NAGAON, Feb 11: The AUDF, in a meet, refuted the Congress’ charge that AUDF is communal. AUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal said this was alleged by the Congress as the AUDF refused to merge with them in an interaction meet at the Nagaon District Xahitya Xabha Bhavan gathered by a large number of politically conscious citizens of Nagaon.
Ajmal said that his party never supported any HuJI or Muslim extremists and are against terrorists whether they belong to Muslim or Hindu community.
Ajmal in the meet further said, in the name of peace process the present government has been indulging in secret killings of innocent people through Army and Police personnel. Badruddin asked the government to stop such killings and give security to the people and protect life.
Ajmal further said that as they have launched campaigns against the Congress and about their anti-people activities, the Congress has started allegations against the AUDF.
He also said that his party will neither merge nor do any alliance with the Congress before the ensuing Parliamentary election and they are confident that they will win at least four to five seats from the Congress in the ensuing Lok sabha election. Therefore, in the next Assembly election, the congress will face defeat in five to six seats against the AUDF candidates, he added.
The AUDF chief Ajmal alleged that, the present Tarun Gogoi led Congress Government has totally failed in all fronts and have lost faith of the people of Asom. He also alleged that the present government have very calculatingly deprived the non-congress people including the poorest section in providing government grants of different development schemes meant for the common people and even from the rightful benefits like education, health, drinking water, electricity and other amenities and facilities.
Ajmal also claimed that the present congress has completely failed in Industrial sectors and have shut down the shutters of the industries one after another for the negligence and rampant corruption and misuse of funds resulting in the alarming increase of unemployment problem in the state.
In the meet, the AUDF chief also said that, no political party should do any politics on the Bangladeshi immigration issue to achieve power and appealed the people to vote after judging the parties of their mottos properly.
He also appealed to the AASU leaders to come up with a solution to the Bangladeshi immigration issue as and said that even they want complete deportation of Bangladeshis from Asom.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Indian Muslim media of 2008
A review of English publications
By Kashif-ul-Huda, TwoCircles.net
This is the third year of our review of periodicals published by Muslim in India. The idea is to have a yardstick that can be used to measure the quality of publications by readers and also people associated with these magazines.
The year saw Muslims in India on the edge because of bomb blasts, encounters, and arrests and harassment of the community in the name of combating terrorism. Muslim media bravely challenged the perceptions and reports circulating in the “mainstream” media and raised questions on the claims by the government agencies.
In the publication scene, 2008 saw launch of two new magazines – Covert, a political fortnightly by M J Akbar and monthly Islamic magazine Islam, Muslims, and the World by Dr. Javed Jamil. Akbar launched his magazine in May after being removed from the Asian Age newspaper.
The Nation and the World, which had a disappointing run all these years, not surprisingly, started publishing a notice that second issue of December will be its last issue. But interestingly enough, it survived and first few issues under the new resolve show improvement at least in terms of paper quality and look of the magazines.
***
Now let’s review individual publications. Publications are given a full, half or no moon awards in five categories. So according to our criteria maximum a publication can get is five moons.
The First moon is for the publication quality, cover, design and paper, just the overall look and feel of the magazine. The Second moon is for magazines which mostly use original articles in their publications and do not copy and paste from articles floating around online. The Third moon is for the overall quality of the articles, how well the writer engages the reader, addresses the issue, and what kinds of issues are covered.
Advertising continues to be the major source of revenue for any publication, even if it has good subscription figures. For a publication to stand on its own feet it is important that it doesn't depend on the charity from some wealthy individuals but funds its expenses from the advertising revenue. It is possible that some of the magazines are financially viable through subscription dues but in the absence of any way for me to check that, I will award a fourth moon on how much advertisements they have.
Finally the fifth and most important moon is for community news. If a magazine claims to be for Indian Muslims it should have room for the community news that does not find a mention in the major media.
Magazines are listed in alphabetical order below:
Covert: = 4.0
Published: Fortnightly
Subscription: Rs. 1000 for 3 years
http://www.covert.co.in/
Covert positions itself as a mainstream publication and not focused on Indian Muslim issues. Therefore, their coverage of Indian Muslims is weak but they do write on important issues affecting the community as well as the nation.
Editor MJ Akbar has been able to gather a number of well known personalities, writers, and journalists that adds value to his magazine.
