED who was an important eye witness to the barbarous killings of Muslims in Naroda Patia during anti-Muslim riots of Gujarat in 2002 and an R.T.I. activist was stabbed to death on 5 November by four unknown persons. According to police, he was stabbed at 28 places of his body. Though the reasons of his murder are not known, it is considered that being an RTI activist he had raised his voice aginst the suspected persons, these people may be involved in his murder. After testifying against some suspects in the court, on Supreme Courts directions, a police constable was provided to him for protecting him but at the time of attacks on him, his guard was not with him. He had filed cases against some politicians also. Though investigations into his murder are going on, no success is likely to be achieved because there appears to be a deep conspiracy and involvement of resourceful persons is suspected. The absence of his guard at the time of attack is also a matter of suspicion.

AWARDS
Dr. MUHAMMAD SHAMIM, Assistant Professor in AMUs J.N. Medical College (Department of T.B. and Chest Pulmonary Diseases) has been honoured with Bharat Jyoti Award which is given every year to persons for their distinguished services in the fields of science & technology, education, industry, fine arts, social service etc. Dr. SHAMIM has been honoured with many awards earlier also like Asia Pacific Society of Respirologys Award (Japan), American College of Chest Physician Award (Chicago) etc. Prof. ZAMAN AAZURDAH and Prof. JAFRI have been selected for being honoured with Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad Ghalib Award for their contributions in the fields of Urdu criticism and research in Persian respectively by Ghalib Institute. A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of Urdu litterateurs and scholars chaired by Prof. Siddiqur Rahman Qidwai. Others also selected for Ghalib Award for their excellence in different fields are: AMEEN ASHRAF for his valuable contribution in Urdu poetry, Mrs. SOGHRA MEHDI for Urdu prose, SAYEED ALAM for Hum Sab Ghalib Award for Urdu drama ABID RAZA Bedaar (Rampur) with Ghalib Atlas Award for overall literary services and RAM PRAKASH KAPOOR of Haryana for Special Ghalib Award for overall services to Urdu. The Awards, consisting of a medal, a Certificate and a cheque for Rs. 75,000 each will be given to the

selected persons at Jashn-e Ghalib function to be held on 23 December. TANVEER AHMAD, former chairman of Central Haj Committee has been honoured with International Gold Award by India International Friendship Association for his services in improving Haj services and facilities for Hajis. The Award was given to him, who is also president of BJPs Minorities Front in India, by R.A.K. Medical and Health Sciences Universitys Vice Chancellor Dr. S.G. Madho Rao at a function held in Dubai. Maulana MUHAMMAD HASEEB SIDDIQI, a respectable personality of Deoband, chairman of Deoband Nagar Palika Parishad, popular social worker and promoter of general and technical education is among the eight important persons who have been selected for being honoured with Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar Award by Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar Academy, New Delhi. Others also selected for this Award are S.Y. QURESHI, Chief Election Commisioner, SANJIV BHAT, IPS officer who boldly fought against Narendra Modis vindictive actions against him; ZAFAR AGHA, noted journalist, JAGDISH TYTLER, former minister; MUHAMMAD NAJIB ASHRAF Chaudhari, Chief Income Tax Commissioner; NUSRAT Gwalliori, Urdu poet and BEGUM REHANA A.R. ANDRE of Mumbai. The Awards will be given to the awardees at a function to be held on 10 December on 133rd birth day of Maulana Jauhar at India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi chaired by Justice MSA Siddiqi. GHUFRAN FARIDI, poet and senior journalist was honoured with

Award by All India Muslim Backward Samajs United Front for protecting Human Rights and Public Service. Others honoured with awards for their valuable services in different fields are: Prof. HASAN AHMAD NIZAMI in the field of promoting education, MASHKOOR AHMAD KHAN in the field of journalism, FARHAT ALI KHAN, Hockey Coach in the field of sports, SULTAN SAIFI for social service and MUSLIM AFAAQI in the field of Urdu poetry. The Awards, consisting of shawl and Certificate of Honour, were given by Dr. Balkar Singh, District Collector of Rampur on 12 November.

Engineer Saleem speaking at HWF awards ceremony at Jaipur

Mauji Khan (January 1939 14 November 2011)

Mauji Khan, retired police officer, treasurer of All India Milli Council and president of Saifi Anjuman who died of a heart attack on 14 November was a man of humble origins. Born in January 1939 in Ramala village of Baghpat district of U.P. his early education was in the primary school of this village and in a madrasa in another village. Because of his madrasa education he was a religious minded person from a young age itself and used to offer namaz and observe fasts in the month of Ramzan. After passing matriculation he joined the police service as a constable in Delhi in 1959 but by dint of hard work, devotion to duty and honesty he rose to become Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP). During the gruelling police training and drill in the hot summer season when his health appeared to be affected, his officer asked what was wrong with him, he frankly said that it may be because of his fasting in this hot season. On hearing this, his officer exempted him from taking part in the police exercise and drill till the period he was on fast. During the period of his police service he never misused his post or his police uniform and was honoured with three Presidential Awards i.e. Presidents Police Medals for Bravery, for Meritorious Service and for Distinguished Service. After retirement as A.C.P. in 1996, instead of leading a sedentary peaceful retired life he devoted himself to active social and milli activities. He had sympathy and felt sad for his community, their backwardness and poverty. So he devoted himself to improving their lot in any way he could, particularly in promoting education among them in the belief that lack of education was the root cause of their backwardness. He came into contact with many milli organisations and alongwith likeminded people and members of these organisations he did relief and rehabilitation work during the devastating earthquakes of Gujarat (2001) and of J&K (2005) and also during the genocide of Muslims in Gujarat in 2002. As President of Saifi Anjuman he played an important role in uniting them and creating educational awareness among them and also among Muslims in general. He opened many educational institutions including Saifi Public School in Bhonda (trans-Yamuna area) and other places, another school and an ITI in Loni (also in trans-Yamuna area) where hundreds of Muslim children and youths are receiving quality education. In his autobiography Pride of Uniform he recounts his struggles and police life which may serve as a guide to aspiring youths not only in the police but in other services also. After being inducted as a member of All India Milli Council because of his valuable services for the uplift of Muslims, he was elected its treasurer in 2004 and had been working in this capacity till his last moment. His wife, who was a traditional and pious lady, had died a few years ago. Mauji Khan alongwith his sister had left for Haj by the first Haj flight on 29 September and also returned to Delhi by the first return flight on 12 November. Even before he could meet many of his relatives and well wishers he had a heart attack on 14 November evening. He was rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia (government) Hospital but the attack proved fatal and he expired there the same night. His namaze janazah (funeral prayer) was offered on 15 November morning at Taj Enclave, a small colony of Muslim serving and retired government employees of a few hundred houses (near Gita Colony) where he lived and the same day his body was taken to his ancestral home in Ramala village for burial. He is survived by two sons and two daughters. All important Muslim religious and milli leaders and organisations including Milli Councils President Maulana Abdullah Moghisi and General Secretary Dr. Manzoor Alam, AIMMMs general secretary Muhammad Ilyas Malik, Zafaryab Jilani, Muslim Political Councils President Dr. Tasleem Ahmad Rahmani, Delhi Haj Committees Chairman Parvez Mian, Maulana Abdul Wahab Khilji, Yusuf Hatim Mochhala, advocate (Mumbai), Jamat Islamis secretary Mujtaba Farooq, Rashtriya Ulama Councils Dr. Tasleem Rahmani and a host of others deeply condoled his death and paid rich tribute. (NA Ansari)

The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011 17

SPECIAL REPORTS

India reaches out to Palestine

E. Ahamed, Minister of State for External Affairs and HRD, paid a two-day official visit to Palestine during 18-19 Nov. in connection with the inauguration of projects under IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) Joint Venture. Ahamed on his arrival at Ramallah on 18 November, offered his Friday prayers at Masjid AlAqsa in Occupied Jerusalem. Thereafter, he visited the Mausoleum of the Freedom Fighter and Khilafat Leader, Maulana Mohammed Ali Jauhar in the Aqsa compound. During the visit to Jerusalem, Ahamed was accompanied by the Head of Auqaf Council, Mr. Abdul Azim Salhab and Director, Department of Tourism & Archeology of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Dr. Yusuf Natsheh. Later in the day the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Mr Filippo Grandi called on the Minister who handed over a cheque of US$ 1 million as Indias annual contribution for the year 2011-12 to be utilized for providing daily supplement of food E Ahamed in the Aqsa Complex on 18 November, flanked assistance to more than 76,000 students attendby top Palestinian officials in Jerusalem ing UNRWA schools in Gaza for 50 school days under UNRWAs Emergency Programme in Gaza IBSA project in the entire Middle East. There are two more projstrip. Both the dignitaries also discussed issues of future cooper- ects in Palestine which are coming up with IBSA funding. One of ation. The Minister assured UNRWA of the Government of Indias them is the rehabilitation of the Al Quds Hospital in Gaza and continued support in its operations and in its efforts to alleviate the the other is the construction of a Centre for People with Special sufferings of Palestinian refugees. It may be noted that Needs in Nablus. Government of India has since long been contributing annually to During the inauguration, Minister Ahamed siad that the the UNRWAs budget and since 2009-10 enhanced its annual Government and the people of India remain committed to assist contribution to US$ 1 million, in addition to a special contribution the Palestinian people in their exercise of nation-building in all of US$ 1 million which was paid to UNRWA in response to a flash sectors, including areas of niche expertise. Our support to the appeal in 2010. Palestinian people is not limited only to economic and humanitarAhamed, accompanied by Rajeev Shahare, Joint Secretary, ian support but we have a long history of supporting the MEA and Indian Ambassador in Jordan, RR Dash, reached Palestinian cause. He reminded that India supported Palestine Palestine through Allenby Bridge at Jordan-Palestine Border. even before she herself attained independence in 1947. In 1975, Ahamed was received at the Border by the Indian Ambassador to India was the first non-Arab state to recognize the Palestine Israel Mr. Navtej Sarna and the Representative of India in Liberation Organisation as sole and legitimate representative of Palestine, Mr. Biswadeep Dey. Palestinian people. In 1980, we accorded full diplomatic recogniNext day, Ahamed participated in the inauguration of a tion of PLO office in New Delhi. In 1988, within no time of its decSports Complex Ramallah under IBSA project. The IBSA Sports laration, we recognised the state of Palestine, he said. Centre is the first project completed by IBSA funding for the Minister Ahamed further said that the issue of Palestine has Palestinian National Authority as a gift from people of IBSA coun- taken a decisive turn in the history of Middle East conflict after tries to the people of Palestine. This also happens to be the first

Minister Ahamed presenting Indias contribution of USD 1 million to the Commissioner General of UNRWA

President Abbas filed an application with Secretary General of the United Nations for Palestines full membership to the United Nations. You may recall my Prime Ministers speech in the General Assembly that India has been steadfast in its support for the Palestinian peoples struggle for a sovereign, independent, viable and United State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, living within secure and recognized borders side by side and at peace with Israel, as per the relevant resolutions of the organization, the Arab Peace Initiative and Quartet roadmap. Minister Ahamed added, During my long political career, I have had the honour to work closely with Palestinian leaders. I had met the undisputed leader of Palestinian people late President Yasser Arafat on 17th September 2004 at Ramallah, just a few months before he left his earthly abode. At that meeting, I had the opportunity to reiterate Indias solidarity with the Palestinian people and support for their cause. He had warmly recalled his close relations with Indian leaders, particularly Mrs Indira Gandhi and Mr Rajiv Gandhi, and appreciated Indias unwavering support for the cause of the Palestinian people. We have continued our interactions with the Palestinian leadership under President Abbas. He has paid state visits to India in 2008 and 2010. The Minister also called on President Mahmoud Abbas and Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Malki for bilateral discussions and attened a lunch hosted by the President in his honour.

Award for bringing technology closer to students

Gulbarga: Bandenawaz, a government high school teacher from Gulbarga district, has won the Innovative Teachers Leadership Award for developing innovative lesson plans using technology to improve classroom learning. The award, instituted by IT giant Microsoft India, honors teachers who innovate and improve learning techniques through technology integration, a statement from the company said. Bandenawaz, who teaches in the Government High School at Ratkal village in Chincholi taluk of Gulbarga district, is among the five teachers honored by Microsoft India. He bagged the award for his project on students of Class 8-10. He has been lauded for teaching his students the concept of inventions. Bandenawaz developed innovative digital lessons to make them more interesting, and also involved his students to collect more information on various inventions and their impact. The award was presented to Bandenawaz at a function at Urban DIET Auditorium in Gulbarga on November 11 - the National Education Day. Congratulating the teachers for developing remarkable projects, Irina Ghose, Director, Education, Microsoft India, said: Technology and the knowledge of it is not an end in itself. It is a powerful tool that can revolutionize education, for instance, and how all these teachers are using it is fantastic.
MG/Yusuf

Ghose said that the power to change lives with technology rests with the teachers who are harbingers of a better tomorrow. The awards are given away by Partners in learning or Project Shiksha, an initiative Microsoft India launched in 2003 to actively increase access to technology and improve its use in learning. So far, the programme has impacted 6,94,426 teachers across India, including 52,237 from Karnataka. (karnatakamuslims.com) L/R: Vasu S. from Govt. High School, Jeevan Bima Nagar, Bangalore; Manjul D from Govt. High School, Dattaragaon, Gulbarga; Jayashree Hegde from Govt. PU College, Kadugodi, Bangalore; Geetha Koustubha from Govt. Composite PU College, Tekal, Kolar; and Bandenawaz from Govt. High School, Ratkal, Gulbarga

Milli Council condoles Rashadi and Mauji Khan

Delhi: All India Milli Council condoled the sad demise of Mauji Khan and Maulana Reyazul Rahman Rashadi during a condolence meeting held at Institute of Objective Studies conference hall on 20 Nov 2011. Rashadi was a founder member of All India Milli Council while Mauji Khan was the treasurer of the Council. The demise of the two active community social workProf. Haseena Hashia ers was described as a great speaking about Mauji Khan loss for the community which will be difficult to fill. At the meeting speakers recollected their personal experiences with Mauji Khan and remembered him as an untiring, active person helpful to all without any discrimination and having a great concern for his own fraternity and for all Muslims. Mauji Khan was remembered for his special qualities to solve social emergenceis thanks to his administrative skills as he had spent all his life in Police and retired as Assistant Commissioner of Police Delhi. Speaking at the meeting, Milli Council General Secretary Dr Manzoor Alam expressed his deep grief on the demise of Maulana Reyazul Rahman Rashadi. He remembered his long association with him and his contribution to the Council. In the meeting a host of people from all walks of life were present to pay homage to two of their community leaders, well-wishers and supporters. The meeting was presided over by Maulana Hakeem Muhammad Abdullah Mughisi, President of Milli Council. Prayer was held for the peace of the departed souls at the end of the meeting. (Nadim Ahmad) See obituary of Mauji Khan, p. 16

US will not give visa to Modi

This is the severest punishment Modi has received so far

18 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011

COMMUNITY NEWS
Modi melody lures Advani
Ahmedabad: It is the old story of a crow and a camel. While the crow praised the camel for its beauty the camel applauded the crows melody. This is what the Sanskrit tale shows us in Aho Rupam Aho dhwani. Hence like good parents who decide to pretend, for the sake of their children, that there exists no dispute between the two; Modi and Advani decided to come closer to put an end to media speculations. So the gap between the chairs at one meeting was filled up at meetings at Bharuch, Valsad and Karamsad. What the surti khaman and theplas did it at the breakfast was soon witnessed by the lunch time when the guru and chela demonstrated that their strained relation was giving wrong signals to the media. While Advani admired the tremendous progress the state had made during Modi regime to make even America praise him; Modi reciprocated by applauding the toil and tapasya Advani was undertaking to expose black money and corruption. Advani droppes singing paens about Nitish Kumar as long as he was in Gujarat. This, in colloquial usage is described as Ganga gaye to Gangadas; Jamuna gaye to Jamunadas. Legal Aid Clinic At Zakir Husain College
HWF team; Prof. Siddiq Hasan is seen on extreme right

