By IslamOnline.net & Newspapers
CAIRO — Despite efforts by Muslim Tatars to have a mosque in the Ukrainian Crimean Peninsula, the cherished dream is dying down on the rock of political differences in the eastern European country.
“Everyone realizes that their opposition doesn’t make sense, because they had already given us permission,” Muslim leader Refat Chubarov told The New York Times on Friday, October 30.
“Behind the scenes, they are saying: ‘Crimea is Russian Orthodox land. If they want to build a mosque, they should build it where no one can see it.’ "
The government gave permission to Muslim Tatars in 2004 to build the mosque in 22 Yaltinskaya Street in Simferopol, the capital of Crimea.
But the project stalled by the Simferopol local council on claims of opposition from locals.
“The mosque will be built, but only after taking into consideration the views of the public,” said Simferopol’s mayor, Gennady Babenko.
He said that the city council has suggested other sites for building the mosque.
The mosque plans are vehemently opposed by ethnic Russians, who make up the majority of the Simferopol residents.
They fear that the mosque would signal the revival of Muslim Tatars, who were brutally expelled from Crimean by former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.
The Tatars, who have inhabited Crimea for centuries, were deported in May 1944 by Stalin, who accused them of collaborating with the Nazis.
The entire Tatar population, more than 200,000 people, was transported in brutal conditions thousands of miles away to Uzbekistan and other locations. Many died along the way or soon after arriving.
The Soviets confiscated their homes, destroying their mosques and turning them into warehouses. One was converted into a Museum of Atheism.
It was not until perestroika in the late 1980s that most of the Tatars were allowed back, a migration that continued after Ukraine became independent with the Soviet collapse in 1991.
More than 250,000 Tatars now live in Crimea, about 13 percent of its population of 2 million people.
The Tatars’ return has repeatedly touched off legal clashes over restitution of land and property, much of which is now owned by ethnic Russians.
Cherished Dream
Muslim leaders blame political forces for blocking their dream to have a mosque in the peninsula.
“There are many, many political forces that want the strains to remain,” Mustafa Dzhemilyov, chairman of the Tatar legislative council, said.
“I am referring to the Russian-speaking and Russian separatist organizations, which are supported by and fed by the government of Russia.”
Some groups in Crimea are demanding to secede from Ukraine to region Russia.
Crimea was transferred by Nikita S. Khrushchev, then the Soviet leader, to Ukraine in 1954, a move then thought to be a formality, since it remained in the Soviet Union and was populated mostly by ethnic Russians.
Tatars have better ties with the Ukrainian government, and are often seen by ethnic Russian nationalists in Crimea as Kiev’s proxies.
The three sides jockey for power on the peninsula, and the mosque has been one focal point.
Hoping to see their dream fulfilled, every Muslim Tatar in Crimea has brought a piece of brick to build the mosque.
“From each Muslim, one stone,” said Chubarov, the Muslim leader.
As the deadlock still remains, the mosque site has turned into a mountain of limestone pieces, with Muslims still waiting for a way-out.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Yushchenko registers candidacy in Ukraine presidential election
By RIA Novosti,
Kiev : Ukraine's Central Election Commission on Thursday registered incumbent President Viktor Yushchenko as a candidate for presidential elections scheduled for early next year in the ex-Soviet republic.
Yushchenko did not attend the commission's meeting on Thursday although he came to the republic's central electoral body on October 27 to personally submit his documents for registration as a candidate for the presidential elections scheduled to be held on January 17, 2009.
Ukraine's Central Election Commission on Wednesday also registered the leader of the opposition Party of Regions, Viktor Yanukovych, as a candidate for the presidential elections.
The incumbent Ukrainian leader is unlikely to win the presidential election, the first since the 2004 "orange revolution" that swept him to power, as polls put his support in the low single digits.
Opinion polls point to Yanukovych, the president's opponent in the 2004 race, as the leading contender, along with former Yushchenko ally and now political rival Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. But pollsters say none of the candidates is likely to garner the 50% plus one vote required to avoid a runoff.
Nine people have so far formally registered as contenders, including Supreme Rada Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn, ex-defense minister Anatoliy Hrytsenko and Communist leader Petro Symonenko.