Eastern Crescent: = 4.0
Published: Monthly
Annual Subscription: Rs. 150/ USD 30
http://www.markazulmaarif.org/ec_index.asp
EC is a young publication led by Editor Maulana Burhanuddin Qasmi. Some of the writers are graduates of his English academy that is run for madrasa graduates. Topics covered are current affairs and issues relevant to Muslims. Thankfully they do not do familiar anti-US and anti-Israel articles and keep the focus on Indian issues or general Islamic topics.
Islam, Muslims, and the World
Published: Monthly
Subscription: Rs. 250/ USD 60
info@theislamworld.com
Since it just came out in December, this magazine will be reviewed for this year.
Islamic Voice: = 3.5
Published: Monthly
Annual Subscription: Rs. 170/ USD 15
http://www.islamicvoice.com/
2008 saw change of guards at IV, Maqbool Ahmad Siraj quit as the editor of this magazine and Associate Editor Nigar Ataullah was promoted to the position of the executive editor.
The most annoying part of IV is two or three pages wasted on people’s reaction to “Discover Yourself” workshop conducted by IV owner Sadathullah Khan. It would have been better if Mr. Khan wrote some articles to help people who can not attend his workshop instead of shamelessly promoting it in every issue of the magazine.
Past few months saw a drop in original articles carried by IV and therefore we are taking away their half moon. Still, IV is a complete magazine for the Muslim family with a special section for children as well.
The Milli Gazette: = 3.0
Published: Fortnightly
Annual Subscription: Rs. 240/ Euro 35
http://www.milligazette.com/
The Milli Gazette launched its much anticipated epaper version which will help it to regain its original position of much referenced Indian Muslim site.
Quality of articles and scope of news coverage have improved at MG from previous years. Cartoons by Yusuf and ‘Speaking Out’ column by Nilofar Suhrawardy continue to be a major plus point for MG.
“Community News” section is now 4 pages and provides a snapshot of community events but it has a North Indian bias when it comes to the selection of the news. “Newsmakers” section documents the achievements of the community. Letters published in the MG provides good idea of circulation and impact of MG in the community.
Unfortunately, in our scale they score only 3.0 but MG is playing a crucial role in the community and they should be recognized for that.
Muslim India: = 1.5
Published: Monthly
Subscription: Rs. 200/USD 12/Pound 12
http://muslimindiamonthly.com/
After restarting in 2007 it seems that “Muslim India” has ceased publications once again.
Nation and the World: = 1.5
Published: Fortnightly
Subscription: Rs. 325/ USD 75
nation_world@rediffmail.com
Not much to say about this magazine, with Seema Mustafa joining the magazine as one of the three editorial consultants, we hope this year will be a better year for NATW. Saiyid Hamid should also think about putting a succession plan in order so that a younger generation can take over the leadership of this magazine.
Radiance Viewsweekly: = 3.5
Published: Weekly
Subscription: Rs. 400/ USD 85
http://www.radianceweekly.com/
There was nothing new to report for 2008 for Radiance. Veteran journalist Soroor Ahmed writes two pieces for each issue of Radiance and they are always a treat to read. Other articles are also worth reading and cover various issues but somehow it seems that Radiance lost their focus in 2008.
Young Muslim Digest:
Published: Monthly
Subscription: Rs 150/ USD 25
http://www.youngmuslimdigest.com/
With site of YMG is not updated and I have not seen any issue of the magazine for this year, therefore, unable to review it.
Previous reviews:
http://www.twocircles.net/2008may28/indian_muslim_media_2007.html
http://www.twocircles.net/2007jul07/indian_muslim_media_2006.html
By Kashif-ul-Huda, TwoCircles.net
This is the third year of our review of periodicals published by Muslim in India. The idea is to have a yardstick that can be used to measure the quality of publications by readers and also people associated with these magazines.
The year saw Muslims in India on the edge because of bomb blasts, encounters, and arrests and harassment of the community in the name of combating terrorism. Muslim media bravely challenged the perceptions and reports circulating in the “mainstream” media and raised questions on the claims by the government agencies.
In the publication scene, 2008 saw launch of two new magazines – Covert, a political fortnightly by M J Akbar and monthly Islamic magazine Islam, Muslims, and the World by Dr. Javed Jamil. Akbar launched his magazine in May after being removed from the Asian Age newspaper.
The Nation and the World, which had a disappointing run all these years, not surprisingly, started publishing a notice that second issue of December will be its last issue. But interestingly enough, it survived and first few issues under the new resolve show improvement at least in terms of paper quality and look of the magazines.
***
Now let’s review individual publications. Publications are given a full, half or no moon awards in five categories. So according to our criteria maximum a publication can get is five moons.