Indian project steals limelight at IDB workshop

The first Legal Aid Clinic at the University of Delhi was inaugurated on November 18 at Salman Ghani Hashmi Auditorium at Zakir Husain College (M) by Prof. Dinesh Singh (Vice Chancellor University of Delhi). Legal Aid Clinics are opened in rural areas and economically and socially backward areas of cities under the provision of Legal Services Authority Act 1987. The objective of these clinics is to give effect to Article 39(A) of Constitution to extend free legal aid, to ensure that legal system promotes justice on basis of equal opportunity. Those entitled to free legal services are members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Women, Children, Persons with disability, Victims of Ethnic Violence, Industrial Workers, Persons in custody, and those whose income does not exceed a level set by the Government (currently it is Rs. 1 lakh per annum, for senior citizens it is 2 lakh per annum). Prof Dinesh Singh appreciated the colleges unique initiative and encouraged the students by asking them to participate in a holistic relationship with the society they live in. Ms. Asha Menon, Member-Secretary, Delhi State Legal Services Authority, Delhi, was the guest of honour who looked forward to students of the college working towards generating paralegal volunteers who could help out with the functioning of the legal aid clinic. Prof. Kamla Shankaran, Faculty of Law (D. U.) and Member, Delhi State Legal Services Authority, was the special guest on the occasion who made an appeal to other colleges of the university to participate in this endeavour. This clinic shall be functional on every Sunday 11:00 a. m. to 2:00 p. m. from 18th November, 2011 onwards. The college looks forward to extend this facility to as many seekers as possible. One lakh houses built in 90 districts for BPL minorities New Delhi: Union ministry for minorities affairs has claimed that under Multi Sectoral Development Programme (MSDP) 1,13000 residential units have been built for minorities living below the poverty line in 90 districts of the country where these minorities i.e. mostly Muslims are in a sizeable number. These residential units or houses have been built under Indira Awas Yojna, a central government scheme. According to this ministry, construction of another 56,518 houses for such people has already started from 30 September 2011. It is stated that under MSDP a target of building a total number of 2,84,400 residential units has been set. Till March this year (2011) the said ministry has provided Rs. 876 crores for building these residential units. Out of these 90 districts in the country, the maximum i.e., 21 districts are in U.P. where, under Indira Awas Yojna the building of 82,130 residential units has been approved, of which 54045 units have already been built by 30 September 2011 and work is going on for building the remaining units. After U.P., the maximum number of houses under Indira Awas Scheme are being built in Assam where a target of 77,190 residential units had been fixed out of which 20,852 units have been built and work on the remaining ones is going on. At No. 3 is West Bengal for which 37303 units have been provided of which 15855 units have been built and work on 6,837 is presently going on. It may be stated that the 90 districts where minorities i.e. Muslims have a substantial population are spread over twenty states and union territories of the country where multi-sectoral or all-round developmental projects for minorities are being undertaken but the progress reports about these projects obtained from independent sources are disappointing. Recently; it was stated in a report of the PMO-level monitoring committee that the progress on the welfare and development projects for minorities is not satisfactory. These projects and programmes under Prime Ministers

The Vision 2016, a historic project initiated by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind for the welfare of Indian Muslims, grabbed the attention of the audience at an IDB workshop on 14 November when Muslim NGOs gave presentations of their projects and programs. Jamal Muhiyuddin Alwaye spoke about Vision 2016 on behalf of K. A. Siddique Hassan, vice president of Jamaat-eIslami and the chief architect of the massive project, which is expected to bring about a substantial improvement in the condition of Muslims in India. We have already implemented more than 200 educational, health, social and human resource development projects under the programme, said Professor Hassan, who attended the opening session of the three-day workshop organized by the Islamic Development Bank. Hassan, who was in Saudi Arabia to perform Haj as a guest of the Muslim World League, said the Visions projects are spread over 20 north Indian states. We are receiving encouraging support from central and state governments as well as other NGOs. Hassan, who is general secretary of the Human Welfare Foundation that oversees the Visions projects, highlighted Jamaats efforts to enhance the educational awareness of Muslims in north India. The move is significant as 40 million of 15-point programme include Indira Awas Yojna, Integrated Child Development Programme, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Swarn Jayanti citizens employment yojna etc. which are not being implemented properly and the minority population is not able to derive the benefits of these schemes. Targets laid down by the government for these projects are much below expectations. In this connection comments made by Minorities Commission Chairman Wajahat Habibullah are pertinent. According to him: Governments report card generally presents a good and encouraging picture but our spot inspection and review of the progress tells a different story. This whole affair needs a serious review and discussion, particularly the achievements of government in the 90 districts with sizeable population of minorities which have been identified under Prime Ministers 15-point programme. Malegaon blast accused granted bail Mumbai: All the nine persons languishing in jail since September 2006 in the wake of Malegaon blast were granted bail. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) did not oppose the bail to the disappointment of Maharashtra ATS and the CBI. The NIA has now indicated that these blasts were engineered by a group of right-wing hardliners. A special MCOCA court granted them bail on a surety of Rs. 50,000 each. The arrested persons were Shabbir Masiullah, Abrar Ahmed, Dr. Salman Farsi, Dr. Farokh Mkhdomi, Raees Rajjab Ali, Asif Khan, Muhammad Ali Shaikh, Muhammad Zahid and Noor-ulHuda. Kul Jamaati Tanzeem an NGO formed to ensure justice to these youth felt the court order was an Eid gift. Maulana Abdul Hameed Azhari of Malegoan paid glowing tribute to the late Hemant Karkare, Today we are missing slain ATS Chief Hemant Karkare who had for the first time exposed Saffron terrorism and the NIA followed him. Malegaon celebrated the release with fire crackers. Advocate Irfana Hamadani holds, The then ATS officers wanted to save the real culprits. Advocate Nihar Ansari, however, pointed out, The NIA is diverting the probe now. By citing reports which say that two Muslim youths, one of whom is said to be dead, were given money to plant four RDX bombs. Praising Gujarat vis--vis Maharashtra and U.P., the BJP chief Nitin Gadkari said there have been more riots in Maharashtra than in Gujarat and more encounters in U.P. than in Gujarat. (AG Khan) Sanjiv Bhatt demands additional security Ahmedabad: Expressing concern for the security of the lives of his family members and threat perception to his own life Sanjiv Bhatt in a letter written to the home department demanded additional security cover for all. He demanded a security escort van for himself during his visit to places out of Ahmedabad in addition to a bullet proof car. He feels that the present security arrange-

the countrys children do not go to schools due to poverty and ignorance. Jamal Alwaye emphasized the importance of Vision 2016, saying 72 percent of Indias population is poor and living on a daily income of 20 rupees (SR1.5). The most striking feature of this project is that it covers all parts of the country benefiting Muslims as well as non-Muslims, he added. The 10-year programme, which began in 2006, includes provision of microfinance to support small and medium enterprises. It has already established a multi-speciality hospital named AlShifa in New Delhi at a cost of 130 million rupees. The Vision has a plan to establish a medical college, he added. Citing a World Bank report, Abdullah Mamoon Al-Azami, a community development specialist and chief organizer of the workshop, said there are 220 million Muslims in India, topping the list of states with the largest number of Muslims. Indonesia comes second with 190 million Muslims. India has become a world player, Al-Azami said and hoped Indian Muslims would also play a leading role, making use of their material, intellectual and manpower resources. He described the Vision 2016 as a major initiative to empower Muslims in the country. (P.K. Abdul Ghafour, Arab News) ments are not adequate. Immorality: live-in relationship Ahmedabad: Sure, Gujarat is marching towards development. Two decades ago it introduced in the nation a subtle form of immorality by granting permission to live-in relationship which by now has become a well established norm. However, the elderly had been evading the forbidden fruit fearing social reaction. It seems to have now found favour with them as well. The first-ever public function to help 50 plus will be held on 20 November at Mehndi Nawaz Jung Hall in Ahmedabad out of the 3000 applications 1000 prefer finding a live-in partner who will keep them company without inviting social and legal complications that are usually associated with marriage. Most women still prefer marriage but many say they are fine with live-in companions if they provide them financial security. A woman declares, Once bitten, twice shy, I do not want to get into a marriage without knowing if my relationship with the man will work or not. I need financial security and would want the partner to put some money in my name before entering into the relationship. So people want to enjoy the bliss without botheration of any responsibility. Treading their path very cautiously nobody wants to run the risk of a marriage and its obvious legal complications. Yes, everyone wants a rose but without thorns. And what is the reward of such relationship? Watching movies, eating out and travelling around the globe. These are the pursuits the elderly seek! Mysterious meeting of I.P.S. officers Ahmedabad: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to probe the Ishrat encounter case is giving finishing touches to its report. Reconstruction of the incident was conducted for the third time alongwith psycho profiling of the witnesses. This has created panic among police officers involved in the case. One of such officer rushed to meet another officer suffering a similar plight in the Sohrab case when he arrived at the court (rural). In order to avoid arrest, an officer involved in the case met another one at the (rural) court when he reached there in connection with the Sohrab case. The meeting lasted three hours. Both of them were involved in the Ishrat case and may emerge as the new accused in the SIT report. The officer from Vadodara arrived to depose at the rural court. During recess the officer, alleged to be involved in the Ishrat case, an IPS officer (DSP of a district) in his white coloured car met and jotted down points. The officer involved in the Sohrab case had earlier deposed before the CBI. It is believed that their statements are contradictory hence the IPS officer is a matter for worry. Though a pretext has also been created to justify the presence of the IPS officer. A land dispute in which the I.P.S. officers wife is involved.

The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011 19

COMMUNITY NEWS
Be kind to animals (except Muslims)
Vadhwan/Ahmedabad: The butcher community in Surendra Nagar district have protested at the city police station against the atrocious behaviour towards the community. Under the pretext of jeevdaya(kindness towards animals) false cases are being registered against persons who have been in the trade. Yet, inspite of proper documents showing purchase of animals for Eid the community is subjected to tyranny. In one such instance a youngman was beaten black and blue on a false complaint lodged by two bharwads (of the shepherd community). The man is undergoing treatment at the hospital. Men alongwith women staged protest demonstration at the Surendra Nagar city police station. The recent act passed by the state legislature claimed its first victim in the form of the murder of a RTI activist Nadeem Syed in the Juhupura area of Ahmedabad. He was declared dead at the V.S. Hospital having succumbed to 28 stab wounds. Nadeem was a witness to the Naroda Patia massacre of 2002. He was stabbed to death under the suspicion of being a police informer. In the wake of the above act, police parties raided several unauthorised slaughter houses in the locality. It may be recalled that a riot victim had handed over to him the mobile phone of a rioter involved in the carnage. Syed gave this phone to the police and lodged his statement. Syed had lodged an FIR in August alleging that gangster Mehboob (senior) had threatened him, asking him to change his statement failing which he would be killed On 29 October a mob had set a police van afire in the Juhupura area when a police party raided slaughter houses. The police had arrested five persons in this connection. However, Syed had told the police that the real culprits were still roaming free. By eliminating Syed two birds were killed by one stone. RTI activist who was also a key witness met a predictable end. (AG Khan) Eight new distance education centres opened by AMU Aligarh: AMUs Director of Distance Education Centre Dr. Muhammad Rizwan Khan said here that with the permission of Vice Chancellor Prof. P.K. Abdul Azis, eight new such centres have been opened at Urdu College, Gopal Ganj (Bihar), Institute of System Management (ISM) at Swan (Bihar), Millia Educational Trust National Degree College, Poornia (Bihar), Computer Zone Phulwari Sharif, Patna (Bihar), Indo-Educational Foundation (New Delhi), K.L. Institute of Para Medical Sciences & Information Technology (Jammu Tavi) and Al Hafeez Educational Academy at Sahaswan (Badayun/U.P.) and S.B.H. Azad Girls Degree College at Sambhal (Muradabad). Prof. Khan said earlier three such centres were opened at Makhdoom Abdull Qasim Educational and Welfare Society (Saharsa), New Horizon School (Bhagalpur) and Al Aziz Educational Foundation Trust at Muzaffarpur (Bihar). Thus the total number of distance education centres has now become 11. He said that all these centres will be working completely under AMUs Distance Educaiton Centre and graduation and post graduation education will be imparted in all these centres. JuH for speedy passage of communal violence bill New Delhi: Jamiat Ulama-e Hinds efforts and campaign in favour of the Communal Violence Bill are being strengthened. District and provincial heads of its branches in the country are sending letters and memorandums to local administration authorities of their respective areas. According to reliable sources Jamiatul Ulamas general secretary Maulana Mahmood Madni has issued a circular stating that in view of the manner in which a wave of communal riots has started in different parts of the country and feeling of communalism and communal hatred is being spread, Jamiatul Ulamas working committee has decided to activate all district and provincial branches and start submitting memorandums to district and state government authorities in support of this bill. According to reliable information, Jamiats branches at Muradabad, Mumbai, Gujarat, Uttarakhand and other cities and states have submitted such memorandums. It is also understood that Jamiat will soon write letters to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and BJPs president Nitin Gadkari to know their views, as to why after all they have objections to this bill which is to be presented in Parliaments winter session but in view of the objections and oppositions by BJP, RSS and some other parties and some allies of the ruling party the government may adopt a dilly-dallying attitude and hence it wants to put continuous pressure on the government. Proposal for a separate girls Polytechnic in Jamia Millia New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia has decided to open a polytechnic specially for girls for which it has requested University Grants Commission for funds. This polytechnic, when approved and funds for this provided, will be equipped with modern facilities, equipments, high tech. laboratories and courses of ladies interests like interior decoration, architecture, fashion designing etc. will be introduced in addition to common professional courses like computer education and training, I.T., civil, mechanical, electrical, electronic etc. engineering. The idea behind this is to further empower girls. There is already a Faculty of Engineering and Technology in this University which was set up in 1985. University Polytechnic, which already exists, also comes under this Faculty. Efforts are now on to prepare details of the proposed polytechnic for girls. In the preliminary stage there will be 60 seats in different courses/departments. According to Jamia Polytechnic Director N.U. Khan, the proposal for girls polytechnic was earlier made for inclusion in countrys 12th 5-Year-Plan starting from the year 2012 but U.G.C. had

Publication of Prophets caricature condemned

New Delhi: Drawing cartoons and caricatures of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) by western newspapers and magazines is becoming a regular feature, the idea of which is nothing but to make fun of the Prophet and Islam and to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims. A similar cartoon was recently made in a French magazine. Strongly criticising this, Maulana Jalaluddin Umri, Ameer of Jamat-e Islami Hind described the publication of this cartoon in the French magazine Charlie Hebdo (weekly) as a deliberate mischief, conspiracy to hurt the feelings of the world of Islam and a media war against Islam by a section of the western media, he has demanded that the French government should take strong legal action against the said magazine. He said that these newspapers and magazines which are targeting Islam should consider coolly what they are going to gain by such uncivilised acts after all, except condemnation by the whole world. If they think that by such uncivilised acts they will weaken or denigrate Islam and its Prophet, they are gravely mistaken. not approved it earlier. According to N.U. Khan it is estimated to cost Rs. 40 crores. All its courses will be of diploma level and of 3 years duration. He said that if the proposal is approved, it is expected to become functional from the next academic session. It may also be stated that if this proposal is approved, JMI will be the only University of the country which will have two polytechnics. Masjid rehabilitated in a Ludhiana village Ludhiana: A mosque which had been closed and abandoned in Khasi village of Punjabs Ludhiana district after partition of the country was rehabilitated with the efforts of Majlis-e Ahrar volunteers. District Majlis-e Ahrar Islams general secretary Maulana Muhammad Nabi Jaan said that with the cooperation of village people and particularly of the village sarpanch Manjeet Singh, Ahrar volunteers rehabilitated this mosque. He said that this mosque was converted into a house by a resident of the village. He said that the surroundings of this mosque were so dirty and foul smelling, with wild bushes, shrubs and gutter around it that it took many volunteers more than four hours to clean it. When Ahrars national general secretary and chairman of Punjab Waqf Boards religious affairs committee Maulana Muhammad Usman Rahmani came there, he asked volunteers to demolish the wall inside the mosque which was built by the previous resident of the house. When everything was cleared and the mosque looked like a true mosque, Zuhar namaz in group (in congregation) led by Maulana Usman Rahmani was offered. In a brief speech Maulana Rahmani called upon those present to offer namaz in groups. He said that under the leadership of Ameer-e Ahrar Maulana Habibur Rahman Sani Ludhianvi the work of rehabilitating abandoned and crumbling mosques which were closed down after partition is going on for the past about fifty years. He said that with the rehabilitation of this and other such mosques, local Muslims find it convenient to offer namaz in these mosques. Minorities and tribals to be part of Annas team Anna Hazare has announced the inclusion of minorities and tribals in his team in order to reshape his core committee. The decision is believed to have been taken to balance the onslaught against team Anna and the controversies that have followed one after another. As per Anna the restructuring plan with the representation of Dalits, religious minorities, tribals and youths has been decided keeping in mind the need to strengthen the campaign against corruption and also to make the movement more transparent than before. There is also an allegation that Anna has been misguided by some members and some of them have also used him to nurture their personal and political agenda. Anna in an interview said that we have planned to take all sections in the core committee so that none could complain afterwards that they were ignored or not given a chance. He also said that youth are also equally important and for that matter youths from different communities will also be selected for the committee. The core committee is likely to have 50 members from various communities. UNESCO Award for Afghan and Palestinian rights activists Chennai: Afghanistans womens rights activist (Ms.) Anarkali Honaryar and Palestines peace activist Khaled Abu Awwad have been honoured with UNESCOs Madanjeet Singh Prize for the promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence, an award which is instituted by this UN organisation in the memory of Gandhiji. This Prize consists of one hundred thousand US Dollars and will be divided equally between the two persons who are selected for this Prize by an international jury. The Award will be given to them at a function to be held on 9 December 11 at UNESCOs Headquarters at Paris. Ms. Honaryar belongs to the minority Sikh community of Afghanisatan and was honoured for her tireless work to improve the condition of women and minority groups in Afghanistan and to promote human rights, human dignity and religious tolerance. Because of her bold steps in these fields, she has earned the epithet of sherni (lioness) of Afghanistan. She is also probably the only non-Muslim M.P. i.e. a member of Wolesi Jirga, the lower house Afghani counterpart or equivalent of Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indias Parliament. Khaled Abu Awwad is General Manager of the Palestian branch of Parents Circle Families Forum, an organisation of Palestinians and Israelis who have lost immediate family memOur appeal to them is to give up their hostile and inimical attitude and try to understand the message of Islam and its great Prophet. It will be much better for them. Jamiatul Ulama-e Hinds president Qari Muhammad Usman Mansoorpuri described Prophet Muhammads cartoon as provocative and painful. He said that European and other western countries have become such great victims of mental and moral bankruptcy that they derive sadistic pleasure by insulting and targeting others, adding that in these countries enmity towards Islam and spreading hatred against Muslims is the result of a planned and organised conspiracy which zoinist forces are deliberately promoting. He further said that the number of religious extremists and mentally sick people is increasing. He described the support to such unholy elements by the President of France as extremely sad and demanded that he should apologise to Muslims because this has greatly hurt Muslims of the whole world. (NA Ansari) bers in the conflicts between the two countries. He is active both in Palestine as well as in Israel. He was selected for this Prize because of his efforts in promoting peace, tolerance and non-violence through reconciliation between the people of both countries. As regards UNESCOs Madanjeet Singh Prize it was instituted in 1995 at the initiative of Madanjeet Singh, a writer and diplomat of India on the occasion of 125th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and is awarded every two years to individuals or organisations for outstanding work in the field of promoting peace, tolerance and non-violence. 90-year old fatwa against the British government traced Malappuram: A fatwa issued by a Malabar musaliyar (cleric) against the British 90-years ago but was lost somewhere, has been traced and brought to light at the workshop on Arabic and Persian manuscripts organised by National Manuscripts Mission in association with Calicut Universitys Arabic Department. In this fatwa Muslims were asked to rebel against the British government. This fatwa, written in Arbi-Malayalam i.e. Malayam written in Arabic script, a style which was prevalent in those days, was issued by a religious leader from Kondotty in 1921 against the background of the Khilafat movement that was going on at that time which even Gandhiji had supported in order to seek the support of Muslims for the Congress and the freedom movement. This fatwa is laced at many places with verses and quotations from the Holy Quran and expresses critical views on British government policy of those days in India. Coordinator of National Manuscripts Mission, K.K.N. Kuruppu who is also a noted historian says that at that time nationalist and freedom movement was going on and Muslims were asked by their leaders to join the national freedom movement and oppose the British government. Many articles and views by leaders and intellectuals supporting this fatwa were also found alongwith this fatwa. Kuruppu said that all these, including the fatwa will be translated into the present day Malayalam for preservation in a digitalised form as historical assets. Concern over conversions in J&K Srinagar: An extraordinary joint meeting of Islamic Relief & Research Trust (IRRT) Kashmir and Shah-e Hamdan Research Foundation (SHRF) was held on 19 November, 2011 at IRRT Central office here. A serious concern was shown about the vulnerability of poor and destitute sections of the Muslim community, who are being lured to shun their religion for material pursuits, which may have grave ramifications for the pluralistic ethos of Kashmir. The meeting noted that the Kashmiri civil society has been for the last two decades highlighting the problems and difficulties being faced by these vulnerable sections as a result of militancy and army pressures. The meeting felt that the community should strengthen its indigenous institutions like Zakat, Baitul Maal, and religious educational institutions. IRRT and SHRF have already taken many initiatives in this direction, in order to educate the youth about their positive role in these concerns of community. IRRT & SHRF appealed to the conscious and concerned members of the community to cooperate with them in these positive initiatives. The meeting was attended by many people including A.R Hanjura (founder of IRRT) and Prof. Hamid Naseem Rafiabadi. Burhanpur riot: 14 accused sentenced Burhanpur: District court sentenced 14 persons accused of attacking a police party during the curfew period in 2008 for a five year term under section 307 and another term of two years under section 332 alongwith a fine of Rs. 5000 and Rs. 2000 respectively. They are also found guilty under section 147 and 353 attracting imprisonment for six months and a fine of Rs. 500 each. Failure to pay the fine shall incur additional term of one year and six months. According to prosecution a curfew was imposed on 10 October 2007. A police party was attacked by a mob of 30-35 persons at 5 p.m. while patrolling. One of the accused tried to kill a constable Deepak Rao by attacking him with a sword. The persons found guilty are Shaikh Hafiz, Ameenuddin, Kallu Saheb, Syed Hamid Baba, Shaikh Luqman, Sattar Khan, Syed Muneer, Syed Asif, Muhammad Gulla, Shaikh Aqeel, Shaikh Shareef Shaikh Lal Muhammad, Shiakh Naim and Shabbir Khan.