The registration deadline is November 9.
Kiev : Ukraine's Central Election Commission on Thursday registered incumbent President Viktor Yushchenko as a candidate for presidential elections scheduled for early next year in the ex-Soviet republic.
Yushchenko did not attend the commission's meeting on Thursday although he came to the republic's central electoral body on October 27 to personally submit his documents for registration as a candidate for the presidential elections scheduled to be held on January 17, 2009.
Ukraine's Central Election Commission on Wednesday also registered the leader of the opposition Party of Regions, Viktor Yanukovych, as a candidate for the presidential elections.
The incumbent Ukrainian leader is unlikely to win the presidential election, the first since the 2004 "orange revolution" that swept him to power, as polls put his support in the low single digits.
Opinion polls point to Yanukovych, the president's opponent in the 2004 race, as the leading contender, along with former Yushchenko ally and now political rival Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. But pollsters say none of the candidates is likely to garner the 50% plus one vote required to avoid a runoff.
Nine people have so far formally registered as contenders, including Supreme Rada Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn, ex-defense minister Anatoliy Hrytsenko and Communist leader Petro Symonenko.
The registration deadline is November 9.
Northeast students find supporter in Rahul Gandhi
By IANS,
New Delhi : Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi Thursday said he will fully cooperate with the students' union in its efforts to check the rising instances of crime against women and men from the northeastern states.
Pali Gongo, co-convener of the Northeast Students Union, said: "We went to meet Rahul Gandhi today (Thursday) to seek his support in fighting the rising crime against the northeastern community. Not only did he show his keen interest in the matter but also promised us full cooperation."
"We had a list of demands to fight this dangerous trend of targeting the northeastern community and Rahul Gandhi said that he will publicly announce his views on our demands very soon. He also said that he will be in regular contact with us," Gongo told IANS.
There has been an increasing number of cases of crime against women of the northeastern states living in the capital. On Saturday, a Naga girl was murdered by an Indian Institute of Technology scholar for rebuffing his advances.
The Naga Students Union has planned a massive protest rally and a sensitisation drive Friday,
Gongo said that the students have also submitted a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with 15 specific demands.
"We have 15 specific demands from the government in order to safeguard the northeastern community in the capital, and elsewhere in the country from racial bias. One among them is that there should be a 24/7 police control vehicle in vulnerable areas like Munirka in south Delhi where such crimes are often reported from," Gongo said.
"We also demand that there should be a special committee to look into cases of crime against northeastern women. The nodal officer in the police force, who is meant to look into these crimes, should be a person from the northeast, and there should be certain points included in the IPC (Indian Penal Code) whereby racial discrimination is absolutely not tolerated anywhere in the country," he added.
A 24-hour toll free helpline number and a special help cell for women are also among the demand the union has made.
"We are also planning a candle light vigil sometime in December to spread awareness against racial discrimination of the community. We will make sure that all of these initiatives are an on-going, sustained effort and not just an isolated event, in order to check these heinous crimes," Gongo said.
New Delhi : Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi Thursday said he will fully cooperate with the students' union in its efforts to check the rising instances of crime against women and men from the northeastern states.
Pali Gongo, co-convener of the Northeast Students Union, said: "We went to meet Rahul Gandhi today (Thursday) to seek his support in fighting the rising crime against the northeastern community. Not only did he show his keen interest in the matter but also promised us full cooperation."
"We had a list of demands to fight this dangerous trend of targeting the northeastern community and Rahul Gandhi said that he will publicly announce his views on our demands very soon. He also said that he will be in regular contact with us," Gongo told IANS.
There has been an increasing number of cases of crime against women of the northeastern states living in the capital. On Saturday, a Naga girl was murdered by an Indian Institute of Technology scholar for rebuffing his advances.
The Naga Students Union has planned a massive protest rally and a sensitisation drive Friday,
Gongo said that the students have also submitted a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with 15 specific demands.
"We have 15 specific demands from the government in order to safeguard the northeastern community in the capital, and elsewhere in the country from racial bias. One among them is that there should be a 24/7 police control vehicle in vulnerable areas like Munirka in south Delhi where such crimes are often reported from," Gongo said.