The First moon is for the publication quality, cover, design and paper, just the overall look and feel of the magazine. The Second moon is for magazines which mostly use original articles in their publications and do not copy and paste from articles floating around online. The Third moon is for the overall quality of the articles, how well the writer engages the reader, addresses the issue, and what kinds of issues are covered.
Advertising continues to be the major source of revenue for any publication, even if it has good subscription figures. For a publication to stand on its own feet it is important that it doesn't depend on the charity from some wealthy individuals but funds its expenses from the advertising revenue. It is possible that some of the magazines are financially viable through subscription dues but in the absence of any way for me to check that, I will award a fourth moon on how much advertisements they have.
Finally the fifth and most important moon is for community news. If a magazine claims to be for Indian Muslims it should have room for the community news that does not find a mention in the major media.
Magazines are listed in alphabetical order below:
Covert: = 4.0
Published: Fortnightly
Subscription: Rs. 1000 for 3 years
http://www.covert.co.in/
Covert positions itself as a mainstream publication and not focused on Indian Muslim issues. Therefore, their coverage of Indian Muslims is weak but they do write on important issues affecting the community as well as the nation.
Editor MJ Akbar has been able to gather a number of well known personalities, writers, and journalists that adds value to his magazine.
Eastern Crescent: = 4.0
Published: Monthly
Annual Subscription: Rs. 150/ USD 30
http://www.markazulmaarif.org/ec_index.asp
EC is a young publication led by Editor Maulana Burhanuddin Qasmi. Some of the writers are graduates of his English academy that is run for madrasa graduates. Topics covered are current affairs and issues relevant to Muslims. Thankfully they do not do familiar anti-US and anti-Israel articles and keep the focus on Indian issues or general Islamic topics.
Islam, Muslims, and the World
Published: Monthly
Subscription: Rs. 250/ USD 60
info@theislamworld.com
Since it just came out in December, this magazine will be reviewed for this year.
Islamic Voice: = 3.5
Published: Monthly
Annual Subscription: Rs. 170/ USD 15
http://www.islamicvoice.com/
2008 saw change of guards at IV, Maqbool Ahmad Siraj quit as the editor of this magazine and Associate Editor Nigar Ataullah was promoted to the position of the executive editor.
The most annoying part of IV is two or three pages wasted on people’s reaction to “Discover Yourself” workshop conducted by IV owner Sadathullah Khan. It would have been better if Mr. Khan wrote some articles to help people who can not attend his workshop instead of shamelessly promoting it in every issue of the magazine.
Past few months saw a drop in original articles carried by IV and therefore we are taking away their half moon. Still, IV is a complete magazine for the Muslim family with a special section for children as well.
The Milli Gazette: = 3.0
Published: Fortnightly
Annual Subscription: Rs. 240/ Euro 35
http://www.milligazette.com/
The Milli Gazette launched its much anticipated epaper version which will help it to regain its original position of much referenced Indian Muslim site.
Quality of articles and scope of news coverage have improved at MG from previous years. Cartoons by Yusuf and ‘Speaking Out’ column by Nilofar Suhrawardy continue to be a major plus point for MG.
“Community News” section is now 4 pages and provides a snapshot of community events but it has a North Indian bias when it comes to the selection of the news. “Newsmakers” section documents the achievements of the community. Letters published in the MG provides good idea of circulation and impact of MG in the community.
Unfortunately, in our scale they score only 3.0 but MG is playing a crucial role in the community and they should be recognized for that.
Muslim India: = 1.5
Published: Monthly
Subscription: Rs. 200/USD 12/Pound 12
http://muslimindiamonthly.com/
After restarting in 2007 it seems that “Muslim India” has ceased publications once again.
Nation and the World: = 1.5
Published: Fortnightly
Subscription: Rs. 325/ USD 75
nation_world@rediffmail.com
Not much to say about this magazine, with Seema Mustafa joining the magazine as one of the three editorial consultants, we hope this year will be a better year for NATW. Saiyid Hamid should also think about putting a succession plan in order so that a younger generation can take over the leadership of this magazine.
Radiance Viewsweekly: = 3.5
Published: Weekly
Subscription: Rs. 400/ USD 85
http://www.radianceweekly.com/
There was nothing new to report for 2008 for Radiance. Veteran journalist Soroor Ahmed writes two pieces for each issue of Radiance and they are always a treat to read. Other articles are also worth reading and cover various issues but somehow it seems that Radiance lost their focus in 2008.
Young Muslim Digest:
Published: Monthly
Subscription: Rs 150/ USD 25
http://www.youngmuslimdigest.com/
With site of YMG is not updated and I have not seen any issue of the magazine for this year, therefore, unable to review it.