20 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011

COMMUNITY NEWS
MIM gets land for college
Hyderabad: The A.P. state government has decided to allot twoand-a-half-acres of land in the city to the Dar-us-Salam Educational Trust. The land in question is crucial for the trust as it is the main passage to the Owaisi Medical College and Hospital in Santoshnagar. Though the trust has been using the land for the past two decades, the nominal ownership has been with the Defence Research Institute Midhani. The research in-stitute will be given equivalent land, said a government source, adding that st-ate agencies like the Hyder-abad Metropolitan Develop-ment Authority owned land adjacent to the plot that will be allotted to Midhani. The Dar-us-Salam Educational Trust was founded by Majlis Ittehadul Muslimin supremo Sultan Salah-uddin Owaisi and presently his son and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi is its chairman. We had been requesting successive governments to allot the land to our trust as it is the only passage available to the college and hospital. The trust had been engaged in correspondence with state and Central authorities for many years, Mr Owaisi said. Sources said that the government has decided to give the land free of cost since the trust has been running many educational institutions including the Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Deccan College of Engineering, Owaisi Hos-pital and Research Centre besides the Princess Esra Hospital. Ali Day observed at the Aligarh Muslim University

Government should improve Urdu schools

New Delhi: Poet, philosopher Allama Iqbals birthday on 9 November is celebrated by lovers and well-wishers of Urdu as Urdu Day in India. On this occasion of the 19th World Urdu Day Conference on Allama Iqbal a seminar on Situation of Urdu Teaching jointly sponsored by Urdu Development Organisation and United Muslim of India was held at Delhi Universitys Department of Urdu. Speaking on this occasion Prof. Abdul Haq, former President of this Universitys Department of Urdu said in his presidential address that under a deep conspiracy an atmosphere is being created so that in India the future of children of Urdu medium schools and these schools themselves should not be of a high standard. Hence there is wide spread talk that Urdu medium schools should be closed down and Urdu should be taught as a subject in all schools but in no case shall we allow this to be done and we will not leave Urdu medium schools in the lurch at any cost. He said that the fact that not a single Urdu teacher has been appointed in these schools for the past 17 years is an example of this thinking and shows the conspiracy. He demanded of the Delhi government to take steps for improving the conditions of Urdu medium schools without any delay and make them at par with English and Hindi medium schools and not to make any excuse for teaching of Urdu as a subject in these schools. Former ambassador M. Afzal, shedding light on the situation of teaching of Urdu said that films achieve success and popularity because of Urdu but the film industry and governments ignore the important role of Urdu and doing injustice to this language have been naming the films as Hindi instead of Urdu. He called upon lovers and well wishers of Urdu to come forward and work for the protection and promotion of Urdu alongwith the government. Referring to the voice raised in some government circles that Delhi Urdu Academy should appoint Urdu teachers he said that appointment of Urdu teachers is the responsibility of the government, not of Urdu Academy. He plainly said that Delhis participated and we expect similar or more participation this year. Following dignitaries have confirmed their participation: Dr Syed Ahmed (Governor of Jharkhand), Mr. Subodh Kant Sahay (Union minister of Tourism), Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan (MP and former Union Minister), Mr. Badruddin Ajmal (MP), Dr. Anwar A Khan (VC, Jharkhand University), Dr Syed Hasan (Insan School, Bihar), Mr. Sirajuddin Qureshi (IICC-Delhi), Mr Kareem Salar (Jalgaon), Mr. P.A. Inamdar (Pune). Following the convention AFMI delegates will travel to the following cities for project reviews and zonal conferences in Kolkata (Dec 26), Lucknow for AFMIs UP Zonal Convention (Dec 27), New Delhi for AFMIs conference on Women Empowerment through Education at India Islamic Cultural Centre (Dec 28). This conference is being held in association with the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions and All India Confederation for Womens Empowerment Through Education, New Delhi. This conference will be inaugurated by State Minister Mr E Ahamad and presided by Justice M K A Siddiqui. Women delegates from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, West Bengal, Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Rajasthan will participate. While in Delhi AFMI will hold a Conference on Dalits and Minorities on Dec 29. Thereafter, Madhya Pradesh Zonal Convention will be held at Burhanpur on Dec 30. (For further information please call or contact AFMI via email to afmi11@aol.com) education minister Arvinder Singh Lovely does not want that Urdu teachers should be appointed and that is why he is repeatedly saying that Urdu Academy should appoint Urdu teachers which is against the charter of Urdu Academy. Qazi Ubaidur Rahman, former head of Urdu Department, said that we should try to popularise Urdu among non-Urdu knowing people because there is a large number among them who are desirous of learning Urdu but they do not get opportunities with the result that they are deprived of learning and knowing Urdu and what is worse, they develop negative feelings about Urdu. Another speaker, Ram Prakash Kapoor complained and at the same time regretted that Urdu knowing people have become insensitive towards Urdu. Urdu Day functions on Allama Iqbals birthday were held at many places in India. In one such function held at Media Centre, Aligarh jointly sponsored by Millat Bedari Muhim or Millat Awakening Campaign Committee and The Aligarh Movement Magazine the Committees President Prof. Razaullah Khan said that Iqbal was basically a philosopher and for the expression of his philosophical ideas he took recourse to Urdu poetry. His poetry consists of the philosophy of life which creates self confidence in readers of his poetry. Expressing his views on the importance of Urdu he said that all Islamic literature, all works of great poets, writers and our national legacy and milli heritage are in Urdu and hence we should sincerely work for the survival and promotion of Urdu. U.G.C. Academic Staff College Director and English language scholar Prof. A.R. Qidwai said that like Shakespeare, universality of Iqbals poetry and philosophy will always find a place in the worlds literature. He said that his poetry is full of lifes philosophy and this distinguishes him from other poets. Another speaker, Dr. Imteyaz Ahmad of AMUs Department of Urdu also said that Iqbal proved that Urdu language and literature is fully competent and capable of expressing the most profound philosophy of life. (NA Ansari) played the key role in the encounter... what was the motive and what was the actual time of the death of the four people, the court said. The SIT report gave relief to Jahans family who called it a victory because it washed away the terror blot police had stamped on them. She was innocent when she was alive, she was innocent when her body was brought to us. It is our victory, her uncle Rauf Lala told reporters, outside the court. Her mother Shamima Kausar thanked the court but said the justice was still awaited till the culprits were punished. They should be hanged. They have ruined our lives. They killed my innocent daughter, a choking Kausar told reporters. In Alappuzha, Kerala, Gopinathan Pillai, the father of Pranesh Kumar Pillai alias Javed Shaikh, said he was a much relieved man with the SIT report saying the shootout was not genuine. Malegaon youth greeted by thousands Malegaon: Mushawerat Chowk of Malegaon was a replica of Cairos Tahrir Square or London Square as more than ten thousand people waited till the wee hours on November 17 to greet the local youths who were released on bail a day before. Mushawerat Chowk of Malegaon is one of the spots where a bomb had exploded on September 8, in 2006. The excitement was unmatched and such enthusiasm was never seen before in the town. Almost the entire town was awake and many even drove to 30-35 kms from Malegaon and camped in Chandvad to receive the guests who were neither their friends nor kin. The only thing which kept the entire euphoria alive was the belief that these youth were wrongly framed in the case and had to spend five long years in jail for no reason. Who will return us our dignity and the long five years we spent in jail? What can compensate for the trauma and sufferings our family members underwent because of no fault?, asked Dr. Salman Farsi even as people garlanded and congratulated him on getting bail. With their arrival in Malegaon, came to an end the relay-hunger strike at Mushawerat Chowk which was on for the past 200 days. Around four hundred people including women and children took part in this protest which began on April 25, 2011 to seek justice for the accused. A series of blasts had struck Malegaon on September 08, 2006 ahead of Shab-e-Barat, a Muslim festival when thousands of people were busy offering Friday prayers at the Hamidia Masjid. Another blast occurred at nearby Mushawerat chowk few minutes later. 37 people were killed and more than 300 were injured in the blasts, all Muslims and most of them being children. Local Muslims in Malegaon including the victims since day one had maintained that the arrested Muslim men were innocent. Ironically, Zahid Ahmed, one of the accused who the ATS chargesheeted as planter, was about 600 kms away from Malegaon at the time of incident. The case took an unexpected turn when Swami Aseemanand, allegedly involved in Ajmer, Mecca Masjid and Samjhuata Express blasts, confessed that Hindu extremists, some of them already wanted in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, were also behind the 2006 Malegaon blast. The nine Muslim youth had applied for the bail in January 2011 after Aseemnanads confession. It was however rejected by the court in March. They reapplied for bail on October 02 and consequently were granted bail on November 05. After an extensive labour of more than a week by the advocates and frequent shuttling between Mumbai and Malegaon to prepare and verify all the bail documents, the accused were finally released on November 16 (ummid.com)

Aligarh: Addressing the Ali Day organized by Ali Society, Aligarh Muslim University on 19 November, Maulana Athar Abbas of Kolkata said that Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Mohammad (pbuh) called Hazrat Ali as the Door of Knowledge and taking the lead from this, Sir Syed selected Aligarh as the centre of his educational movement. Maulana Abbas delivered an informative lecture on the life and teachings of Hazrat Ali, the fourth caliph of Islam. He said that it was the religious duty of all Muslims to arm themselves with education as this was the only way to facilitate development of self and the country. Mufti Maulana Arshad Farooqui of Deoband, focusing on the relevance of teachings of Hazrat Ali, observed that Islam did not make any distinction between the religious and worldly life. He said that Hazrat Ali was a great advocate of justice and rightfulness and always stood for the oppressed and exploited. Maulana Farooqui urged the people to remain on the path of righteousness and come forward to help the oppressed as it would help make the society an abode of peace and universal brotherhood. He narrated several incidents of bravery, wisdom, courage, faith, dedication and morality from the life of Hazrat Ali to inspire the present generations. MLC Mr. Vivek Bansal said that the disciples of Hazrat Ali were not limited to Muslims only but they crossed the religious and communal boundaries. He said that India needs to work on the teachings of Hazrat Ali to make its social and political system humane and justice loving. On this occasion, poetic tributes were also presented to Hazrat Ali by several poets. A special award was given to Associate Professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Dr. Khusro Qasim, for his exemplary services to Islam by publishing several scholarly books and research papers. SDM Atrauli, Mr. Masoom Ali Sarwar and Hony. Treasurer, Mr. Lateef Kazmi gave away cash prizes and certificates to the winners of various literary and cultural events including essay writing, article writing and speech competitions organized by the Ali Society.

Setback to Modi govt, SIT says state police murdered Ishrat Ahmedabad: In a huge setback to the Gujarat government, courtappointed investigators on 21 November concluded that Mumbai college girl Ishrat Jahan and her three friends were murdered by the state police in a staged shootout and later passed off as militants. The conclusion by the special investigation team (SIT) probing the 2004 killings prompted the Gujarat high court to order a fresh complaint against the accused police officers for the murder under Section 302 that covers the death penalty. The court-appointed SIT, headed by police officer RR Verma, AFMIs 20th Annual Convention & Gala Award Programme said that Jahan, a 19-year-old girl from Mumbai, Javed Sheikh The American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMI) will hold its 20th International Convention on Education and Gala alias Pranesh Pillai, Amjad Ali Rana and Zeeshan Johar were Award Programme in Marwari College Hall at Ranchi on killed earlier than the shootout date of June 15, 2004. They were December 24-25. Gold, silver and bronze medals along with shot dead on the outskirts of Ahmedabad in a private car. Police merit certificates and cash scholarships will be awarded to stu- claimed that they were linked to the Lashkar-e Toiba terror outfit dents of X and XII who have excelled in the state board examina- and were in the city to assassinate Gujarat chief minister tions from each state of India. Last year, students from 25 states Narendra Modi. A total of 21 policemen, including four Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, then joint commissioner PP Pande, suspended deputy inspector general DG Vanzara, then assistant commissioner GL Singhal and assistant commissioner NK Amin, were involved in the staged shootout. The court didnt T HE M ILLI G AZETTE divulge details of the SIT D-84, Abul Fazl Enclave-I, Jamia Nagar, report because it would New Delhi-110025 India Tel.: (+91-11) 2694 prejudice and hamper 7483 Email: mg@milligazette.com further investigations. The probe agency needs to find out who

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The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011 21