"We also demand that there should be a special committee to look into cases of crime against northeastern women. The nodal officer in the police force, who is meant to look into these crimes, should be a person from the northeast, and there should be certain points included in the IPC (Indian Penal Code) whereby racial discrimination is absolutely not tolerated anywhere in the country," he added.
A 24-hour toll free helpline number and a special help cell for women are also among the demand the union has made.
"We are also planning a candle light vigil sometime in December to spread awareness against racial discrimination of the community. We will make sure that all of these initiatives are an on-going, sustained effort and not just an isolated event, in order to check these heinous crimes," Gongo said.
Arabic Introduces Islam to Ukrainians
By Hani Salah, IOL Correspondent
KIEV – Forty-five weekly schools that teach the Arabic language are gaining popularity among Ukrainian intellectuals and are helping introducing them to Islam and its civilization.
“Arabic, the language of the Qur’an, has become a window for many Ukrainians to know Islam,” Dr. Shadi Shawer, the head of Human Development Department at the Federation of Social Organizations in Ukraine (Arraid) and the schools supervisor, told IslamOnline.net.
He said the weekly schools help many Ukrainians to better understand the Muslim faith.
“The schools have become one of our tools to promote Islam and show its true image.”
Shawer said there are 45 weekly schools across the country that teach Arabic language, eastern culture and Islamic sciences over a period of three years.
Most of the students enrolled at the charges-free schools are university students and professors who attend classes once a week.
“Many enroll to know the Arabic culture to better communicate with Arab students at Ukrainian universities,” he said.
“Others are interested in knowing more about Islam.”
The Muslim leader notes that some students end up embracing Islam during or after the course.
Ukraine is home to some two million Muslims making up 4 percent of the estimated 48-million population.
There are up to 200 mosques and 20 Islamic centers in the country.
Eye-opener
Many Ukrainians credit the Arabic schools for changing their misconceptions about Islam.
“I used to have a negative view about Islam from the local and international media,” Irina Sladkikh, a university students’ affairs secretary, told IOL.
“But this has changed after attending the school,” added Sladkikh, who is set to graduate from the Arabic school this year.
Dr. Igor Vlasov, a physician, agrees.
“The school has brought me closer to the Arab world,” he said.
“I feel that I know much about Islam and the Muslim community.”
Thanks to the schools, many Ukrainians now have better understanding of the Muslim faith.
“I was surprised to know the true image of Islam after joining the school,” says Julia Bondinia, a university teacher.
“This has motivated me to invite two colleagues to enroll.”
Vikyoria, a third-grade student at the Faculty of Medicine, joined the school to better know the Arabic culture.
“Now I feel the school has become inseparable part of my life.”
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1256034108542&pagename=Zone-English-News/NWELayout
KIEV – Forty-five weekly schools that teach the Arabic language are gaining popularity among Ukrainian intellectuals and are helping introducing them to Islam and its civilization.
“Arabic, the language of the Qur’an, has become a window for many Ukrainians to know Islam,” Dr. Shadi Shawer, the head of Human Development Department at the Federation of Social Organizations in Ukraine (Arraid) and the schools supervisor, told IslamOnline.net.
He said the weekly schools help many Ukrainians to better understand the Muslim faith.
“The schools have become one of our tools to promote Islam and show its true image.”
Shawer said there are 45 weekly schools across the country that teach Arabic language, eastern culture and Islamic sciences over a period of three years.
Most of the students enrolled at the charges-free schools are university students and professors who attend classes once a week.
“Many enroll to know the Arabic culture to better communicate with Arab students at Ukrainian universities,” he said.
“Others are interested in knowing more about Islam.”
The Muslim leader notes that some students end up embracing Islam during or after the course.
Ukraine is home to some two million Muslims making up 4 percent of the estimated 48-million population.
There are up to 200 mosques and 20 Islamic centers in the country.
Eye-opener
Many Ukrainians credit the Arabic schools for changing their misconceptions about Islam.
“I used to have a negative view about Islam from the local and international media,” Irina Sladkikh, a university students’ affairs secretary, told IOL.