Previous reviews:
http://www.twocircles.net/2008may28/indian_muslim_media_2007.html
http://www.twocircles.net/2007jul07/indian_muslim_media_2006.html
Indian Muslims: A reflection
By Iqbal Ahmad,
With Parliamentary elections around the corner, Indian Muslims have become vocal in putting forward their grievances and demands. More aggressively and forcefully than ever before.
Last few weeks witnessed a lot of activities – ranging from protest against fake encounters to demand reservation for Muslims in jobs and education.
In the era of coalitions with no single political party in a position to form the next government at the Centre, Indian Muslims are aware of the significance of their vote. They no longer want to be sidelined or ignored or merely be treated as a vote bank.
Azamgarh Rally at Jantar Mantar
On January 29, nearly 4,000 Muslims assembled at Delhi's Jantar Mantar to protest against the allegedly labelling of innocent Muslims as terrorists. Most of them had arrived on a special train called the "Ulema Express," which started from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh.
Two days later, a prominent Muslim group All India Milli Council held a rally at the Ramlila grounds in New Delhi in which more than ten thousand Muslims were present. The group raised some issues related to the development of Muslim community.
It was followed by a daylong "National Convention on Muslim Reservation," organized by Joint Committee of Muslim Organizations for Empowerment (JCMOE), on Feb 01 at the India Islamic Cultural Centre in New Delhi. The meeting was convened by former diplomat and parliamentarian Syed Shahabuddin.
National Convention on Muslim Reservation
The convention adopted a resolution seeking publication of the Justice Ranganath Mishra Commission report on backward religious and linguistic minorities which has recommended ''15 per cent reservation for minorities, with 10 per cent exclusively for the Muslims, along with the unutilised portion of the other five per cent."
It also demanded inclusion of Muslim and Christian Dalits in the Scheduled Caste (SC) list.
A number of political leaders, including LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan, CPI's A B Bardhan, Debabrata Biswas of AIFB and representatives of JD(S) and NCP attended the convention.
All India Milli Council's rally in Delhi
Given the track record of the government and most of the mainstream political parties vis-a-vis development of Muslims in the last sixty years, it is not very difficult to speculate how much attention the community would seek from the powers-that-be.
But what is more important is that it indicates that the community has shed fear to voice grievances in public. This speaks volumes about the community's new approach.
Indian Muslims know very well that it's a herculean task to get anything concrete from the state. In every meeting, a large number of speakers emphasised on the need for a reform from within the community while simultaneously striving to extract benefits from the state.
So the larger question is how the community is going to reform itself.
Some of the events that have unfolded in the last few months raise some serious doubts about the path the community and its so-called leadership have been following.
Hardly three to four kilometres away from the venue of the convention for reservation, a luncheon was given by Siraj Qureshi, the newly elected president of the India Islamic Culture Centre (IICC) at Pragati Maidan. More than five thousand people, majority of them Muslims off course, were treating themselves with the lavish menu. While only a few hundred were present at the convention on reservation. It is nobody's argument that only the presence of a larger number would ensure reservation for the Muslims. At least it says something about the priority of the community.
IICC – supposed to be the nerve centre of Muslim elite -- has been in news for being a battleground between Congress leader Salman Khurshid and incumbent president Siraj Qureshi. The newly elected president of the IICC did not bother to show his presence at such an important meeting to discuss the issues related to the Muslim community. Let me recall that Mr Qureshi fought the election by claiming a lot of development work for Muslims.
Mr Qureshi can be excused for being host at the Pragati Maidan luncheon but even his token presence at the convention for a few minutes would have been appreciated by all.
On the same day, Aligarh Muslim University had planned to organise a two-day national convention on minority education. But it was postponed at the last moment. The official reason given by AMU authorities was that the seminar was postponed due to the sad demise of the former President Mr R Venkatraman. But according to some very reliable sources and keen watcher of the university politics, it was because Union HRD Minister Arjun Singh was not available for the inauguration.
Firstly, it was not a function or a celebration that couldn't have been done due to state mourning. It was a serious programme to discuss the educational conditions of the Indian Muslims. And even if Arjun Singh was not available, does it make any difference? What is more important -- individual or the issue?
Unfortunately, this is the way AMU has been functioning.