COMMUNITY NEWS
IRRT Annual Day and Awards

Sir Syed did not get the position he deserved

Aligarh: Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was not only the founder of Aligarh Muslim University but the architect of modern India also. He promoted scientific thinking in Indians because of which our country has been able to stand side by side with any developed country. It is, however, a pity that this great leader has not so far got the position which this great person deserved. These views were expressed by Dr. Muhammad Shahid, former secretary of AMU Teachers Association while speaking at a seminar on Sir Syed, Urdu, Muslim and National Development: some facts jointly organised by CCL&C, AMU and Millat Awareness Campaign Committee sponsored by The Aligarh Movement Magazine and held at AMU Arts Faculty Lounge. He said that it was the duty of the Indian government to acknowledge the favours and contributions of this great and respectable son of the soil by honouring him with the Bharat Ratn Award but instead of this it endangered the identity and stability of the institution founded by Sir Syed by denying minority status to this University. He said that Sir Syed had first of all dreamt of Indias independence and to achieve this he promoted education among the citizens to enable them to challenge the Britishers and regain their lost glory but sadly enough, when the government honoured many others, it didnt remember Sir Syed. This is not the case with Sir Syed only but the result of the governments policy of meting out step motherly treatment to Muslim nation also. He said that if Sir Syed had not been a Muslim he would have been honoured long ago with some title like Father of Nation but by continuously ignoring him, not restoring the minority character of AMU and by denying Urdu its rightful place it is now proved that for the government the sacrifices and contributions of Muslims have no value and every political party remembers them only at the time of elections. Earlier, Jaseem Muhammad, chief editor of Aligarh Movement Magazine, while welcoming the guests said what else could be more unfortunate than the fact that till date a number of committees have been formed and proposals made for improving the pitiable conditions of the Muslim community, Urdu and yet people there still suffer from other problems like neglect and feeling unwanted. He expressed happiness over the fact that despite suffering immensely as a society on all fronts, many conscious citizens are coming forward to meet the social challenges and work for the betterment of downtrodden and needy. He also expressed anguish about the fact that discipline among the institutions of voluntary social sector is missing which needs to be rectified. Retired judge Bashir Ahmad Kirmani lambasted those people who claim that Kashmiri society is very humane and religious. He stated hard facts about corruption, moral waywardness and cultural anarchy. He stated that flesh trade, drug addiction and corruption are increasing day by day. The money which Kashmiris waste in extravagance can certainly be used positively for the relief of poor, needy, orphans, widows and destitute. He made certain practical suggestions for the efficient working and cooperation among voluntary sector which include: 1. Creation of an apex body of voluntary organizations which will include one member from each organization, so that they can cooperate with each other and formulate a common minimum programme for working together; 2. Goals should be kept feasible and attainable by the voluntary sector, like helping orphans, downtrodden and widows, instead of lofty, utopian and insurmountable goals; and 3. The approach of voluntary sector in shunning government schemes for the welfare of widows, orphans and children must change. Instead, the voluntary sector must take advantage from such schemes. Kirmani further said that religious sectarianism, social anarchy and economic corruption have eaten the vitals of our society. Conditions are made or have been formulated as such that they rule over us and we arent able to control the same. In this condition, the work of conscious citizens becomes immense and they must come forward and join hands for the collective good instead of being happy in their solitary cozy cocoons. To commemorate the completion of its ten year journey, IRRT marked it with constitution of annual IRRT Excellence Awards, which were conferred on distinguished personalities of various hues, who have contributed positively to the Society, Humanity, Fellow Feeling, Pluralism and Mutual understanding. This years Five Awards were given by IRRT to the following: 1. Farooq Ahmad Faktoo, in appreciation of the invaluable services rendered to the cause of Administrative Reforms. 2. Atiqa Bano ,in appreciation of the invaluable services rendered to the cause of Social Service and Education. 3. Prof. Bashir Ahmad Nahvi,,in appreciation of the invaluable services rendered to the cause of Urdu Education, Islamic and Iqbal Studies. 4. G.N Shaida, in appreciation of the invaluable services rendered to the cause of Fair Journalism. 5. Dr Mushtaq Margoob, in appreciation of the invaluable services rendered to the cause Public Mental Health and Medical Awareness. Besides these awards, relief and monetary assistance was also distributed among seventy five widows during this occasion. Five cancer patients were given cheques of rupees five thousand each. Four wheelchairs were distributed among the physically challenged, besides ten marriage kits to orphan girls for marriage. The total cost of relief distributed on spot was more than three lakh. (Mushtaq Ul Haq Ahmad Sikander) Muslim-managed educational institutions but not a single proposal for improving their lot, particularly of Muslims and Urdu, have been implemented. He too complained that whether it is the central or the state governments or any political party, all remember Muslims and their issues only at the time of elections and forget them after that. He emphatically said that before the forthcoming elections governments must take concrete steps for fulfilling all needs and rights of Muslims. He demanded that Sachar Committees recommendations must be implemented at the earliest and bringing about stability of Jamia Urdu and restoration of AMUs minority character are governments responsibility and must be shouldered and met. Chairman of Jamia Urdus Board of governors, Farhat Ali Khan said that right from independence till date Urdu could not get the exalted position which it deserves. He said that Urdu played a leading role in the countrys independence but no government wants to admit it which is a matter of great sorrow. He further said that Jamia Urdu was founded to take forward and promote Sir Syeds mission and for the past about seven decades this institution has been carrying forward Sir Syeds mission but no government did justice to Jamia Urdu which is a great injustice not only to Urdu but to Sir Syed and Muslims as well. He said that Muslims will no longer remain silent and will not be satisfied with just election promises. In his presidential address chairman of Millat Bedaari Movement Committee Prof. Razaullah Khan said that Sir Syeds role in the building of modern India can never be forgotten and hence the real tribute to him will be to revive Aligarh Movement and to carry forward his mission. AMUs Prof. A.R. Fatihi said that the governments most valuable tribute to Sir Syed will be to restore AMUs minority character and to associate Urdu will employment and earning ones living. On this occasion prizes and certificates were given to those who secured first, second, third and other positions in Sir Syed Essay Competition held on 6 October. (NA Ansari) Priest arrested for foreign-funded religious conversions Srinagar: All Saints Church pastor C M Khanna, accused of converting young Kashmiri Muslim boys and girls, was arrested by the Jammu & Kashmir police late on 19 November and charged under Section 153-A and 295-A, with deliberately hurting the religious sentiments of the people to disturb peace. J&K does not have laws against religious conversions through allurement, etc. Fr Khannas criminality was established by a grainy cellphone video showing him baptising some Kashmiri Muslim men. This video surfaced a few weeks ago on youtube and caused a stir. The head of the Sharia court in Kashmir, Mufti Mohammad Bashiruddin, summoned Fr Khanna. There, the pastor is said to have confessed to his crime. The grand mufti later told local reporters that the pastors activities would not be tolerated. There will be serious consequences of this. We will implement our part and the government should implement its, the Mufti said. Less than 24 hours later, the priest was in the lockup. The allegation against him is that 15 boys and girls converted by Khanna were lured by money, a charge denied by Fr Khanna and other church officials. Police officers said they have sworn statements from two converts that they indeed did accept money to convert. The FIR against the priest, however, makes no mention of these statements. Srinagars Christians alleged that some of those converted shown in the video were picked up by the police. The government was left without an option after a public display of unity by separatist leaders. Peace conference in Murshidabad Murshidabad: A Peace conference was held here at Islampur on 20 Nov. by the Muslim Students Organisation of India (MSO) in the presence of more than one thousand Islamic scholars and 50000 people from around Bengal, a resolution was passed that Islam means Peace and it preaches tolerance, brotherhood and harmony but unfortunately with the help of petro-dollars and foreign ideology, some extremist elements have become a big threat for humanity as well as for the internal security of the nation. The resolution added that the Sunni Sufi Muslims demand the government to take necessary steps to stop these extremist forces before it is too late. The conference also discussed that any ideology (Hindu/Muslim/other) which preaches hate and poses threat to humanity and to the internal security of the nation must be stopped. In this conference, the memorandum passed by All India Ulema & Mashaikh Board last month in Moradabad during Muslim Mahapanchayat was unanimously passed by the ulama and the Muslims present who demanded: 1. To implement the reservation for Muslims according to Ranganath Mishra Commission; 2. To establish quality modern educational centres in minority-concentrated districts; 3. To pass the Central Madrasa Board Bill as the amendment proposed by AIUMB; 4. The Waqf encroachments must be removed and the recruitment of the Mutawally should be done as per the Waqf deeds and it must be ensured that no Wahabi should be appointed as the Chairman/CEO/Mutawalli of any Waqf Board or Waqf Property; 5.Government must frame the Dargah Act to protect and run the Dargahs as per Sunni Sufi faith. The conference was attended by Syed Babar Ashraf (National Secretary, AIUMB), Shahnawas Warsi (National Secretary, MSO), Allama Ziaul Mustafa Qadri (All India Sunni Jamiatul Ulema) Maulana Shoaib Raza (Bareily Shareef) and Mufti Ghulam Samdani Razvi (Mufti-e-Azam, Bengal).

Srinagar: To commemorate ten years of its existence, Islamic Relief & Research Trust (IRRT) organised its Annual Day function on 12 November at Dak Bunglow, Sopore. A galaxy of scholars, social activists, writers, thinkers, journalists and eminent personalities were present on this occasion. Founder of IRRT, A.R. Hanjura, couldnt join the Annual Day Function due to his sudden illness. Director of IRRT Prof Hamid Naseem Rafiabadi welcomed the participants and gave a brief description of the IRRT activities. He said that It has been a journey of learning, experience, social service, alongwith impediments and obstacles too. IRRT has been able to render social service, help to the needy, relief activities while engaging with research despite financial and manpower shortcomings. He expressed hope that IRRT in future will continue to engage in such activities and with each passing day the canvas of its activities will broaden for which people need to come forward and join hands with IRRT. Dr Rafiabadi expressed displeasure over the fact that people still arent conscious about social issues and challenges and the necessity of social work though it has been enshrined and ordained by Islam. He expressed the desire that people must come forward to encourage these efforts and correct them if they feel the need. Muhammad Ahsan Mir, SDM Sopore, spoke about the contribution of the people of Sopore towards various walks of life though during the last two decades this aspect has been neglected. He congratulated IRRT for reaching out to Sopore and requested IRRT trustees that they should specifically concentrate on Sopore in their relief efforts given the sufferings of people. Principal of Government Degree College Sopore, Irshad Ahmad Wani, in his speech expressed hope that Kashmiris yet havent lost humanity and their philanthropic nature despite the fact that a lot of black money has found its way into Kashmir which has contributed to the grave ramifications turning the Pir Vare (Valley of Saints) into a den of moral, economic and cultural vices. He lambasted the voluntary sector for lack of discipline and coordination among them, which is hampering the distribution of relief among the needy as the institutional mechanism for the same is missing. Showkat Ahmad Bullah, incharge of IRRTs Sopore Unit, made a valid point about NGOs and voluntary sector neglecting far-flung areas and concentrating only on Srinagar district, where they get publicity and fame, but at the cost of other deprived areas. Bullah stressed on the necessity of organizing more such relief distribution functions. Dr Abdul Wahid Qureshi, Vice Chancellor of the Central University, Kashmir, who was the guest of honour on this occasion, said that social problems are found in western nations too, but they have social security like old-age homes, juvenile homes,

22 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011

COMMUNITY NEWS
Seminar on Allama Shibli Nomani
Azamgarh: Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy in collaboration with Iran Culture House of New Delhi is organizing a two-day seminar here on Allama Shibli Nomani and his Legacy during 11-12 December this year. Scholars from Iran, United States of America and India have confirmed their participation. Allama Shibli Nomani was a leading scholar and historian. He served as teacher of Arabic at MAO College from 1883 to 1898. He is the founder of leading seminary Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulema at Lucknow, Shibli National P. G. College at Azamgarh and Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy. He authored several books including his masterpiece Al-Farooq and Seeratun Nabi. His other famous books are Al-Mamoon, SeeratunNomaan, Al-Ghazali, Sawaneh Maulana Room and Sherul-Ajam. Darul Musannefin Shibli Academy had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iran Culture House (the cultural wing of the Iran embassy in India) in January 2010. ICH is working for the promotion of mutual understanding and cultural co-operation among peoples in India and Iran. AMU Womens College hold College Day

Lecture on Middle East in AMU

Aligarh: Former Vice Abdul Azis said that Chancellor of the after first and second Allahabad University, world wars, western Prof. RG Harshi pointed powers had divided out that the region of the Arab world to suit Middle East has stratetheir interests. gic importance because Whatever is happenit has oil and gas ing today is the outreserves and has given come of that fictitious birth to three major relire-mapping of Arab gions of the world, Prof. R. G. Harshe addressing the Seminar, Lto R - Prof. Gulshan Dietel, world. Prof. Azis said Islam, Christianity and that this seminar Prof. Azis, Prof. hasan and Prof. Gulrez] Judaism. He said that a should deliberate on question is raised that Islam is democratic or not? Prof. Harshi the creation of Israel in the Arab world. He pointed out that first said that it is an absurd question because Islam was always Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had established democratic. He was addressing a national seminar on The Arab functional relations between India and Arab world. Prof. Azis said Spring and Peace in West Asia organized by the Centre of West that India has strong historical relations with Arab nations and Asian Studies, Aligarh Muslim University on November 22. Prof. hoped that recent developments will be productive to Arab Harshi said that rising unemployment, modern communication nations. system like Internet and facebook and ever-increasing education Dr. Gulshan Dietel of Jawaharlal Nehru University said that have contributed much in Arab uprising. He said that we have to the recent uprising is negative or positive will be known after see the effects of Arab uprising as heavy interests of America are some time but its a fact that America practices selective democinvolved in the region. racy. It supports or opposes democratic movements according to Presiding over the seminar, AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof. P. K. its own interests. system making the legislatures really representative of the diversities of the Indian society. Muslims are refugees in their own A.P. village Hyderabad: Civil Liberties Monitoring Committee (CLMC), a human rights groups based here, has strongly condemned the inhuman act of Muslim communitys boycott in an Andhra Pradesh village by the Hindus led by upper caste Reddy landlords to exhibit their hegemony. These people are preventing the Muslims to expand and construct the Masjid on Waqf land. They are socially boycotted and intimidated by local Hindutva elements. Those mischievous goons in the village have imposed sanctions on the Muslim community, that neither any person in the village can do business with them nor give or take any services from them, said a press statement issued by CLMC. The statement added that the local Muslims in Phool Mamadi village, Nawabpet Mandal, Rangareddy District, have informed the committee that this started when a local Hindu mob led by Reddy landlord started claiming the Waqf land of the local Masjid. When Muslims resisted their move they were branded as enemies and then sanctions were imposed on them. The Waqf board had already done its survey and established that the 216 yard piece of land belongs to the Waqf board, but still those notorious elements are stubborn on their stand. The boycott started on 11 November with no action from the authorities which has left Muslim villagers helpless. They are not allowed even to perform prayers in the local Masjid. CLMC observed that it is a matter of deep concern that Muslims have become refugees in their own village. The inaction of the district administration and police in this matter raises serious questions regarding the concern of police towards Muslims. It seems that law and order has become hostage in the hands of Reddy landlords and for this purpose they are using SCs and BCs. There is a fear that this confrontation could lead to communal violence in the village, CLMC said. Founder of INSAN School, Dr. Syed Hassan attacked Patna: Founder and director of Insan School, Kishanganj, Dr. Syed Hassan, was attacked by some anti-social elements in the night of 20 November when the school was celebrating its 45th foundation day at its campus in Siksha Nagar, Kishanganj. Though Dr. Hassan was was unhurt, many students who became wall between him and the attackers got injured. About 10-12 people were trying to disturb the concluding program of the foundation day ceremony of Insan School in the night of 20th November, 2011. When the programme concluded around 10 pm, these people, who were fully drunken, reached Dr. Hassans residence and tried to attack him but students of the school and some old boys of the school confronted these antisocial elements. Many students got injuries but succeeded to grab three of the attackers and locked them in a room. However, two of them succeeded in fleeing after breaking the ventilation while one was handed over to Police, said Syed Shifa Hafeez, son of Dr. Syed Hassan, over phone to tworcicles.net. He said that the attackers also tried to hurt the guest Shafiq Nayyer who came from America to attend the programme. Raza Librarys OSD Shah Abdus Salams term ends Rampur: Prof. Shah Abdus Salam, O.S.D. of Rampurs famous Raza Library has left the Library on completion of his term. Prof. Shah Abdus Salam was appointed as this Librarys OSD on 20 May 2009 for a period of two years. His term had expired on 20th May this year (2011) but he was given a six-month extension which expired on 20 November. A fax message from Raj Bhavan, Lucknow was received in the Library removing Prof. Abdus Salam from the post of OSD and ordering Rampurs District Magistrate Balkar Singh to take over charge temporarily, who did so on 20 November. Governor Joshis fax removing Prof. Salam and appointing Balkar Singh as OSD temporarily was however kept a secret. Prof. Shah Abdus Salam was on leave for the past several days. Before proceeding on leave he had directed Librarian Dr. Abu Saad Islahi in writing to look after the affairs of the Library. Probably he was sure that he would be removed from this post. It may be stated that because of his dictatorial behaviour Prof. Salam was not popular among the Library staff. It may also be recalled that a few months ago he treated an old and sincere employee very shabbily. On that day he had personally caught him by his hand and taking him to the Library gate had asked the security guard not to allow this mulla inside the Library again. This old and sincere employee was a religious minded person, who came to office in kurta, raised pyjama and topi sporting a beard he used to offer namaz punctually. Probably this was an eye sore to the nationalist OSD who was promoting Hindi in this historical library and after getting the traditional Board at the main gate reading Raza Library in Urdu and English removed and replacing it by a new board reading Raja Pustakalay in Hindi. Three names are being mentioned for the post of Director of this Library i.e. the present librarian Dr. Abu Saad Islahi, Prof. Azizuddin Hamdani and Aleem Ashraf. These names are under consideration by the Union ministry of tourism. Protests over NSUI activity in Kashmir Uni. Protests were carried out at the University of Kashmir, the highest seat of learning, over alleged distribution of recruitment forms by Congress-backed National Students Union of India (NSUI) in the campus. The protests were held on November 15 and 16 with students boycotting class work and marching inside the campus against the drive. Chanting anti-Congress and anti-university slogans, students demanded that the ban on political activities should be lifted completely or shouldnt be allowed at all. Politics had been banned in the campus in 2009. Students allege that the drive has not only disrupted classes but destroyed academic atmosphere as well. Students question, If political activities are banned in the campus, how come they allow Congress backed union body to flout a student union rule? They added that theyve met the Vice Chancellor, who assured them that no such activity will be allowed. Students have however, threatened that if these political activities escalate in the campus then there will be a demand for revival of banned Kashmir University Students Union (KUSU) which will be intensified. Trouble erupted soon after All India Congress General Secretary; Rahul Gandhi visited the campus, a month back. (Afsana Rashid) Maoists must apologise for Niyamat Ansari murder New Delhi: Academics, social activists and students have expressed concern at the failure of the CPI(Maoist) to apologise for the murder of MGNREGA activist Niyamat Ansari. They have also criticised the Jharkhand government for its failure to complete the probe into the murder and give adequate compensation to his family. In a statement issued on 12 November, 115 persons from a cross-section of society said the Maoists had offered an apology in September for putting up posters, threatening Aruna Roy, Jean Dreze, Gokul Vasant and Nandlal Singh and members of the Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, but had not apologised for the murder of Niyamat Ansari and their threat to his associate Bhukan Singh. Niyamat Ansari was killed in the Kope gram panchayat in Latehar district in March, within days after he had exposed a Rs. 2.5-lakh scam allegedly perpetrated by the BDO of Manika Block. In their fact-finding report, Mr. Vasant and Mr. Singh had hinted at the possible involvement of the Maoists, along with corrupt middlemen, illegal contractors and forest officials, the statement said. The Maoists had accused Ansari and Bhukan Singh of being police informants and cheating the local people of their forestland, it said.