“But this has changed after attending the school,” added Sladkikh, who is set to graduate from the Arabic school this year.
Dr. Igor Vlasov, a physician, agrees.
“The school has brought me closer to the Arab world,” he said.
“I feel that I know much about Islam and the Muslim community.”
Thanks to the schools, many Ukrainians now have better understanding of the Muslim faith.
“I was surprised to know the true image of Islam after joining the school,” says Julia Bondinia, a university teacher.
“This has motivated me to invite two colleagues to enroll.”
Vikyoria, a third-grade student at the Faculty of Medicine, joined the school to better know the Arabic culture.
“Now I feel the school has become inseparable part of my life.”
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1256034108542&pagename=Zone-English-News/NWELayout
'Dharma Yudh' needed against Mohabbat ke Dushmans!
By NM Sampathkumar Iyangar for TwoCircles.net,
Till a few years ago, Karnataka and Kerala were among the states that stood apart in liberal thinking. The coastal populations as a rule were not significantly affected by a sort of apartheid mindset cultivated in the central and northern hinterland ever since the Indian British colony turned into distinct ‘free’ countries. Therefore, it is rather strange that a bizarre controversy about 'Love Jihad' should have emanated from the South.
The sinister conspiracy was “unearthed” after a couple of parents of educated girls sought the help of the judicial system to obtain their custody. The girls from Hindu and Christian families were well into adulthood and had chosen their Muslim boyfriends as life partners. The affluent or middle class parents apprehended that the daughters were ruining their lives while also demolishing 'traditional family honour'. The hype fueled by rumours has led many orthodox groups to genuinely suspect existence of a planned strategy to destroy their socio-religious identity. A well-funded network with lots of gulf money in its coffers was said to be sponsoring Muslim youths to rob them of their most cherished property - womenfolk!
Yes, women are still viewed as cherished 'property' by most 'elite' members of India. There is not much difference between the 21st Century AD and the age of Ramayana, the decree of the Ten Commandments or when invaders from Persia and Arabia were entitled to appropriate whole harems of the humbled local kings and take away the 'legitimate' queens and princesses as well.
The media, marked by a cut-throat competition to grab eyeballs and ad revenue through it, blew up the incidents – some real and some imaginary – into a giant humanitarian issue. How a band of Muslim youth, engaged by oil-rich Arab Sheikhs, was luring women with promises and expensive gifts became the talk of the town. The sole purpose of raining love and gifts, according to the vigilantes, was to convert them into Islam. For a time, every woman leaving her house in a huff was projected as another prize catch of the Love Jihad brigade. It continued blissfully till the police nabbed a serial killer who tricked dozens of ambitious brides-to-be by posing as a tycoon based abroad. Incidentally, this Romeo was not a Muslim.
Senior members of the media fraternity have castigated the adventurous elements in their tribe for being reckless in covering the rumours and farcical court proceedings sensationally. Such sort of 'self regulation' is of course a welcome phenomenon. But, it is unfair to squarely put all the blame on the "irresponsible journalists" alone. After all, the media did not imagine or cultivate the shameful medieval mindset that led to the shameful ruckus. It was only bringing out the perverted attitudes prevalent among the ‘elite’ classes. In fact, that precisely is the job of the media, not hushing up. On another note, however, the media must take the blame for the failure to bring to the surface the real culprits in the matter.
The lion’s share of the blame for the mischievous propaganda that has the potential to incite communal riots must go to 'honourable judges' of Kerala and Karnataka. Let us suppose, for a moment, that a 'jihad' or 'dharma yudh' is being waged in an organized fashion with the aim of influencing minds by employing love as a weapon. Why is it a "matter (that) needs to be further probed" as honourable judges have decreed? In any civilized society, only intimidation, torture or violence for getting someone converted or reconverted can be a matter of concern. Love, care or nourishment to influence someone can never be taboo! Even in cases when some people resort to violence to demand equity, the enlightened approach, it is now recognized, is not unleashing retaliatory violence.