Coming back to Delhi. I would like to discuss something about the recent election of Mr Adeeb Mohammad Khan to the Rajya Sabha from UP as a joint candidate of Congress and Samajwadi Party, and with a tacit approval of All India Muslim Personal Law Board. This gentleman had written a letter to Congress President Mrs Sonia Gandhi on Oct 26 last year citing reasons for departing away from Congress party. He mentioned about the grievances of the Muslim community -- from Babri Masjid demolition to Batla House encounter. But when he was picked up for the Rajya Sabha, all his grievances were redressed. The community must ask him which of the promises have been fulfilled. Or perhaps the truth is that he had only his grievances under the garb of raising the issues of the community.
Independent candidate Mohammad Adeeb Khan filing his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha in Lucknow on Monday as Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav and Congress State president Rita Bhaguna Joshi look on. [The Hindu]
The latest assembly election in Delhi is also a classic example. There was an encounter in South Delhi's Batla House in September 2008, in which two alleged terrorists were killed by the police and a police inspector was also killed. A large number of locals were of the opinion that it was a fake encounter and they were demanding a judicial or CBI enquiry. They were also very angry with the role of the local Cong MLA Mr Pervez Hashmi. All the demands for the enquiry were rejected by the government.
The issue became headlines for several weeks. Finally, it became an election issue. The entire national media was speculating as to what the Muslim voters of the Okhla would do. In the end, sitting Cong MLA Mr Parvez Hashmi won by a thin margin of 541 votes. Most of the newspapers carried headlines such as 'Despite L-18, Muslims endorse Cong in Delhi.'
The obvious question is why did the Muslims (about 30 percent of the total Muslim vote in this constituency) voted for the sitting Congress MLA. If the Muslims of this area were so angry with Congress then they could have voted out the Congress candidate. Moreover, this election was being treated by a large section of the media as a referendum on the encounter.
And a larger number of people changed their loyalty at the twelfth hour in which wealth and wine played a major role. The irony is that not just the average voter, but even some of the religious and social organisations of the Muslims voted and campaigned for the Congress candidate.
All India Milli Council tried its level best to convince voters in favour of the Congress. Its General Secretary Mr Manzoor Alam held several meetings with the Muslim journalists and other activists just after the encounter to express his concern. But when the time came for some decisive action, he was also no different.
I ask myself. Why should I have problems with someone hosting parties? Why should I expect someone to attend a particular seminar? Why should I ask someone to vote in favour or against a particular candidate? Why should I object to someone using the community's name for political gains?
I am anguished by the happenings around me. I am distressed by the condition of the community. But who is responsible for this. I have no answers. May I remember the great Urdu poet Faiz.
Hum Hain Mata-e-Kuch-e-Bazar Ki Tarah,
Uthti Hai Har Nigah Kharidaar Ki Tarah.
------------------------------------------------
Iqbal is a BBC correspondent based in New Delhi. He can be contacted at iqbalahmad1972@gmail.com
http://twocircles.net/2009feb07/indian_muslims_reflection.html#comment-18652
With Parliamentary elections around the corner, Indian Muslims have become vocal in putting forward their grievances and demands. More aggressively and forcefully than ever before.
Last few weeks witnessed a lot of activities – ranging from protest against fake encounters to demand reservation for Muslims in jobs and education.
In the era of coalitions with no single political party in a position to form the next government at the Centre, Indian Muslims are aware of the significance of their vote. They no longer want to be sidelined or ignored or merely be treated as a vote bank.
Azamgarh Rally at Jantar Mantar
On January 29, nearly 4,000 Muslims assembled at Delhi's Jantar Mantar to protest against the allegedly labelling of innocent Muslims as terrorists. Most of them had arrived on a special train called the "Ulema Express," which started from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh.
Two days later, a prominent Muslim group All India Milli Council held a rally at the Ramlila grounds in New Delhi in which more than ten thousand Muslims were present. The group raised some issues related to the development of Muslim community.
It was followed by a daylong "National Convention on Muslim Reservation," organized by Joint Committee of Muslim Organizations for Empowerment (JCMOE), on Feb 01 at the India Islamic Cultural Centre in New Delhi. The meeting was convened by former diplomat and parliamentarian Syed Shahabuddin.
National Convention on Muslim Reservation
The convention adopted a resolution seeking publication of the Justice Ranganath Mishra Commission report on backward religious and linguistic minorities which has recommended ''15 per cent reservation for minorities, with 10 per cent exclusively for the Muslims, along with the unutilised portion of the other five per cent."
It also demanded inclusion of Muslim and Christian Dalits in the Scheduled Caste (SC) list.
A number of political leaders, including LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan, CPI's A B Bardhan, Debabrata Biswas of AIFB and representatives of JD(S) and NCP attended the convention.