Aligarh: The Womens College of the Aligarh Muslim University celebrated its College Day with traditional fervour and enthusiasm. Dr. Imrana Qadeer, an alumnus of the College, well-known social worker and retired Professor of Social Medicine and Community Health, JNU graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Prof. Qadeer stressed on holistic personality development of the students through learning and proper training and focused on the need of quality education in India. She expressed happiness on visiting the College after more than 40 years. She admired and appreciated the drastic improvements in the College and hoped that the improvements will help young girls to compete with the challenges of the modern world. Prof. Qadeer observed that there is remarkable advancement and freedom of thought in the college compared to her time. She said AMU had all the facilities and opportunities and the students should utilize them to achieve greater success. She hoped that the weaker sections of the community are able to get benefited from the existing facilities. Earlier, Prof. Bilquis N. Waris, Principal, Womens College, while presenting a comprehensive college report, highlighted the achievements of college fraternity and said that 2539 students are currently enrolled at the College, including 29 overseas students. The English play Monkeys Paw, directed by Dr. Kaneez Khwaja, Reader in English and the hilarious comedy in Urdu, Anarkali 2011, directed by Dr. Anjum Ara, Reader in Zoology were prominent among the cascade of cultural programmes presented by the students on this occasion. IOS submits suggests about Lokpal bill New Delhi: The Institute of Objective Studies (IOS) submitted a Memorandum of Suggestions on the Lokpal Bill, 2011 to the Parliament Standing Committee according to a press release on 24 November which said the Lokpal Bill 2011 represented a positive development that would help curb corruption in public life. The Memorandum of Suggestions was prepared by an IOS Committee of prominent jurists, social activists and academics. The Committee was formed following a consultation in September this year. The IOS suggestions contain the following: * Some parts of the Jan Lokpal Bill, drafted by the team led by Mr. Anna Hazare, are cumbersome and impracticable, apart from violating the established parliamentary democracy and democratic institutions. * The Lokpal Bill, 2011, appears to be effective and conforming to the basic structure of the Constitution, and other statutory and constitutional bodies and authorities. * Exclusion of judiciary and the office of Prime Minister from the jurisdiction of Lokpal is a constitutionally valid proposition. * The Lokpal Bill, 2011, must include provisions mandating composition of Lokpal benches and its staff reflective of the diversities of Indian society proportionately. An easier way for such diversity to be reflected in the Lokpal is to include (i) Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities (ii) Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities Educational Institutions (iii) Chairman of the SC Commission (iv) Chairman of the ST Commission and Chairman of the OBC Commission as ex officio members of the Lokpal. * The Lokpal Bill, 2011, must include non-governmental organisations funded by corporate bodies within its ambit. * The Lokpal alone could not curb corruption and the government must take steps to address deficiencies in functioning of democracy. Among others, one such area is reform of electoral

The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011 23

INTERNATIONAL

Jews are self-serving: Kissinger

the group's leadership, apparently leaving only Ayman alZawahiri, the successor to Osama bin Laden, and his deputy, Abu Yahya al-Libi, still at large. The optimistic assessment, made by American counter-terrorism officials to the Washington Post, was tempered with a warning that groups inspired by al-Qaeda would continue to threaten the West for years to come. Shortly after the death of bin Laden in May, US defence secretary Leon Pannetta said the defeat of al-Qaeda was within reach, but the CIA has still been surprised at how quickly the network has withered. "We have rendered the organisation that brought us 9/11 operationally ineffective," one official said, claiming that the group had none of "world-class terrorists" that filled its ranks at the beginning of the decade. A string of recent victories - including the killing of Americanborn radical cleric Anwar al-Awlaki in Yemen in September - does not mean that that US will ease its programme of drone strikes, the officials said, citing how al-Qaeda regrouped after being driven from Afghanistan in 2001. "Now is not the time to let up pressure. We've got an opportunity to keep them down, and letting up now could allow them to regenerate," one source said. (The Telegraph, London, 23 Nov. 2011)

Iran to create 100-millionstrong Muslim army

Tehran (FNA): Commander of Iran's Basij (volunteer) force Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi announced on Sunday that Tehran is studying formation of a 100-million-strong Muslim world Basij force. "We will form the 100-million-strong Basij force of the Muslim world to materialize the promise of the late Imam Khomeini about the freedom of the noble Quds," Naqdi said. He underlined that Basij will bravely and steadfastly continue its struggle and fight for the freedom of Quds from the occupation of Zionist regime and to release all mankind from the claws of the world arrogant powers. Naqdi's remarks comes against the backdrop the Muslim world's popular uprisings and revolutions which are similar to what happened in Iran in 1979 under the leadership of the late Imam Khomeini. Tunisia saw the overthrow of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in a popular revolution in January, which was soon followed by a revolution which toppled Hosni Mubarak in Egypt in February. Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Libya have since been the scene of protests against their totalitarian rulers, who have resorted to brutal crackdown on demonstrations to silence their critics. While Libya celebrated the victory of its revolution after the death of the country's dictator, Muammar Qaddafi, in October, uprisings continue in several other Muslim states. Regional analysts and officials have underlined that Iran's Islamic Revolution led by the Late Founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini, is the source of inspiration for the growing tides of Islamic awakening in the region. Earlier, Ayatollah Khamenei had also underscored the profound and vast influence of Iran's Islamic Revolution on the growing waves of Islamic awakening in the region. "Thanks to Islam and Islamic Revolution, a popular and overall Islamic awakening has happened in the region today, which will definitely yield its results as it has already yielded (some of) its results in certain points," Ayatollah Khamenei said in April. Analysts believe that Iran's inspiration on these nations means that they share Iran's goals and ideals and are, thus, willing to joint such a 100-million-strong force. (farsnews.com - 20 Nov. 2011)

Washington: American Jewish groups lobbying the Nixon White House on behalf of their Soviet brethren got under Henry Kissinger's skin in demanding intense pressure on Moscow. That's according to documents released by the State Department. Among the appeals flooding the White House was one from late Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir to President Richard Nixon in August 1972 asking him to protest to the Kremlin its practice of levying fees for exit permits. Kissinger, a Jew, was Nixon's deputy national security adviser at the time. In exasperation, Kissinger said to another White House official, Leonard Garment: "Is there a more self-serving group of people than the Jewish community?" Kissinger is Jewish. A call to Kissinger's New York office seeking comment Thursday night was not immediately returned. (AP, Nov 17, 2011)

Yet US of A is waging wars all over the globe

Only two Qaeda leaders left

All but two of al-Qaeda's top commanders have been killed or captured, leaving the once-global terrorist network on the verge of defeat, according to US intelligence officials. Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri is one of only two top commanders still at large, according to US intelligence sources CIA drone strikes and special forces raids have decimated
Yusuf/MG

The US is like a drunkard who charges to war with anyone who might pose a threat, ex- Senator and former US presidential candidate Mike Gravel says. "I like the US. But at the same time I think my country is an imperial country that is going downhill, and our leadership does not even acknowledge the problem," confesses Gravel. "Phony triumphalism has turned into a device to make Americans live in fear of a terrorist attack, yet you are a thousand times more likely to catch cancer than ever be hurt by that," he points out. All I can say about what the US is doing - it's immoral," Gravel says, explaining that "as a result of 9/11, we have altered our moral compass. And people began to get used to brutalizing each other. We Americans used to think 'oh, what happened in Germany could never happen with us!' Well, it is happening with us. And it is happening to the detriment of our global position. "In Afghanistan, in Iraq and in Vietnam at the era, all American soldiers died in vain," Gravel claims, recalling the millions of war victims in Vietnam, which is now developing along its own path, regardless. New American policies enable US military or security officials to take a decision and dispatch a drone to kill a suspect without trial - together with all civilians who happen to be close to the target, Gravel says adding, "The morality of that is removing responsibility - those who drop bombs [from remotely operated robot drones] do not see people die." "We have not matched the progress in the private sector of technology and science with the ability to govern ourselves in a proper fashion. We do not have a democracy. We have a system of representative governments worldwide, and that is not good enough for people to govern themselves in the XXI century," argues the former Senator. (RT, November 23, 2011)

'World fears US as a warhungry drunk': ex-Senator

But this liberty is not for you

Chalie Hebdo

New Delhi: India will order another two advanced Israeli Phalcon AWACS (airborne warning and control systems), or the "formidable eyes in the sky'' capable of detecting hostile aircraft, cruise missiles and other incoming aerial threat far before groundbased radars at a cost of over $800 million soon. Top defence ministry sources say the "draft contract'' for the two new AWACS "is now finally in the final stages of being examined'' before it's inked as a follow-on order to the $1.1-billion tripartite agreement among India, Israel and Russia in 2004, under which IAF inducted three Phalcon AWACS in 2009-10. The purchase comes at a time when Pakistan is fast snapping at India's heels in this complex military arena, having first inducted four Swedish Saab-2000s and on the verge of getting four Chinese ZDK-03 AWACS. India's tryst with AWACS has been beset with several problems. First, delivery of the first three AWACS , which have the Israeli 360-degree Phalcon early-warning radar and communication suite mounted on Russian IL-76 heavy-lift military aircraft, was delayed by over two years. Then, there were major teething problems in them getting fully operational, with the Phalcons even being grounded at Agra for some time. But the IAF is all gung-ho about them, claiming they are "true game-changers'' in modern air warfare, which is more about BVR (beyond visual range) combat rather than face-to-face dogfights of yore. "The Phalcons significantly boost the effectiveness of both offensive and defensive operations. Their enhanced detection and interception capability, connected to fighters and surface-to-air missile systems, are tremendous force-multipliers," said an officer. Apart from detection of incoming cruise missiles and aircraft from over 400-km away in all-weather conditions, and direction of air defence fighters during combat operations, the Phalcons while flying well within Indian airspace can also monitor troop build-ups or activity at airbases and missile silos deep inside Pakistan. Indigenous efforts to develop mini-AWACS in a Rs 1,800-crore project approved in 2004, under which AEW&C (airborne early warning and control) systems developed by DRDO are being mounted on three Embraer-145 jets obtained from Brazil for $210 million, have, however, been hit by several delays. As earlier reported by TOI, their project completion date has been pushed back to April, 2014. These indigenous airborne surveillance platforms will have a normal radar range of 250-km and a 375-km extended one, with a 240-degree coverage and fivehour endurance time. (TOI, 8 Nov. 2011)

India to buy two more Israeli AWACS

24 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011

INTERNATIONAL

International tribunal says Israel subjects Palestinians to apartheid

Cape Town (South Africa): The Russell Tribunal on Palestine (RToP) closed its session in Cape Town, South Africa on 7 November with the finding that "Israel's rule over the Palestinian people, wherever they reside, collectively amounts to a single integrated regime of apartheid" as defined under international law. The RToP was convened in South Africa for the purpose of determining whether Israel's treatment of the Palestinian people fits the international legal definitions of the crime of apartheid. The RToP-a tribunal of conscience and a people's court without legal status-said that Israel is legally obligated under international law to "cease its apartheid acts and its policies of persecution and offer appropriate assurances and guarantees of non-repetition" and to "make full reparation for the injuries caused by its internationally wrongful acts". The tribunal took place on November 5-6 in historic District Six where over 60,000 of the neighbourhood's black inhabitants were forcibly removed to outlying barren areas during the apartheid era in South Africa. The Cape Town Session is the RToP's third international session, following previous sessions in Barcelona in 2009 and London in 2010. The final session will take place in New York in 2012. The RToP inherited its name from the the Russell Tribunalalso known as the International War Crimes Tribunal-organised by Bertrand Russell in 1966 to investigate crimes committed in Vietnam. With the support of the Bertrand Russell Foundation, a large group of citizens working for peace and justice in the Middle East created the RToP in March 2009 to promote and sustain initiatives in support of the rights of the Palestinian people, with public international law as a legal frame of reference. It intends to examine the various responsibilities-of Israel, other states, and international organisations-that lead to the continued Israeli occupation of the Palestinian Territories and the non- application of UN resolutions on Palestine. The summary of findings of the Cape Town Session of the RToP follows. The Russell Tribunal on Palestine CAPE TOWN SESSION Summary of Findings 7 NOVEMBER 2011 "May this tribunal prevent the crime of silence" - Bertrand Russell, London, 13 November 1966 The Russell Tribunal on Palestine (RToP) is an international citizen-based Tribunal of conscience created in response to the demands of civil society (NGOs, charities, unions, faith-based organisations) to inform and mobilise public opinion and put pressure on decision makers. In view of the failure to implement the Advisory Opinion of 9 July 2004 of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning the construction by Israel of a wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the failure to implement resolution ES-10/15 confirming the ICJ Opinion, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 20 July 2004, and the Gaza events of December 2008 - January 2009, committees were established in different countries to promote and sustain a citizen's initiative in support of the rights of the Palestinian people. The RToP is imbued with the same spirit and espouses the same rigorous rules as those inherited from the Tribunal on Vietnam (1966-1967), which was established by the eminent scholar and philosopher Bertrand Russell, and the second Russell Tribunal on Latin America (1974-1976), organized by the Lelio Basso International Foundation for the Rights and Liberation of Peoples. The tribunal has no legal status; it operates as a court of the people. The Israeli Government was invited to present its case before the Tribunal but chose not to exercise this right and provided no answer to correspondence from the RToP. Following the hearings and the deliberations of the jury, the findings of the third session of Russell Tribunal on Palestine, held

in Cape Town on 5-6 November 2011, are summarised as follows. I. Apartheid: The Tribunal finds that Israel subjects the Palestinian people to an institutionalised regime of domination amounting to apartheid as defined under international law. This discriminatory regime manifests in varying intensity and forms against different categories of Palestinians depending on their location. The Palestinians living under colonial military rule in the Occupied Palestinian Territory are subject to a particularly aggravated form of apartheid. Palestinian citizens of Israel, while entitled to vote, are not part of the Jewish nation as defined by Israeli law and are therefore excluded from the benefits of Jewish nationality and subject to systematic discrimination across the broad spectrum of recognised human rights. Irrespective of such differences, the Tribunal concludes that Israel's rule over the Palestinian people, wherever they reside, collectively amounts to a single integrated regime of apartheid. The state of Israel is legally obliged to respect the prohibition of apartheid contained in international law. In addition to being considered a crime against humanity, the practice of apartheid is universally prohibited. The Tribunal has considered Israel's rule over the Palestinian people under its jurisdiction in the light of the legal definition of apartheid. Apartheid is prohibited by international law because of the experience of apartheid in southern Africa, which had its own unique attributes. The legal definition of apartheid, however, applies to any situation anywhere in the world where the following three core elements exist: (i) that two distinct racial groups can be identified; (ii) that 'inhuman acts' are committed against the subordinate group; and (iii) that such acts are committed systematically in the context of an institutionalised regime of domination by one group over the other. Racial Groups: The existence of 'racial groups' is fundamental to the question of apartheid. On the basis of expert evidence heard by the Tribunal, the jury concludes that international law gives a broad meaning to the term 'racial' as including elements of ethnic and national origin, and therefore that the definition of 'racial group' is a sociological rather than biological question. Perceptions (including self-perceptions and external perceptions) of Israeli Jewish identity and Palestinian identity illustrate that Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs can readily be defined as distinct racial groups for the purposes of international law. From the evidence received, it was clear to the jury that two distinct, identifiable groups exist in a very practical sense and that the legal definition of 'racial group' applies to all circumstances in which the Israeli authorities have jurisdiction over Palestinians. Inhuman Acts of Apartheid: Individual inhuman acts committed in the context of such a system are defined by international law as crimes of apartheid. The jury heard abundant evidence of practices that constitute 'inhuman acts' perpetrated against the Palestinian people by the Israeli authorities. These include: * widespread deprivation of Palestinian life through military