Of course, there is a need for utmost caution on the part of the youth before taking the big plunge. They are better advised to objectively weigh pros and cons of teaming up with someone for life at the risk of alienation from current environment. It is particularly the girls who are at greater peril and must guard against flirts who abound. A casual approach can bring misery to scores of members of two families.
However, it is the job of family seniors and community elders to create awareness about pitfalls of immature infatuation in the guise of sacred love. Let us assume for a moment that the boys were worst frauds, fiends and Casanovas. But, it is not for the judicial babus to turn into guardians of morality. The learned judges are free to resign, become preachers and sermonize about the dangers of getting married against the wishes of their parents. Instead, by directing the police to take action against 'Love Jihad' movement (if it exists), saying that the matter had "national ramifications concerning security, besides the question of unlawful trafficking of women," the judiciary has exposed itself as Mohabbat ka Dushman! Here we have 'honourable' judges who abuse power to direct that a 20-plus female – budding engineer or MBA aspirant to boot – must go back and live with her parents. It is cruel, not funny, to see mutual love among people not permitted to love each other and being condemned. Such tyranny after she had decided on some boy as her love partner and to enroll herself willingly to get acquainted with his environment, moreover, smacks of raw male chauvinism.
More criminal is to overload an awfully understaffed police force, struggling to carry out its responsibilities, to waste public time in what is not their business. Just because the Indian courts have draconian powers to pull up dissenters for contempt of court, media people are afraid to speak up against their tyranny. Ironically, even after the top cop failed to manufacture evidence of any organized syndicate, he has been directed to waste more time and public money in the mission.
It is time that Indian judiciary is purged outdated mindsets portraying medieval orthodoxy. The esteem of the institution, voted in a Transparency International survey to be the most corrupt after the revenue bureaucracy, will fall further if members are permitted to stray out of their designated role at will.
http://twocircles.net/2009oct29/dharma_yudh_needed_against_mohabbat_ke_dushmans.html
Till a few years ago, Karnataka and Kerala were among the states that stood apart in liberal thinking. The coastal populations as a rule were not significantly affected by a sort of apartheid mindset cultivated in the central and northern hinterland ever since the Indian British colony turned into distinct ‘free’ countries. Therefore, it is rather strange that a bizarre controversy about 'Love Jihad' should have emanated from the South.
The sinister conspiracy was “unearthed” after a couple of parents of educated girls sought the help of the judicial system to obtain their custody. The girls from Hindu and Christian families were well into adulthood and had chosen their Muslim boyfriends as life partners. The affluent or middle class parents apprehended that the daughters were ruining their lives while also demolishing 'traditional family honour'. The hype fueled by rumours has led many orthodox groups to genuinely suspect existence of a planned strategy to destroy their socio-religious identity. A well-funded network with lots of gulf money in its coffers was said to be sponsoring Muslim youths to rob them of their most cherished property - womenfolk!
Yes, women are still viewed as cherished 'property' by most 'elite' members of India. There is not much difference between the 21st Century AD and the age of Ramayana, the decree of the Ten Commandments or when invaders from Persia and Arabia were entitled to appropriate whole harems of the humbled local kings and take away the 'legitimate' queens and princesses as well.
The media, marked by a cut-throat competition to grab eyeballs and ad revenue through it, blew up the incidents – some real and some imaginary – into a giant humanitarian issue. How a band of Muslim youth, engaged by oil-rich Arab Sheikhs, was luring women with promises and expensive gifts became the talk of the town. The sole purpose of raining love and gifts, according to the vigilantes, was to convert them into Islam. For a time, every woman leaving her house in a huff was projected as another prize catch of the Love Jihad brigade. It continued blissfully till the police nabbed a serial killer who tricked dozens of ambitious brides-to-be by posing as a tycoon based abroad. Incidentally, this Romeo was not a Muslim.
Senior members of the media fraternity have castigated the adventurous elements in their tribe for being reckless in covering the rumours and farcical court proceedings sensationally. Such sort of 'self regulation' is of course a welcome phenomenon. But, it is unfair to squarely put all the blame on the "irresponsible journalists" alone. After all, the media did not imagine or cultivate the shameful medieval mindset that led to the shameful ruckus. It was only bringing out the perverted attitudes prevalent among the ‘elite’ classes. In fact, that precisely is the job of the media, not hushing up. On another note, however, the media must take the blame for the failure to bring to the surface the real culprits in the matter.