All India Milli Council's rally in Delhi
Given the track record of the government and most of the mainstream political parties vis-a-vis development of Muslims in the last sixty years, it is not very difficult to speculate how much attention the community would seek from the powers-that-be.
But what is more important is that it indicates that the community has shed fear to voice grievances in public. This speaks volumes about the community's new approach.
Indian Muslims know very well that it's a herculean task to get anything concrete from the state. In every meeting, a large number of speakers emphasised on the need for a reform from within the community while simultaneously striving to extract benefits from the state.
So the larger question is how the community is going to reform itself.
Some of the events that have unfolded in the last few months raise some serious doubts about the path the community and its so-called leadership have been following.
Hardly three to four kilometres away from the venue of the convention for reservation, a luncheon was given by Siraj Qureshi, the newly elected president of the India Islamic Culture Centre (IICC) at Pragati Maidan. More than five thousand people, majority of them Muslims off course, were treating themselves with the lavish menu. While only a few hundred were present at the convention on reservation. It is nobody's argument that only the presence of a larger number would ensure reservation for the Muslims. At least it says something about the priority of the community.
IICC – supposed to be the nerve centre of Muslim elite -- has been in news for being a battleground between Congress leader Salman Khurshid and incumbent president Siraj Qureshi. The newly elected president of the IICC did not bother to show his presence at such an important meeting to discuss the issues related to the Muslim community. Let me recall that Mr Qureshi fought the election by claiming a lot of development work for Muslims.
Mr Qureshi can be excused for being host at the Pragati Maidan luncheon but even his token presence at the convention for a few minutes would have been appreciated by all.
On the same day, Aligarh Muslim University had planned to organise a two-day national convention on minority education. But it was postponed at the last moment. The official reason given by AMU authorities was that the seminar was postponed due to the sad demise of the former President Mr R Venkatraman. But according to some very reliable sources and keen watcher of the university politics, it was because Union HRD Minister Arjun Singh was not available for the inauguration.
Firstly, it was not a function or a celebration that couldn't have been done due to state mourning. It was a serious programme to discuss the educational conditions of the Indian Muslims. And even if Arjun Singh was not available, does it make any difference? What is more important -- individual or the issue?
Unfortunately, this is the way AMU has been functioning.
Coming back to Delhi. I would like to discuss something about the recent election of Mr Adeeb Mohammad Khan to the Rajya Sabha from UP as a joint candidate of Congress and Samajwadi Party, and with a tacit approval of All India Muslim Personal Law Board. This gentleman had written a letter to Congress President Mrs Sonia Gandhi on Oct 26 last year citing reasons for departing away from Congress party. He mentioned about the grievances of the Muslim community -- from Babri Masjid demolition to Batla House encounter. But when he was picked up for the Rajya Sabha, all his grievances were redressed. The community must ask him which of the promises have been fulfilled. Or perhaps the truth is that he had only his grievances under the garb of raising the issues of the community.
Independent candidate Mohammad Adeeb Khan filing his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha in Lucknow on Monday as Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav and Congress State president Rita Bhaguna Joshi look on. [The Hindu]
The latest assembly election in Delhi is also a classic example. There was an encounter in South Delhi's Batla House in September 2008, in which two alleged terrorists were killed by the police and a police inspector was also killed. A large number of locals were of the opinion that it was a fake encounter and they were demanding a judicial or CBI enquiry. They were also very angry with the role of the local Cong MLA Mr Pervez Hashmi. All the demands for the enquiry were rejected by the government.
The issue became headlines for several weeks. Finally, it became an election issue. The entire national media was speculating as to what the Muslim voters of the Okhla would do. In the end, sitting Cong MLA Mr Parvez Hashmi won by a thin margin of 541 votes. Most of the newspapers carried headlines such as 'Despite L-18, Muslims endorse Cong in Delhi.'
The obvious question is why did the Muslims (about 30 percent of the total Muslim vote in this constituency) voted for the sitting Congress MLA. If the Muslims of this area were so angry with Congress then they could have voted out the Congress candidate. Moreover, this election was being treated by a large section of the media as a referendum on the encounter.
And a larger number of people changed their loyalty at the twelfth hour in which wealth and wine played a major role. The irony is that not just the average voter, but even some of the religious and social organisations of the Muslims voted and campaigned for the Congress candidate.
All India Milli Council tried its level best to convince voters in favour of the Congress. Its General Secretary Mr Manzoor Alam held several meetings with the Muslim journalists and other activists just after the encounter to express his concern. But when the time came for some decisive action, he was also no different.