operations and incursions, a formal policy of 'targeted killings', and the use of lethal force against demonstrations. torture and illtreatment of Palestinians in the context of widespread deprivation of liberty through policies of arbitrary arrest and administrative detention without charge. The jury finds that such measures frequently go beyond what is reasonably justified by security concerns and amount to a form of domination over the Palestinians as a group. * systematic human rights violations that preclude Palestinian development and prevent the Palestinians as a group from participating in political, economic, social and cultural life. Palestinian refugees who remain displaced are also victims of apartheid by virtue of the ongoing denial of their right to return to their homes, as well as by laws that remove their property and citizenship rights. Policies of forced population transfer remain widespread, particularly in the occupied Palestinian territory. civil and political rights of Palestinians including rights to movement, residence, free opinion and association are severely curtailed. Palestinian socio-economic rights are also adversely affected by discriminatory Israeli policies in the spheres of education, health and housing. * Since 1948 the Israeli authorities have pursued concerted policies of colonisation and appropriation of Palestinian land. Israel has through its laws and practices divided the Israeli Jewish and Palestinian populations and allocated them different physical spaces, with varying levels and quality of infrastructure, services and access to resources. The end result is wholesale territorial fragmentation and a series of separate reserves and enclaves, with the two groups largely segregated. The Tribunal heard evidence to the effect that such a policy is formally described in Israel as hafrada, Hebrew for 'separation'. A systematic and institutionalised regime: The inhuman acts listed above do not occur in random or isolated instances. They are sufficiently widespread, integrated and complementary to be described as systematic. They are also sufficiently rooted in law, public policy and formal institutions to be described as institutionalised. In the Israeli legal system, preferential status is afforded to Jews over non-Jews through its laws on citizenship and Jewish nationality, the latter of which has created a group privileged in most spheres of public life, including residency rights, land ownership, urban planning, access to services and social, economic and cultural rights (see list of legislation and proposed legislation in the attached Annex). The Tribunal heard expert evidence detailing the relationship between the State of Israel and the quasi-state Jewish national institutions (the Jewish Agency, World Zionist Organisation, and Jewish National Fund) that embed and formalise many of the material privileges granted exclusively to Israeli Jews. Regarding the West Bank, the Tribunal highlights the institutionalised separation and discrimination revealed by the existence of two entirely separate legal systems: Palestinians are subject to military law enforced by military courts that fall far short of international fair trial standards; Israeli Jews living in illegal settlements are subject to Israeli civil law and a civil court system. The result is a vastly different procedure and sentence for the same crime, committed in the same jurisdiction, by members of a different group. An apparatus of administrative control implemented through pervasive permit systems and bureaucratic restrictions adversely affects Palestinians throughout the territories under Israeli control. In contrast to the explicit and readily available South African apartheid legislation, the Tribunal draws attention to the obscurity and inaccessibility of many laws, military orders and regulations that underpin Israel's institutionalised regime of domination. II. Persecution as a Crime against Humanity: Much of the evidence heard by the Tribunal relating to the question of apartheid is also relevant to the separate crime against humanity of persecution, which can be considered in relation to Israeli
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INTERNATIONAL
Continued from the previous page

practices under the principle of cumulative charges. Persecution involves the intentional and severe deprivation of fundamental rights of the members of an identifiable group in the context of a widespread and systematic attack against a civilian population. The Tribunal concludes that the evidence presented to it supports a finding of persecution in relation to the following acts: the siege and blockade of the Gaza Strip as a form of collective punishment of the civilian population; the targeting of civilians during large-scale military operations; the destruction of civilian homes not justified by military necessity; the adverse impact on the civilian population effected by the Wall and its associated regime in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem; the concerted campaign of forcible evacuation and demolition of unrecognised Bedouin villages in the Negev region of southern Israel. III. Legal Consequences: Apartheid and persecution are acts attributable to Israel and entail its international legal responsibility. Israel must cease its apartheid acts and its policies of persecution and offer appropriate assurances and guarantees of nonrepetition. In addition, Israel must make full reparation for the injuries caused by its internationally wrongful acts, with regard to any damage, whether material or moral. With regard to reparation, Israel must compensate the Palestinians for the damage it has caused, with compensation to cover any financially assessable damage for loss of life, property, and loss of profits insofar as this can be established. States and international organisations also have international responsibilities. They have a duty to cooperate bring Israel's apartheid acts and policies of persecution to an end, including by not rendering aid or assistance to Israel and not recognising the illegal situation arising from its acts. They must bring to an end Israel's infringements of international criminal law through the prosecution of international crimes, including the crimes of apartheid and persecution. IV. Action required and recommended: In view of the above findings, the Russell Tribunal on Palestine resolutely urges all relevant parties to act in accordance with their legal obligations. Accordingly, the Tribunal urges: The state of Israel to immediately dismantle its system of apartheid over the Palestinian people, to rescind all discriminatory laws and practices, not to pass any further discriminatory legislation, and to cease forthwith acts of persecution against Palestinians; All states to cooperate to bring to an end the illegal situation arising from Israel's practices of apartheid and persecution. In light of the obligation not to render aid or assistance, all states must consider appropriate measures to exert sufficient pressure on Israel, including the imposition of sanctions, the severing of diplomatic relations collectively through international organisations, or in the absence of consensus, individually by breaking bilateral relations with Israel.

The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to accept jurisdiction as requested by the Palestinian authorities in January 2009, and to initiate an investigation 'as expeditiously as possible' as called for by the 'Goldstone Report', into international crimes committed in Palestinian territory since 1 July 2002, including crimes of apartheid and persecution; Palestine to accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court; Global civil society (including all groups and individuals working diligently inside Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory to oppose the system of racial domination that exists therein) to replicate the spirit of solidarity that contributed to the end of apartheid in South Africa, including by making national parliaments aware of the findings of this Tribunal and supporting the campaign for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS); The UN General Assembly to reconstitute the UN Special Committee against Apartheid, and to convene a special session to consider the question of apartheid against the Palestinian people. In this connection the Committee should compile a list of individuals, organisations, banks, companies, corporations, charities, and any other private or public bodies which assist Israel's apartheid regime with a view to taking appropriate measures; The UN General Assembly to request an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice as called for by the current and former UN Special Rapporteurs for human rights to the occupied Palestinian territory, as well as by the Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa, to examine the nature of Israel's prolonged occupation and apartheid; The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to address the issue of apartheid in its forthcoming review of Israel in February 2012; The government of South Africa, as the host country for the third session of the Russell Tribunal on Palestine, to ensure that no reprisals of any sort are taken by the state of Israel against the witnesses that testified before the Tribunal. The Tribunal welcomes the decision of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to admit Palestine as a member. It deplores the punitive action taken by the United States towards the organisation, and urges all states and international organisations to actively support the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. The Tribunal welcomes the solidarity and support of those countries that have consistently and steadfastly supported Palestinian human rights, and urges them to continue with the struggle for justice.

Annex: Legislation and proposed legislation: ACTS: Law of Return (1950) Citizenship Law (1952) Citizenship and Entry to Israel Law (2007) Covenant between the Government of Israel and the Zionist Executive (1952) World Zionist Organization-Jewish Agency (Status) Law (1952) Keren Kayemeth le-Israel Law (1953) Covenant with Zionist Executive (1954, 1971) The Chief Rabbinate of Israel Law (1980) The Flag and Emblem Law (1949) The State Education Law (1953) and its 2000 amendment Absentee Property Law (1950) The Land Acquisition Law (1953) Basic Law: Israel Lands [The People's Lands] (1960) Agricultural Settlement Law (1967) Basic Law: The Knesset (1958), Amendment 9 (1985) The Israel Land Administration (ILA) Law (2009) Amendment (2010) to The Land (Acquisition for Public Purposes) Ordinance (1943) The Admissions Committees Law (2011) The Israel Lands Law (Amendment No. 3) (2011) The Economic Efficiency Law (Legislative Amendments for Implementing the Economic Plan Absorption of Discharged Soldiers Law (1994) [2008 amendment] Absorption of Discharged Soldiers Law (1994) (Amendment No. 12) (2010) Law (2011) to Amend to the Budgets Foundations Law, Amendment No. 40 (The "Nakba Law") The Regional Councils Law (Date of General Elections) (1994) Special Amendment No. 6 (2009) Duty of Disclosure for Recipients of Support from a Foreign Political Entity Law (2011) ("NGO Foreign Government Funding Law") BILLS: Bill to amend the Citizenship Law (1952) imposing loyalty oath for persons seeking naturalization in Israel and Israeli citizens seeking first ID cards Bill (2009) to amend the Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty and limit the judicial review powers of the Supreme Court to rule on matters of citizenship . Bill Granting Preference in Civil Service Appointments to Former Soldiers Bill Awarding Preferences in Services to Former Soldiers Bill to Prohibit Imposing a Boycott (2010) ("Ban on BDS Bill") The Associations (Amutot) Law (Amendment - Exceptions to the Registration and Activity of an Association) (2010) ("Universal Jurisdiction Bill") Bill to Protect the Values of the State of Israel (Amendment Legislation) (2009) ("Jewish and Democratic State Bill") The new cinema bill - would regulate and condition that any state funds would be given to film makers only after they have signed a loyalty declaration to Israel and its institutions as 'a Jewish state'. -----Links: Russell Tribunal on Palestine RToP Cape Town Session - Summary of Findings RToP Cape Town Session - Summary of Findings (PDF) RToP Cape Town Session - Full Findings (PDF) Issues by: Peace for Life Secretariat 2/F, BLVM Ecumenical Center, 879 EDSA, West Triangle Quezon City, Philippines 1104 Telefax: (+632) 9278043 E-mail: secretariat@peaceforlife.org - http://www.peaceforlife.org

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26 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011

INTERNATIONAL
KARAMATULLAH K. GHORI
Saying that Bashar al Assad, Syrias beleaguered leader, has painted himself into a very tight corner would be an under-statement. Nothing could, perhaps, put a sharper focus on Syrias Bashar al-Assads ongoing predicament than the fact that his cornered and increasingly harassed regime celebrated the 41st anniversary of the Baathist (peoples) revolution the very same day that the Arab League Foreign Ministers, meeting in Morocco, turned yet another tight screw on it and served it with a virtual ultimatum to come to senses within 72 hours or face unspecified retribution. The Leagues near-unanimous verdict, with 19 of its 22 member states voting for it (only Sudan and Lebanon voted against it, while Iraq didnt vote) gave Assad just 72 hours to accept the presence of 500 League observers on the Syrian soil, or face sanctions. Earlier, on November 12, the League had suspended Syria from its membership. November 16, 1970, was the day when Bashars father and predecessor, Hafez alAssad, had pulled off a remarkably successful military coup detat to install Syrias first-and perhaps last-revolutionary regime in power. That regime held fast under his guile and cunning but is teetering on the verge of collapse under his son and anointed successor. Hafez al-Assad was a wily man and survived a great many challenges to his rule with the cunning of a fox. His son is not a patch on the legendary father who was a born fighter. True that Bashar was a reluctant recruit when he was drafted into succeeding his father upon the accidental death of his brother and Assads favourite son, Basil. But the reluctant recruit now seems to be aggravating his own problem by hanging on to his job in the face of a massive backlash against it by his own people. It isnt just a coincidence that as Assads fortunes have been buffeting because of the peoples uprising against his rule, those of a nextdoor neighbour, in Turkey, have been rising in a steadily climbing graph. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey is, without doubt, the most popular and charismatic leader of the Turks since Kemal Ataturk, modern Turkeys founding-father. Erdogan, until not too long ago, was also a principal mentor and supporter of Bashar al-Assad. His government, that came to power in 2003 with a massive yes vote of the Turkish people, pursued a policy of patronage and encouragement toward Bashar and his regime. Erdogan provided incentives to Bashar to open up his economic policies, which he believed would be a first step in the direction of a democratic system taking hold in Syria, just as it had in other countries where market economy flourished. However, as Assads star began to wane in the face of his peoples vociferous cry for freedom, Erdogan lost little time before changing his tune in regard to Assads regime and, soon enough, became its most notable critic. He lamented, publicly, the Assad regimes aversion to seeking a dialogue with the unhappy Syrians and, instead, opting for the use of brute force and repression to put down the peoples revolt. Erdogans detractors and critics, mainly in the west, see in his volte face on the Assad regime shades of Machiavellian opportunism and accuse him of nurturing ambitions to revive the bygone Ottoman era in Turkish expansionism, especially in regard to the Arab world. They are both right and wrong. They are right about Erdogan being an ambitious man, as most politicians are. Politics is, after all, a game of ambition and those without it dont go very far in their vocation. But Erdogans ambitions are of a democrat who has risen to power on the strength of the Turkish peoples openly expressed will to be led by him. His track record defies any non-democratic ambition. He, in fact, has earned the respect of his people by clipping the wings of Turkeys egregious and Bonapartist generals, cutting them to size and putting them to their place in the barracks where they belong. As for his alleged hankering to revive the old glory of the Ottoman era in Turkish foreign policy, the west has itself to blame. Major players within EU-France, Germany et al-have blatantly been thwarting Turkeys ambition to join

Turkey and the

Arab League have symmetry on Syria
EU on one flimsy excuse after another. They have been raising the qualification bar for a Turkey which has now the second healthiest economy in Europe after Germany, while pauper states of the erstwhile Soviet bloc have been admitted with obscene haste and insufficient scrutiny. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that European reservations and excuses on Turkeys membership bid of whats, essentially, a Christian Club have religious and cultural overtones. Europes historic animosity to Islam and Muslims is being dressed into platonic catch-phrases to keep Turkey at bay in its quest to become part of EU. Turkey, in terms of its economic buoyancy and political clout, is today at a stage where it does no longer need to belong to Europe. Its robust economy must haunt Europes ailing economies like Greece, Spain and Italy. Gone are the days when Turkey used to be derided as the sick man of Europe; that sobriquet is now richly deserving of EUs sick giants. But Turkey must belong somewhere. The Arab world is the natural backyard for it to flex its new and powerful muscles and assert its status of a new regional power. If one suspects shades of Ottoman glory in this coveted role, so be it. After all, Turkey belongs to ME on the basis of its religious moorings as well as centuries of political interaction with the Arab world, as well as with ancient Persia-todays Iran. Erdogan, Turkeys new Sultan, as some naysayers wish to critique him, has eased his country into the role of a pro-active ally of the Arab masses by landing his government at the centre of Arab uprisings against tyrannical rulers. Erdogan has championed the peoples crusades against tyrants in Egypt, Tunisia and, most notably, Libya, with as much enthusiasm and gusto as hed evinced while he ushered in genuine democracy in his own country by standing up to aggrandizing generals and their political ambitions. Erdogans trenchant denunciation of Assads brutal suppression of the Syrian peoples demand for democracy is befitting his role of a champion of democratic rights. Its like charity that must first be practiced at home and then outside of it. Thats exactly Erdogans way in regard to Syria in revolt against Bashars Stalinist rule. Turkey under Erdogans spirited leadership has been steadily increasing the heat on Bashar al Assad to desist from walking the full length of the plank that, undoubtedly, could lead to his downfall and the plunging of Syria into total chaos. In the latest instance-in response to Assads continued foot-dragging on the Arab Leagues collective demand that he stop the bloodshed and start a dialogue with the oppositionErdogan has bleakly warned Assad that his days were numbered. Mincing no words, he added: Our wish is that the Assad regime, which is now on a knife edge, doesnt enter this road of no return, which leads to the edge of the abyss. Erdogans concern is focused not only on the huge loss of human lives in Syria-the toll of those killed at the hands of the regimes brutal security forces is believed to be in excess of 3500 in nearly 8 months of the conflict. He is also acting on his concern to help the Syrians find an alternative to the Baathist regime that has been in un-interrupted power for well over 4 decades. Turkey is playing host to the Syrian National Council-a motley group of politicians and factions opposed to Assad and given to democratic rule in Syria. Besides that, armed opposition to the Assad regime has found refuge on the Turkish soil, across the border with Syria. This resistance group, whose strength is still subject to conjecture, is led by one Riad Al Assad, said to be a formerly senior officer of the Syrian army. That the Arab League is in lock-step with Erdogan in holding Bashars feet to the fire is not so surprising but must add to Bashar al Assads worries about his wobbly rule and his slipping grip over power. The Arab League was as good as a poodle of Arab tyrants and potentates until it saw a chance to redeem itself in the esteem of Arab masses on the Libyan crisis. There the hereditary and non-democratic rulers of affluent Gulf States-Qatar and UAE, in particular-who have allowed precious few freedoms to their own people unabashedly donned the mantle of oppressed peoples votaries to go after Qaddafi. Of course these wealthy Arab states happened to be faithful servants of the west, in particular of US, and were given the green light to target the Qaddafi regime, which was not only tyrannical enough to deserve punishment but was led by a man who had always been a pariah to the west. Turkey was the only non-Arab Muslim state that stood four-square behind the Arab League in its manoeuvres to liberate the Libyans from Qaddafis iron clutches. Erdogans priorities in lending his support to the NATO military operations against the Qaddafi regime were exactly the same as they are today, vis--vis the Assad regime. Hed tried to reason with Qaddafi, in the initial stages of the conflict, just as hes still trying to convince Assad of the logic of his support for the oppressed Syrian people. But when Qaddafi failed to match his enthusiasm for a peaceful end to the conflict, Erdogan was left with no other choice but to throw his weight behind the NATO expedition. The Arab League, however, suffered real

embarrassment by compromising its status of an all-Arab organization by giving a free run to NATO in Libya. The success of the Libyan operation brought no kudos to the League as it was seen by many as an underling and unabashed apologist of the west. An Arab League-Turkey nexus on Syria would not only save the League the embarrassment of letting in, or inviting, NATO to meddle in the Syrian imbroglio in a reprise of Libya; it would also save NATO the embarrassment of putting its imperialist on the soil of yet another Muslim state. Turkey is quite capable, on its own, to snuff the remaining life out of the rapidly emaciating Assad regime at an affordable cost. With the Arab League standing shoulder to shoulder with Turkey, Erdogans task of helping the oppressed Syrians would have a guaranteed stamp of legitimacy and collective effort. Thats what Erdogan wants. Helping the neighbouring Syrian people in their epic struggle against a brutal regime makes all the sense in the world to Erdogan. He would simply be reenacting for the Syrian masses exactly what he did for his own people. His crusade to end the long night of the Turkish generals meddling in Turkish politics was a sterling success; he isnt wrong in believing that fellow Muslims and neighbours, in Syria, deserve the very same and mustnt be left to the caprice and brutality of the Assad regime. Theres no denying that standing up for the rights of the Syrians would establish Turkeys credentials of a defender of oppressed peoples democratic rights beyond doubt. The pro-active presence of Turkish Foreign Minister, Davutoglu, at the Moroccan conclave of the League, last November 16, strongly suggested that both the League members and Turkey were on the same page in regard to what needs to be done to the Assad regime in the days ahead. Whether Bashar al Assad is inclined to listen to pleas of sanity from his Arab brothers, as well as from Erdogan who was like an elder brother to him, until not too long ago, is another matter. But those Arab leaders who are presently portraying themselves as messiah of the oppressed Syrians should also know that the buck may not stop at Basher al Assad. Erdogan and Turkey may not flinch from rising to the side of the Qatari or Kuwaiti or any other Arab masses if they stood up, tomorrow, for their own democratic rights still being held back from them and brazenly usurped by autocratic rulers.