The lion’s share of the blame for the mischievous propaganda that has the potential to incite communal riots must go to 'honourable judges' of Kerala and Karnataka. Let us suppose, for a moment, that a 'jihad' or 'dharma yudh' is being waged in an organized fashion with the aim of influencing minds by employing love as a weapon. Why is it a "matter (that) needs to be further probed" as honourable judges have decreed? In any civilized society, only intimidation, torture or violence for getting someone converted or reconverted can be a matter of concern. Love, care or nourishment to influence someone can never be taboo! Even in cases when some people resort to violence to demand equity, the enlightened approach, it is now recognized, is not unleashing retaliatory violence.
Of course, there is a need for utmost caution on the part of the youth before taking the big plunge. They are better advised to objectively weigh pros and cons of teaming up with someone for life at the risk of alienation from current environment. It is particularly the girls who are at greater peril and must guard against flirts who abound. A casual approach can bring misery to scores of members of two families.
However, it is the job of family seniors and community elders to create awareness about pitfalls of immature infatuation in the guise of sacred love. Let us assume for a moment that the boys were worst frauds, fiends and Casanovas. But, it is not for the judicial babus to turn into guardians of morality. The learned judges are free to resign, become preachers and sermonize about the dangers of getting married against the wishes of their parents. Instead, by directing the police to take action against 'Love Jihad' movement (if it exists), saying that the matter had "national ramifications concerning security, besides the question of unlawful trafficking of women," the judiciary has exposed itself as Mohabbat ka Dushman! Here we have 'honourable' judges who abuse power to direct that a 20-plus female – budding engineer or MBA aspirant to boot – must go back and live with her parents. It is cruel, not funny, to see mutual love among people not permitted to love each other and being condemned. Such tyranny after she had decided on some boy as her love partner and to enroll herself willingly to get acquainted with his environment, moreover, smacks of raw male chauvinism.
More criminal is to overload an awfully understaffed police force, struggling to carry out its responsibilities, to waste public time in what is not their business. Just because the Indian courts have draconian powers to pull up dissenters for contempt of court, media people are afraid to speak up against their tyranny. Ironically, even after the top cop failed to manufacture evidence of any organized syndicate, he has been directed to waste more time and public money in the mission.
It is time that Indian judiciary is purged outdated mindsets portraying medieval orthodoxy. The esteem of the institution, voted in a Transparency International survey to be the most corrupt after the revenue bureaucracy, will fall further if members are permitted to stray out of their designated role at will.
http://twocircles.net/2009oct29/dharma_yudh_needed_against_mohabbat_ke_dushmans.html
AAPSU for firm steps to curb violence against NE students
ITANAGAR, Oct 28: The apex students organization of the State, All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) today called for sincere and concerted measures from all concerned to curb the repeated violence being inflicted on students from the North-east studying in various parts of the country.
The Union condemned the molestation of an Arunachalee girl and the gruesome murder of a Naga girl in New Delhi in the last couple of days. It expressed fear that such incidents would have far reaching consequences and would further aggravate the imbalance between the region and mainland India. It urged upon the Delhi Government as well as the Central Government to deal with iron hands with perpetrators and sympathizers of such crimes.
The Union is leading a delegation to the national capital on October 30 next headed by its president Takam Tatung to meet Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and other Central leaders. Besides the issue of safety of North-east students and crime committed by mainstream Indians against people from the region, the Union would raise the issue of the repeated claims over Arunachal Pradesh by China.
The Union said, all elected members of Parliament from the region and all State governments of the North-east, cutting across party lines, needed to get together to voice their stand against all atrocities committed on people from the region.
It has further resolved to take the issue to the North East Students’ Organization (NESO) platform to give a united stand of the North East.
The Union condemned the molestation of an Arunachalee girl and the gruesome murder of a Naga girl in New Delhi in the last couple of days. It expressed fear that such incidents would have far reaching consequences and would further aggravate the imbalance between the region and mainland India. It urged upon the Delhi Government as well as the Central Government to deal with iron hands with perpetrators and sympathizers of such crimes.