I ask myself. Why should I have problems with someone hosting parties? Why should I expect someone to attend a particular seminar? Why should I ask someone to vote in favour or against a particular candidate? Why should I object to someone using the community's name for political gains?
I am anguished by the happenings around me. I am distressed by the condition of the community. But who is responsible for this. I have no answers. May I remember the great Urdu poet Faiz.
Hum Hain Mata-e-Kuch-e-Bazar Ki Tarah,
Uthti Hai Har Nigah Kharidaar Ki Tarah.
------------------------------------------------
Iqbal is a BBC correspondent based in New Delhi. He can be contacted at iqbalahmad1972@gmail.com
http://twocircles.net/2009feb07/indian_muslims_reflection.html#comment-18652
Monday, February 09, 2009
India - Kalyan Singh, apologise to the nation!
By Abdul Hannan,
Parliamentary election is on head; all political parties are trying to bring new stunts to catch the public votes and the politics in U.P has reached its peak.
In UP, former Chief Minister and Samjwadi Party leader Mr. Mulayam Singh and party general secretary Mr. Amer Singh are trying to bring Kalyan Singh in their party to get some votes. Muslim leaders and Muslim groups are very angry and are opposing, their clear demand to Mulayam Singh that he and his party distance themselves from Kalyan Singh.
Looking at the pressure and Muslims anger Mr. Amer Singh is in touch with ulemas and Muslim leaders to clarify his position on this issue, on the other side, Mr. Kalyan Singh apologized to the Muslims on Babri Mosque demolition in 1992.
Mr. Kalyan Singh is the champion of Hindutva lobby, during his existence in office he openly not only supported Hindutva lobby but politically strengthened the hands of elements who took part in Babri Mosque demolition.
Apologizing by Kalyan Singh, on this incident which is not only the blot on Indian democracy but brought down the head of India and Indian people with shame before the world, is only a political stunt as BJP is playing for last many years.
At the time of Babri Masjid being razed by a mob which was gathered and used in the name of religion Mr. Kalyan Sing then was Chief Minister of Utter Pradesh, he had submitted an affidavit before the Supreme court that its order to maintain the status quo at Babri Mosque site will be brought into effect at any cost, and he will take serious action if any elements will try to break it, but what happened, entire world witnessed on their televisions screens. Not only Babri Mosque being brought down, mostly BJP leaders were happy, greeting each others, praising the mobs, this type of anarchy, lawlessness and not maintaining the apex court orders pushed entire India into the fire of communal violence which took many lives, scores of people across the country being killed, burnt, shops and houses looted and many mosques being razed.
It all happened because Mr. Kalyan Singh as Chief Minister of Utter Pradesh not played an active role to save this historical place. As Chief Minister he was responsible to maintain law and order situation in Ayodhya and in all states, it was his duty to ban all unlawful activities and place more security forces on Babri Mosque site, arrest the BJP leaders, but as the chief Minister he did not do anything, even the Supreme court order was ignored that reason not maintaining the Court orders apex court sent him jail for one day and this was the first time in a free Indian state that an active chief Minister was sent to jail. Since demolition of Babri Mosque Mr. Kalyan Singh did not express his grief on what happened during his chief Ministerial ship, his big mistake stretched a hatred and long wall between two communities which could not be easily removed.
After his declining political graph inside the party and before the public he once again played a stunt to capture the power in Utter Pradesh he allied with Mulayam Singh and offered apologies.
Mr. Kalyan Singh is the person who used the religion to get the power, to get public votes, and openly tried and is still trying to destroy Indian secular image, to push Indian people into religious and civil war. Gujarat 2002 genocide, and aims of Sadhvi Pragya Thakur and her others followers are the clear example to understand that which types of generation being created in the name of religion and how mostly BJP leaders using the public for its hate purpose.
The matter is not only the demolition of Babri Mosque, but it was a conspiracy to push India into religious hatred where Hindus and Muslims go into clash with each other and the BJP enjoy the powers. Mr. Kalyan Singh's crime is very serious, it cannot be ignored, and his apology will not cover his crimes, he should accept that he and his party are all responsible to demolish historical Babri Masjid, and BJP should come forward to restore Babri Masjid as it was before 6 December 1992, and apologes to all Indians whether they are Muslims or Hindus or Sikhs or Christians that what he did was a big mistake.
It is to say hard that how a person's crime and his bigotry work, which caused serious damage of countries credibility and its secular image and insulted Indian roles, ignored apex courts directions, tried to disrespect the Indian culture and unity of India, could be ignored easily.