Pak hero of Jeddah floods awarded top Saudi medal

Jeddah: Farman Ali Khan, a Pakistani martial arts champion who drowned while saving people during the Jeddah floods of November 2009, will be posthumously awarded the King Abdul Aziz Medal of the First Order in appreciation of his heroic humanitarian act, an official statement said on 25 October 2011. "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has approved the honor for Farman Ali Khan for saving 14 people during the Jeddah floods," said the statement carried by

the Saudi Press Agency. Last March, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari conferred a gallantry medal posthumously on Khan and his wife received the award during a ceremony at the president's house in Islamabad on the occasion of the Pakistan National Day. The World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) had announced that it would sponsor the Pakistani youth's widow and three daughters.

The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011 27

BOOKS

Arab geographers reflections of history

Book: Arab Geographers Knowledge of Southern India Author: Dr. Syed Muhammad Husayn Nainar Publisher: Other Books, Calicut, Kerala Year: first published in 1942. Reprinted in 2011 Price: Rs. 450 Pages: 184 ISBN No.: 978-93-8008-10-6

Modern Gurus, Religion and Liberation Theology

Essays on the theme of phenomenon of Godmen, Religion and Liberation
We are witnessing the times when Religion is dominating the political and social phenomenon. With this there has also occurred a process of mushrooming of Godmen of different hues. These Godmen are a strong influence on the society in contemporary India. This book is a compilation of essays which cover different facets of religion through ages, the diverse roles played by religion, its role in present society and the role of Godmen. We see on one side there is a rise in the politics in the name of religion and on the other there is increase in the orthodoxy and conservatism. Contents: The book (Modern Gurus, Religion and Liberation Theology) puts together essays by different scholars-activists on the topics related to this theme. It includes essays, Gurus in India, Modern God men: Sociological Appraisal, Role of Hinduism in Modern Indian Society, Syncretism: Indian Context (All by Uday Mehta), Ungodly Men: Unholy Activities (K. N. Panikkar), Religion, Politics and Godmen (Ram Puniyani), Role of Religion in Society (A. R. Desai), Critique of Hinduism: Approaches to Hinduism(Laxman Shastri Joshi), Historical Development of Bhagwat Gita (Damodar Dharmanand Kosambi), The Ramayans (Nagin Das Sanghvi), Religion and Left (Cornell West), Religion Ideology and Liberation Theology, Sufism: Its Origin and Impact o Indian Society (Both by Asghar Ali Engineer) Editors: Uday Mehta and Ram Puniyani Publisher: Mythri Books, Near Coffee House, Annas Arcade, Statue, Thiruvantpuram, mythribooks@gmail.com Pages 258, Price Rs 190 Availability with Mythri book and Ram Puniyani (ram.puniyani@gmail.com)

AG KHAN
The fact that Arab sailors had been braving the Arabian sea for several centuries prior to Vasco-de-Gama is no longer a secret. In fact he was guided by Abdul Majid who knew the area as accurately as he knew his own backyard. That Islam reached India during the Prophets (SWA) lifetime Malik bin Dinar settled in Kerala as his emissary. The Prophets uncle Saad ibn Waqqas reached the Indian coast twice, first at Manipur and then to China during the Prophets time. This book is a study by Syed Muhammad Husayn for a doctoral thesis at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London under the guidance of the eminent British orientalist, Prof. H.A.R. Gibb. It was first published by the University of Madras in 1942 where Dr. Nainar served until his death in 1963. Among his notable contributions is the 13 volume encyclopaedic work, The History of the Nawab of Carnatic, an English translation of 10th century historical document in Arabic on the arrival of the Portugese in Kerala; a biography in Tamil on Seethakathi Vallab, a Muslim sage. He was a visiting professor in Indonesia and founded the Tamil daily Swantantira Nadu Arab Geographers is a construction of Indias past from the narratives of famous Arab travellers. In his Foreword, L.D. Barnett lands the work which surmounts obstacles of confusion and regards it a valuable contribution to the study of an important aspect of Indian iniquities and of Arabic literature. With his knowledge of three languages Arabic, English and Tamil he was highly competent in solving the riddle which the travellers had posed. I Divided into four chapters the book covers Geography, Ethnology, Kings and their Kingdoms and Products. Each chapter is preceded by a brief introduction in which the author forewarns the reader with probable confusion that the following narrative might create. He apprises that a correct appraisal would be possible only by tapping various sources and then comparing them to solve the jig saw puzzle: Sanskrit authors, Greek and Roman geographers, Chinese travellers and annals of Marco Polo and Arabic works of travel and biography. In addition, archeological research must also be done in arriving at a correct appraisal. He confines himself only to Arab sources. He recalls that with the advent of Islam came a great impetus for travel commerce and adventure that persisted till the 14 century when Muslims receded to the background. The accounts of Sulayman are the earliest, the fountainhead of all knowledge. Silsilat-al-Tawarikkh was the only manuscript Known to exist in Europe (p.19). He divides Arab travellers in five groups. Eight writers from Ibn Khurdadh beh to Masudi and Abul Faraz form the first group. They are Ibn KHudadh beh (844-848 A.D.), Yaqubi (875 or 880), Ibnul Faqih (902), Ibn Rusta 903, Abu Zayd (950), Masudi (943 and 955), Abul Faraz. The second group comprises Istakhari (50), Ibn Hawkal (975) and Maqdisi (985). In the third group is hailed Biruni (973-1048) for Indica being an unparalleled work. In the fourth group are Idrisi (1154), Yaqut (1179-1229), Qazwini (1203-1283), Dimishqi (1325) and Abul Fida (1273-1331). The fifth group has Ibn Battuta (1355) as the most celebrated authority. He points out a funny error that Hind and Sind are described as two brothers sons Tawqir Ibn Yaqtun ibn Ham ibn Nuh a typical pedigree. He also points out that Damishqi mistook Ganges as a river in South India! while describing various places identified (as well as still confused) he first records the names of the travellers who described them, geographical location and their importance. We can identify a few modern names as Baruch/Broach for Barus. Karwar (Habar), Kasar god (Harqilya), Konkan (Komkam), Quilon (Kawlam) Kanchipuram (Kanja), Madura (Mandari) to name a few. He reports that the peop;e of Mankir had a million elephants. The king owned 60,000 whereas laundrymen 40,000 (p.61). abul Fida confuses Mansura (in Multan) to be in South India (p.65) Dimisqi mentions that most of the inhabitants of Shinkh (Cragnomore) are Jews. II Chapter II, III, and IV cover Ethnology, kings and kingdoms and commodities of sale at these places. These provide interesting data about dress, ornaments, character, cleanliness, manners, foods, drinks, amusements, marriage etc. Ibn Rusta informs that in the whole of India, the man who kills a cow is punished with death (p.93) Idrisi says that the town of Nahrwarah is frequented by a large number of Muslim traders. They are honourably treated by the king and his ministers, and get protection and safety (p.94). Custom of trial by red-hot iron or scalding water is described by which a person proves his innocence (p.95) and 96). Ibn Rusta furthers informs that adultery is not lawful with all kings of Hind. They put to death both the adulterers (p.97). There is, of course, mention of devdasis (women of the idol) who sell themselves for

Arab Geographers is a construction of Indias past from the narratives of famous Arab travellers. In his Foreword, L.D. Barnett lands the work which surmounts obstacles of confusion and regards it a valuable contribution to the study of an important aspect of Indian iniquities and of Arabic literature. With his knowledge of three languages Arabic, English and Tamil he was highly competent in solving the riddle which the travelers had posed.
a fixed sum. Among the products are enlisted various kinds of aloe, anbar, bamboo (qanna), banana, camphor, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, cocoanuts, crystal, fabrics, honey, mango, sulphur, copper, and pepper III This is a delightful account of interaction between the Arabs and Indians. On the one hand it provides useful information of Indias ancient history; while at the same, it shows the adventurous spirit of Arab travellers. It is an academic extravaganza for those who love knowledge for its own sake.

JUST PUBLISHED

Sitaaron se Aagey
By Naseema Hurzuk
The incredible story of Naseema who, at age 16, became wheelchair-bound and spent days crying and thinking of suicide, but Alhamdulillah, today she runs one of the countrys largest organisations for the physically challenged and has helped thousands of handicapped stand on their feet.
Pages: 272 / Price: Rs 150 Language: Urdu Binding: PB ISBN: 817221054X Publishers: Pharos Media & Publishing Pvt Ltd Ordering details on page 28

28 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011

Books from Pharos Media, publishers of MG

ENGLISH
M.A. Roshash Islamic Company Law (Rule of companies in Islamic fiqh - a comparative fiqhi study 302 pp. Rs 600/d20 Shamsul Islam, Golwalkars We or our nationhood defined: A critique with the full text of the book, 200pp, Rs 150/d 15 Islamic economics, banking and finance (Special issue of MAP), 200pp., Rs 175/d 15 Irfan, Punchline (cartoons), 112 pp., Rs 50/d4 Zafarul-Islam Khan (ed.), Palestine Documents 1897-1998 894 pp. (HB), (Out of print) Ram Puniyani, Terrorism: Facts Vs Myths 96 pp (Out of print) Kamaluddin Ahmed Assams Doubtful Citizens : Fact or Fiction? 62 pp, Rs 60/d 5 Zafarul-Islam Khan, At the threshold of a new millennium 32 pp., Rs 20 IK Shukla Hindutva: Treason & Terrorism 184 pp., Rs 130/d10 Zafarul-Islam Khan, Hijrah in Islam 398 pp (Out of print) Subhash Gatade Godses Children: Hindutva Terror in India 400 pp Rs 360/d 15

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Mustafa Kamal Sherwani Secular Horror: 15 years ordeal with Indian secularism 96 pp., Rs 80/d10

Mustafa A.R.A. Roshash, Ahkam al-sharikat fil-fiqh alIslami - dirasah fiqhiyah muqaranah 312 pp., Rs 600/d20

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Farooque Ahmed Manipuri Muslims: Historical Perspectives 615-2000 CE 192 pp, Rs 200/d 15

Nur Ali Qabobe Somalia: From Nation-State To Tribal Mutiny 152 pp. (HB) , Rs 300/d20

Ahmad Muhammad Kani, Maghribi Afriqa ki tahrik-e jihad (Sokoto Caliphate), 106 pp., (Out of print)

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The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011 29

ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

Five suggestions for the Islamic World - i

ASGHAR ALI ENGINEER
csss@mtnl.net.in

here is no doubt or debate that Islamic world is lagging far behind others in several important fields including education, science and technology and except a few oil rich Arab nations, it is facing poverty and illiteracy. Also, it lacks sense of unity as some Muslim countries are closer to the West while some are hostile to them. There are grave ideological differences too. Also, Muslims have poor record about human rights situation and especially towards status of women. Here we propose five suggestions which can be debated and discussed by Muslims. A few can be added or deleted so that Muslims could achieve high status among the nations of the world in all the fields. Muslims have a tendency to invoke past glory what they had achieved during the Abbasid period in the fields of philosophy, science and technology. It is quite natural that when we have nothing to show in present, we, in order to hold our head high, invoke past glories. However, it does not help. Before we discuss these suggestions, I would also like to stress here that we are too pre-occupied with theological issues and rush to ulama for fatwas even in fields where they have no skills to guide. Unfortunately the ulama that are trained only in purely theological issues, theology which was evolved during medieval ages, dominate the Islamic world. That is why so many fatwas are issued and even the Saudi King had to issue an order restraining ulama from issuing fatwas which become subject of controversies and media focus. Too many fatwas of mutually contradictory nature are issued which hardly help resolve modern complicated issues. Islam does not encourage priesthood and certainly not institutionalized priesthood. Despite this it is thriving in the Islamic world. The first suggestion: Our first suggestions thus in this respect is that the Islamic world commit itself to spread and consolidation of education. The Muslim nations must compulsorily spend at least 2 to 3 percent of its gross national product on education. The very first aim should be universal literacy. Investment in primary education later on pays very rich dividends. Higher education is not possible without primary education. Also, here should be especial emphasis on female education as generally literacy among women is far less that among men. Also, Muslim nations are far behind in the field of science and technology. At one time west used to learn from Muslims. Today it is Muslim world which is totally dependent on the western world. This needs to be reversed. It would be no exaggeration to say that Muslim world is the most backward as far as progress in science and technology is concerned. Today every nation tries to build centres of excellence. No Muslim country can boast of such centres of excellence in academia and especially in the field of science and technology. Today oil-rich Arab countries spend billions of dollars buying weapons from America and other western countries but shy away from spending on education of their own people. The western countries exploit these oil rich nations in two ways; they make super profit by selling these weapons to them and also use these weapons ultimately for their own security in the middle east by establishing military bases. One does not understand why do these Arab nations need such sophisticated

We must make our theology dynamic and responsive to modern challenges. Today Muslim theologians must come forward and lead the world in this respect by developing new theologies like theology of peace, theology of environment, liberation theology, third world theology and so on for which Quran provides immense guidance... When one reads Quran and reflects on its verses in the light of these challenges one is wonderstruck and begins to think Quran is indeed a divine miracle. Unfortunately Muslim theologians are so caught in the past that they are unable to realize the importance of Quran.
weapons? Who are they securing themselves against? Do they expect fellow Arab nations to attack them? If not, why do they need such weapons on which they spend such massive amounts? Buying such weapons is not only criminal waste of precious resources but also amounts to helping western countries and their arms industries which in turn gets stronger and ultimately helps west to tighten its noose around the Arab world and help Israeli Zionists. One has to break this vicious circle by refusing to buy these weapons and develop weaponry indigenously what is absolutely essential for minimum defence. Also, this money should be spent, instead on fighting illiteracy and on higher education. Let us remember no Muslim country has won Nobel prize in sciences whereas when Muslim scientists like Abdus Salam, when go and work in US they get the Nobel. There is no research worth the name in science and technology and no facilities for talented scientists in these countries. Let it be resolved by these countries that in the coming quarter of a century at least one of their citizens would be at least nominated for Nobel in the field of science. Also, that at least one of the countries in the west Asia would develop centre of excellence in learning and attract people from all over the world for studies. If Dubai can become huge international market, why cant one of the countries in that region also become excellent centres of learning and attract students, researchers and teachers from all over the world? Unfortunately, for Muslims ilm in Quran has come to mean only theological and other worldly and not ilm about this worldly matters. In Quran here is invitation for believers to think about Allahs wonderful creation, about nature, about earth and whole universe and it also emphasizes inductive, as against deductive methodology. Deductive methodology hardly adds to our knowledge whereas inductive one which was used by Francis Beacon in the west developed a lot of new knowledge of nature. In 21st century the Islamic world should consider it its duty and commitment to Quran to develop centres of excellence in knowledge and come out of its obsession with theological controversies. Its commitment to Quran has to be much deeper and wider than theology, tafsir and hadith. Religious freedom and tolerance: Quran is perhaps the first revealed scripture which made freedom of conscience as divine

attribute. Allah, as the story of Adam is narrated in Quran mentions, gave freedom even to Satan to mislead human beings and gave freedom to Adam and his progeny to choose between what is right and what is wrong and only warned both of the consequences either way. It is only for Allah to punish or reward not for any human being. However, today we find Muslims most intolerant in matters of religion. Fatwa culture in Islamic world has become a curse for Muslims. On petty matters of theology or jurisprudence fatwas of kufr are issued and even injunctions are issued to renew ones Islam and even renew ones nikah. There are acute prejudices against the other both within religious sects and against nonMuslims. This is all, as pointed out above, because of tremendous influence even disproportionate influence wielded by traditional theologians on Muslim masses. Traditional ulamas influence must be contained and restricted to strictly theological matters. Religious tolerance should be accepted as an Islamic duty and as mentioned in Quran in Adams story and repeated in several places, punishment or reward in doctrinal matters should be left to Allah. No alim should be allowed to pronounce who is kafir and who is on the right and who is on the wrong path. Also, mutual sectarian differences are so deep and wide that every other sect for these ulama is on wrong path and would be assigned to hell. And in countries like Pakistan where terror culture is widespread every kafir should be killed. Shias are being massacred and Ahmadias and Wahabis kill Barelvis. Where will it lead us to? What is needed is a new breed of ulama who can rise above such narrow sectarian approach and who have themselves deeply reflected on Quran in the light of modern developments in different fields. They should transcend and go beyond medieval theology. The scope of theology should not be limited to matters of otherworldly beliefs as life in this world in Islam is equally important. We must realize that the theology developed by the great theologians of medieval ages was in response to their needs and situation. We should also understand that theology is a human endeavour as if in partnership with divine and human needs and endeavours can never be eternal. The greatest problem of Islamic world today is that we are treating past theology as eternal as Quran itself. As long as we do this we will never change and this is one of the challenges before us. We should not remain stagnant. We must make our theology dynamic and responsive to modern challenges. Today Muslim theologians must come forward and lead the world in this respect by developing new theologies like theology of peace, theology of environment, liberation theology, third world theology and so on for which Quran provides immense guidance. This writer has tried to develop theology of liberation and theology of peace. When one reads Quran and reflects on its verses in the light of these challenges one is wonderstruck and begins to think Quran is indeed a divine miracle. Unfortunately Muslim theologians are so caught in the past that they are unable to realize the importance of Quran. For this what is needed is religious freedom and tolerance. Religious freedom is very fundamental to the Quran and no genuine faith (imaan) is possible without genuine freedom of conscience.