The Union is leading a delegation to the national capital on October 30 next headed by its president Takam Tatung to meet Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and other Central leaders. Besides the issue of safety of North-east students and crime committed by mainstream Indians against people from the region, the Union would raise the issue of the repeated claims over Arunachal Pradesh by China.
The Union said, all elected members of Parliament from the region and all State governments of the North-east, cutting across party lines, needed to get together to voice their stand against all atrocities committed on people from the region.
It has further resolved to take the issue to the North East Students’ Organization (NESO) platform to give a united stand of the North East.
Bangla business delegation offers opportunities to Meghalaya
SHILLONG, Oct 28 – Bangladeshi business delegates today proposed setting up of a joint venture cement plant in Bangladesh with Meghalaya’s equity share being in limestone and Bangladesh providing infrastructure and capital.
The business delegates said Bangladesh has the requisite capital and power for the cement plant and Meghalaya has the raw material and both sides could work together for mutual benefit.
“Meghalaya’s equity share can be limestone export and Bangladesh would provide the rest (capital, infrastructure and power) and the profits can be shared equally between the two sides,” India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) president, Abdul Matlub Ahmed proposed during his visit here to forge bilateral ties.
Ahmed added capital and power for the proposed cement plant was readily available in Bangladesh all that was required was nod from Meghalaya to supply limestone from its vast reservoir and forge an equal partnership deal.
There is a shortage of 10 million ton of cement in Bangladesh annually. The cement plant set up by French cement manufacturing giant Lafarge in Chattak, Bangladesh with limestone imported from Shella Meghalaya has a capacity to produce 1.2 million ton annually.
“There is a great business opportunity for setting up a cement manufacturing unit to bridge the shortage and both Meghalaya and Bangladesh would equally benefit by entering into a joint venture in this sector,” the IBCCI chief said.
During their meeting with Chief Minister DD Lapang, the Bangladeshi side further urged the Meghalaya government to purchase “world class” garments from Bangladesh at a competitive price.
“The government of India has allowed duty free import of eight million garments of which four million has already been sold out. We have asked the Meghalaya government to buy at least one million pieces,” Ahmed said.
The business delegates said Bangladesh has the requisite capital and power for the cement plant and Meghalaya has the raw material and both sides could work together for mutual benefit.
“Meghalaya’s equity share can be limestone export and Bangladesh would provide the rest (capital, infrastructure and power) and the profits can be shared equally between the two sides,” India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) president, Abdul Matlub Ahmed proposed during his visit here to forge bilateral ties.
Ahmed added capital and power for the proposed cement plant was readily available in Bangladesh all that was required was nod from Meghalaya to supply limestone from its vast reservoir and forge an equal partnership deal.
There is a shortage of 10 million ton of cement in Bangladesh annually. The cement plant set up by French cement manufacturing giant Lafarge in Chattak, Bangladesh with limestone imported from Shella Meghalaya has a capacity to produce 1.2 million ton annually.
“There is a great business opportunity for setting up a cement manufacturing unit to bridge the shortage and both Meghalaya and Bangladesh would equally benefit by entering into a joint venture in this sector,” the IBCCI chief said.
During their meeting with Chief Minister DD Lapang, the Bangladeshi side further urged the Meghalaya government to purchase “world class” garments from Bangladesh at a competitive price.
“The government of India has allowed duty free import of eight million garments of which four million has already been sold out. We have asked the Meghalaya government to buy at least one million pieces,” Ahmed said.
Murder of Naga girl in Delhi condemned
IMPHAL, Oct 28 – The mortal remains of Naga girl Ramchanphy Hongray (19) who was raped and murdered in Delhi on October 24 last, was brought back here and a funeral service was held at her Green Land residence in Ukhrul district headquarters, 80 km north east of here on Wednesday.
According to family members, Ramchanphy Hongray, daughter of Ramyo Hongray of Green Land Ukhrul, went to Delhi to visit her elder sister who works there since four months back and since she was new at the place stayed most of the time indoor while her elder sister went to work.