If Mulayam Singh wants even a single seat in UP, he should distance himself and his party with Kalyan. Mr. Kalyan Singh is not a transgressor of only Muslims but he is the transgressor of India, Indian roles, Indian democracy. Before his apologies to Muslims, he should tender an apology to the nation and take full responsibility for his crimes. He should then support to restore the Babri Masjid in its previous site in Ayodhya as it was before 6th December 1992.
Parliamentary election is on head; all political parties are trying to bring new stunts to catch the public votes and the politics in U.P has reached its peak.
In UP, former Chief Minister and Samjwadi Party leader Mr. Mulayam Singh and party general secretary Mr. Amer Singh are trying to bring Kalyan Singh in their party to get some votes. Muslim leaders and Muslim groups are very angry and are opposing, their clear demand to Mulayam Singh that he and his party distance themselves from Kalyan Singh.
Looking at the pressure and Muslims anger Mr. Amer Singh is in touch with ulemas and Muslim leaders to clarify his position on this issue, on the other side, Mr. Kalyan Singh apologized to the Muslims on Babri Mosque demolition in 1992.
Mr. Kalyan Singh is the champion of Hindutva lobby, during his existence in office he openly not only supported Hindutva lobby but politically strengthened the hands of elements who took part in Babri Mosque demolition.
Apologizing by Kalyan Singh, on this incident which is not only the blot on Indian democracy but brought down the head of India and Indian people with shame before the world, is only a political stunt as BJP is playing for last many years.
At the time of Babri Masjid being razed by a mob which was gathered and used in the name of religion Mr. Kalyan Sing then was Chief Minister of Utter Pradesh, he had submitted an affidavit before the Supreme court that its order to maintain the status quo at Babri Mosque site will be brought into effect at any cost, and he will take serious action if any elements will try to break it, but what happened, entire world witnessed on their televisions screens. Not only Babri Mosque being brought down, mostly BJP leaders were happy, greeting each others, praising the mobs, this type of anarchy, lawlessness and not maintaining the apex court orders pushed entire India into the fire of communal violence which took many lives, scores of people across the country being killed, burnt, shops and houses looted and many mosques being razed.
It all happened because Mr. Kalyan Singh as Chief Minister of Utter Pradesh not played an active role to save this historical place. As Chief Minister he was responsible to maintain law and order situation in Ayodhya and in all states, it was his duty to ban all unlawful activities and place more security forces on Babri Mosque site, arrest the BJP leaders, but as the chief Minister he did not do anything, even the Supreme court order was ignored that reason not maintaining the Court orders apex court sent him jail for one day and this was the first time in a free Indian state that an active chief Minister was sent to jail. Since demolition of Babri Mosque Mr. Kalyan Singh did not express his grief on what happened during his chief Ministerial ship, his big mistake stretched a hatred and long wall between two communities which could not be easily removed.
After his declining political graph inside the party and before the public he once again played a stunt to capture the power in Utter Pradesh he allied with Mulayam Singh and offered apologies.
Mr. Kalyan Singh is the person who used the religion to get the power, to get public votes, and openly tried and is still trying to destroy Indian secular image, to push Indian people into religious and civil war. Gujarat 2002 genocide, and aims of Sadhvi Pragya Thakur and her others followers are the clear example to understand that which types of generation being created in the name of religion and how mostly BJP leaders using the public for its hate purpose.
The matter is not only the demolition of Babri Mosque, but it was a conspiracy to push India into religious hatred where Hindus and Muslims go into clash with each other and the BJP enjoy the powers. Mr. Kalyan Singh's crime is very serious, it cannot be ignored, and his apology will not cover his crimes, he should accept that he and his party are all responsible to demolish historical Babri Masjid, and BJP should come forward to restore Babri Masjid as it was before 6 December 1992, and apologes to all Indians whether they are Muslims or Hindus or Sikhs or Christians that what he did was a big mistake.
It is to say hard that how a person's crime and his bigotry work, which caused serious damage of countries credibility and its secular image and insulted Indian roles, ignored apex courts directions, tried to disrespect the Indian culture and unity of India, could be ignored easily.
If Mulayam Singh wants even a single seat in UP, he should distance himself and his party with Kalyan. Mr. Kalyan Singh is not a transgressor of only Muslims but he is the transgressor of India, Indian roles, Indian democracy. Before his apologies to Muslims, he should tender an apology to the nation and take full responsibility for his crimes. He should then support to restore the Babri Masjid in its previous site in Ayodhya as it was before 6th December 1992.
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