To be continued in the next issue

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REJOINDERS/OPINION/LETTERS
In response to the appeal made for subscribing to The Milli Gazette there is no considerable spurt in registering subscriptions during the recent past. Maulana Hali, the famour Urdu philosopher-poet, remarks in his Musaddas that when Buqraat (a reputed Greek philosopher) was asked which is most dangerous disease, he replied that God has provided remedies to all diseases except one and that disease is inaction. We desire and need at least one national community newspaper. But mere wishful thinking will not produce a periodical. No organisation will keep publishing a newspaper for more than a decade running into tens of thousands of rupees losses every month. And why to convert bedroom comfort into a battle ground; struggle, perspire and sweat continuously; run into losses of lakhs of rupees year after year, while our community doesnt read and/or subscribe. It has become our tradition that we weep and cry that Muslims have no stake in media and when a serious and honest effort is made, no one whatsoever comes forward to support it except to ask for free copies and free subscriptions says the Editor and continues, not even those who had been consistently pressurising me (the editor) personally, long before the Milli Gazette was launched, that I should take the initiative due to my previous experience and aptitude. The editor laments: The simple fact is that our community is NOT buying the Milli Gazette and not advertising in it too. Even AMU, whose activities and issues get a lot of coverage in The Milli Gazette, does not think it necessary to advertise in it. Our numerous letters over the years to AMU VCs in this respect gone unanswered...The Milli Gazette tries honestly to put across the Indian Muslims community news and views to the general public in the country, especially to the government and other important segments in the society in a language they read and understand, but it is the Muslim community which should come forward to support it by buying it and advertising in it; others will not do it...I would like to take this opportunity to warn you and others who care about our voice in the media that they should not be surprised if the Milli Gazette folds up as the losses keep piling up and we do not see how we can survive for long in this way. (MG, 1-15 September 2011). Ironically, the condition of todays Indian Muslim brings to my mind the historical image of the last Byzantine Emperor, surrounded by the Patriarchs of the Holy Orthodox Church in the besieged City of Constantinople in 1492, waiting for the angels to come down from heavens, swords in hand to save the city! In the event, no angel made an appearance and the city fell to the Turks. What happened subsequently is known to us. It is still not too late. The community will not live if individuals die. We all are educated, responsible and well-informed Muslims. Let us rise to the need of the hour. Let us contribute to our might to keep The Milli Gazette alive and vibrant. Lets keep in our mind that Allah does not change the condition of that people who do not strive for a change. M Naushad Ansari, Bangalore ruby.naushad@gmail.com II May the Most Merciful Allah make Muslims of the world realise their duty towards MG. Old reader (SA Patel, Khanpur Deh, Gujarat) III Khuda us qaum kee halat nahee badlata, jab thak qoaum khud apni halat sudharnay kee koshish nahee kartee. If each Indian Muslim contributes just one rupee to MG, then the bank balance which is today almost nil will be a few crores. Is the Muslim community listening? Na samjhogay toh mit jaaogay aye Hindustan kay Musalmano - Thumhari daastaan tak bhee na hogi daastanon mein. S. M. Pasha, Convener, Forum of Muslim Journalists, Chennai syedmuhammadpasha@yahoo.com IV MG is very informative and upto-date. May Allah give you best reward in the Hereafter. Abid Husain aubid71@yahoo.com Sufi Panchayat Maulana Kachochvis Sufi Panchayat which derided Wahhabism recently, has become a potent weapon in the hands of a few writers, who had been waiting for a Muslim forum to call the first shot. Three articles have been published in quick succession by The Hindu (although known for its secular credentials). The latest piece "A threat to multilayered secular cultures (October 31) by Madanjeet Singh has gone a step further to criticize the Holy book of Muslims. He writes that some Pakistani Jihadi gangsters are invoking over a 100 suras (verses) in the Quran that call on Muslims to kill or maim infidels. Borrowing heavily on Maulana Kachochvis thoughtless remark that the Saudi petro-dollars are pouring in Indian madrasas, Mr.Singh goes more deeper, to claim that the Kashmir violence, the brutal attack on T.J.Joseph, a lecturer in Kerala and the 2002 bomb blasts in Bali, Indonesia are the handiworks of Wahhabi ideology propagated by the Saudi government. Maulana Kachochvi had also scoffed at Darul uloom Deoband, Jamate Islami Hind and Jamat-e-Ulema e Hind in his harangue at the sufi panchayat. Sosome more articles disdaining these organizations may be hitting the headlines in our national dailies. Syed Sultan Mohiddin, Kadapa (A.P) sultan_awaz@yahoo.co.in Blind arrogance A Persian couplet proclaims that all leaves of trees exhibit Omnipotence and Omniscience of Allah. Nothing but ego prevents man from realising that the One Who fills a coconut on a tall tree with underground water and WHO, every year, enlivens dead earth can also enliven dead people to account for arrogant misdeeds. Wide-eyed old man, Khanpur Deh, Gujarat Retain capital punishment Amid the raging debate over death sentence to Rajiv Gandhis killers peoples on justification of civil Liberties (PUCL) president N.D. Pancholi said, In the wake of the ongoing controversy on justification of death penalty it is high time that parliament take appropriate steps to abolish such provision from our statute books. Eminent criminologists and sociologists are of the opinion that harsh punishments strike terror in the minds of the criminals. They admit that many murderers sentenced to death were habitual criminals who had earlier committed murders. There is a direct relation

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of harsh punishments to crime rate. Statistics bear testimony to the fact that in the economically advanced American society where punishments are light, crime rate is highest, while in Saudi Arabia, where harsh Islamic Laws are in force, crime rate is lowest. How is that the western civilization permits the slaughter of millions of innocent people in Europe, Asia and Africa but forbids capital punishment of a single murderer. Former justice of India Mr. R.C. Lahoti had rightly supported the retention of death penalty. G. Hasnain Kaif Chairman, Media Watch Maharashtra, Bhandara Katju on Indian Muslims Mr. Justice Markandey Katju, Chairman of Press Council of India has stated in a report published in a section of press that Muslims are safer in India than in Pakistan. Let me put to the kind notice of learned (!) Justice that Muslims of India have nothing to do with the Muslims of Pakistan in particular or with any other country in general. Therefore, comparision of Indian Muslims with those of Muslims of Pakistan is absurd and unwarranted. It would have been better, had learned(!) Justice asked the Muslims of Gujarat about their sorrows, humiliations, persecution, exploitation before making an irresponsible and unsubstantiated statement directed at other countries. He should have made an in-depth and thorough analysis and should have compared the socio-economic conditions of Muslims of various states within the boundary of India. Learned(!) Mr. Justice Katju should have carefully studied the reports of Justice Rangnath Mishra Commission ,Justice Sachar Commission and various other commissions appointed by the Government after breaking out of communal riots to find out its causes and to fix the responsibility on culprits. Learned (!) Mr. Justice Katju should have read the report about massacre of Gulbarg Society (Ahmedbad ) and Naroda Patiya (Ahmedabad), to name a few, before jumping to conclusions. It seems that learned (!) Mr. Justice Katju has ignored the facts and passed his judgement with only one eye ,and closed the other. Learned(!) Mr. Justice Katju deserves condemnation from all sections of society to preserve secular fabric of our nation. Farooq Abdul Gaffar Bawani , Rajkot Gujarat mohammed.galeriya@yahoo.co.in Kudos to SIT The SIT deserves praise for its painstaking investigation to establish the 2004 Gujarat encounter of Ishrat Jahan and three others as fake. It is terrible however, that the families of Ishrat Jahan and Javed Sheik had to wage a seven-year legal battle to remove the blot of terrorist tagged to their dear ones. The fact that four high profile IPS officers had hatched the LeT plot to kill Narendra Modi is a cursor to a larger conspiracy. Justice to the families of the unfortunate victims will be done, only if the law and order machinery could lay its hands on the real architects of this heinous crime. Syed Sultan Mohiddin, Kadapa S.SultanMohiddin@licindia.com Islam teaches humility Islam believes in humbleness. Soft words affect more than harsh words. Many times we see that Muslims fight and throw harsh words on others. It is a sinful deed. I request my brothers and sisters to be saturated with love. Please do not use vicious words against any one, for, words wound more fatally than even arrows. Soft and sweet words sooth. To damage the faith of any one in virtue and divinity is cruel. Cruelty thrown at others come back as a boomerang. Vicious words give deep scars. A slip of foot breaks bones and heals after some time. A slip of tongue breaks heart. It cannot heal. Vicious words make it difficult in spreading the message of Islam. Tolerance is at the base of Islam. So let us speak sweetly with love and affection and come out winners. Nazneen O. Saherwala (Surat, Gujarat). nazsita@yahoo.co.in Welcome Anna Hazare Sometimes ago, Mr. M.K. Sherwani had welcomed Anna Hazares campaign or crusade against all pervasive corruption in the country in Milli Gazette. Ignoring the fact that Anna Hazare has launched this movement at the instance of RSS, he has gone to the extent of saying that if the RSS and BJP ask Muslims to follow Islam would Muslims abandon Islam? The answer is that Muslims will never follow in the trap of RSS and BJP because they are the sworn enemies of Islam. Hazares movement aims at subverting the Indian Secular Parliamentary Democracy System of Govt. as is evident from the following instances. One of the prominent leaders of this movement challenged the supremacy of Parliament by saying that Hazare is above Parliament, while the other prominent leader attacked the stability and integrity of the country by denying that Kashmir is integral part of India and that there should be plebiscite in Kashmir as demanded by the separatist in Kashimr. Hazare has not uttered a single world against the genocide of Muslims in Gujarat and on the other hand has praised Narendra Modi who was responsible for this inhuman action. Similarly, Anna Hazare has not uttered a single world against the cold blooded murder of his Muslim devotee of Bhopal Shehla Masood. This established Hazares anti Muslim attitude. Not only Muslims but all Indians wedded to secular democracy will never support Anna Hazares movement. Dr. M. Hashim Kidwai, ex-MP Mayur Vihar, Delhi 110091 Girls unwanted! The recent media reports of Satara district of Maharashtra, about girls being named Nakushi meaning unwanted because they are treated so, are heart-wrenching. The discrimination against girls is not new to human society. But it is unfortunate that even in modern day times which talk about womens liberation and empowerment, they are still unwanted. Not only this, they bear the brunt of parental bias, lack of nurturing and nutrition, unfair resource allocation and cultural hostility as rightly pointed by English daily. This reminds me of the grim reality prevailed in the Arab society before the advent of Prophet Muhammad and described in the Quran in chapter 16, verse 58, 59 When news is brought to one of them, of a female child, his face darkens and he is filled with inward grief. With shame he hides himself from his people Shall he retain it on contempt, or bury it in the dust? Ah! What an evil they decide on? Fourteen hundred years on, her fate remains unchanged. Then she was buried at birth, now she is killed in womb, buried alive,

burnt for dowry or simply not given a name. Be it in Satara, Mewat, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab or elsewhere, she still lives in the Dark Age. How unfortunate and unwelcome she is! Manzar Imam, New Delhi manzarkhalil@gmail.com Judiciary The outspoken remark of the Press Council Chairman Justice Markandey Katju for calling the Supreme Court order of upholding the Rs.100 crore damages award against Times Now channel as incorrect is significant. This cavalier Supreme Court order has ignited a pertinent question in my mind. Should there not be a penalty for the judgeswho have sentenced innocent people umpteen times so far? But for Aseemanands confession, the seven innocent people who walked free today might have languished in jails for the rest of their lives. At least, Times Now channel has apologized for its mistake of showing the photograph of Justice P.B.Sawant instead of Justice P.K. Samanta in connection with the Ghaziabad Provident Fund scam. Not a word of regret was ever uttered, by either the police or the judiciary, whenever it was found that innocent persons were wrongly incarcerated in jails. Syed Sultan Mohiddin, Kadapa (A.P) sultan_awaz@yahoo.co.in Minority Commission in Rajasthan NCM chairman Wajahat Habibullah recommended establishing minority commission in Rajasthan after riot in Bharatpur. But minorities has bitter experience of minority commission of state because government nominate the chairman and members. Being govt. nominated persons commissions show loyalty to ruling parties. To make effective minority commissions the chairman and member would be nominated by oppositions like PAC chairman nominated from opposition parties. S. Haque, Patna Frisking of Kalam by US officials It is very uncomfortable to know that President Kalam was again subjected to unprecedented and unacceptable practices of frisking for explosives at JFK airport. Americans hardly think twice in humiliating even the tallest leader of a third world country. On the contrary, Indians traditionally believing in atithi devo bhava, welcome them with open arms and place them in their hearts, providing best hospitality as well. However, repeated humiliation makes us rethink over our yore age belief of aththi devo bhava, at least to the American. Shafaque Alam, JMI, New Delhi-25 shafaquealam@gmail.com AMU centres and its importance In recent time, centres of AMU have become a politically and emotionally charged subject. Opinions abound, but behind this great debate few glaring questions have remained un-answered. Let us understand this question by an example from a Centre already running in Mallapuram which consists of a law and management departments. Now 95 % of the teachers in this centre have in all probability never been or seen AMU in person and same goes for the 99% of students. So can I safely say that these teachers and students are oblivious of the culture of AMU? And since none of the teacher has been to Aligarh do I have the liberty to say that he is not passing any education which is influenced by any faculty member from AMU. So now let me ask a question, why AMU centre? What is AMU about it? If AMU Mallapuram law and management centre is neither passing culture nor any education influenced by AMU then in what sense it is an AMU centre? In that case can I say that for the sake of greater good of community, we are voluntarily giving AMU name to a law and management centre opened in Mallapuram? So what specific purpose an AMU centre is serving in such a scenario and to whom? It is a question which cannot be rugged under the carpet anymore. Sameer Qaiyum, Mumbai sameerqaiyum@gmail.com Communal bias The communal bias by the law-enforcing agencies has touched a new low, when three Muslim schoolchildren were found to be languishing in a jail for four months on the charges of rioting in Moradabad. One is at a loss to understand, as to how the judiciary which sent the boys to jail had overlooked the statutory norm, to send them instead, to a juvenile detention centre. With NHRCs intervention now, these boys may be released soon but how can anyone recompense their bruised psyche? The least the state government should do is to see that their academic studies are not hampered and their families are not stigmatized. Syed Sultan Mohiddin, Kadapa (A.P) sultan_awaz@yahoo.co.in Position of PMO Arvind Kejriwals letter to the Prime minister is the most insulting thing to have been done to Indias head of state. Of course the PMO will accord the respect which it deserves. He claims that the amount of 9.25 lakhs which he is refunding is loaned to him by some of his old friends. He manifests his inflated ego when he suggests that these friends may be targeted by the government of India for the act of helping him. He has asked the PM to see that the friends are not troubled, as if the PM of India is the don of some mafia. Dr Mookhi Amir Ali, Santacruz West, Mumbai-54 drmookhi@hotmail.com Media and Baby Bacchan The much-awaited good news of baby Bacchan brought smile not only to the Bacchan family but millions of fans and followers. Amid tight security media managed to steal glimpses of the family members and others on the auspicious day and disseminated it globally. Media has kept an eye and been covering the couple (AbhishekAshwariya) pre, during and post the child birth. Big B is also known for its media mania. Media, especially Television prime objective was to educate, inform and entertain the people. The visionaries who had played a major role in bringing the broadcasting in India would only laugh at its current functioning for providing time and space to such development which has nothing to do with its larger audience and the country. Shafaque Alam, New Delhi) shafaquealam@gmail.com

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32 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 December 2011

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