Pushpa Kumar Sinha (30), a PhD student of IIT who was also staying in the same apartment as a tenant, took full advantage of her staying alone and on October 24, he entered the victim’s room and reportedly raped her before murdering her.
However, when he was listed as one of the suspects, he surrendered himself to the Vasant Vihar police station at Munirka and confessed his crime.
According to family members, Ramchanphy Hongray, daughter of Ramyo Hongray of Green Land Ukhrul, went to Delhi to visit her elder sister who works there since four months back and since she was new at the place stayed most of the time indoor while her elder sister went to work.
Pushpa Kumar Sinha (30), a PhD student of IIT who was also staying in the same apartment as a tenant, took full advantage of her staying alone and on October 24, he entered the victim’s room and reportedly raped her before murdering her.
However, when he was listed as one of the suspects, he surrendered himself to the Vasant Vihar police station at Munirka and confessed his crime.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
B’desh-NE for better economic relations
SHILLONG, Oct 27: Entrepreneurs from Bangladesh and India are looking to the existing trade avenues in both countries to further the Northeast India trade links with Bangladesh. Many of those who took part in the interactive session organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Shillong were unanimous on the need to exploit the existing markets and to further up the economic ties between the two countries.
Harping on Bangladesh markets for Meghalaya products and the advantages, the president of India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI), Anisul Haq today, said: “This potential needs to be exploited for our mutual economic benefits.”
Mentioning about the horticultural products and power as the new markets that Bangladesh can offer, the IBCCI president, however, felt that a transparent government policy and frequent people-to-people contacts can turn this aspiration into a reality. The IBCCI president also offered the booming textile products of Bangladesh as one of the items to India’s Northeast.
President of the India Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI), Abdul Matlub Ahmad said let today’s interactive session to have a road map for India’s Northeast trade links with Bangladesh have a new beginning for mutual benefits. “We have an age-old socio-economic ties and its revival is imperative from whichever point that we wanted to start”, stated Ahmad. The Indian side represented by the Frontier Chamber of Commerce, the Meghalaya Chamber of Commerce, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister and top government officials endorsed the Bangladeshi views. Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister BM Lanong spoke about better economic ties between the Northeast and Bangladesh for mutual benefits, but it was State Chief Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee’s statement about the reopening of border haats (markets) as a possible turning point to the quest for mutual economic benefits. Chatterjee said, “It will be better to transform these border markets in special economic zones in and around 20 km radius of the international borders”.
Earlier, a delegation of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) and the Indo-Bangla Chamber of Commerce led by the President of FBCCI, Annisul Hud, today met the Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr DD Lapang in his office chamber to discuss the improvement of trade relations between Bangladesh and India through Meghalaya.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister BM Lanong, Forest and Environment Minister RC Laloo, GAD Minister Prestone Tynsong, Chief Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee and Commissioner and Secretary, Industries, A Som.
The meeting discussed the issues of improvement of trade ties between India and Bangladesh via Meghalaya and exploring investment opportunities in different sectors in the State.
Harping on Bangladesh markets for Meghalaya products and the advantages, the president of India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI), Anisul Haq today, said: “This potential needs to be exploited for our mutual economic benefits.”
Mentioning about the horticultural products and power as the new markets that Bangladesh can offer, the IBCCI president, however, felt that a transparent government policy and frequent people-to-people contacts can turn this aspiration into a reality. The IBCCI president also offered the booming textile products of Bangladesh as one of the items to India’s Northeast.
President of the India Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI), Abdul Matlub Ahmad said let today’s interactive session to have a road map for India’s Northeast trade links with Bangladesh have a new beginning for mutual benefits. “We have an age-old socio-economic ties and its revival is imperative from whichever point that we wanted to start”, stated Ahmad. The Indian side represented by the Frontier Chamber of Commerce, the Meghalaya Chamber of Commerce, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister and top government officials endorsed the Bangladeshi views. Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister BM Lanong spoke about better economic ties between the Northeast and Bangladesh for mutual benefits, but it was State Chief Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee’s statement about the reopening of border haats (markets) as a possible turning point to the quest for mutual economic benefits. Chatterjee said, “It will be better to transform these border markets in special economic zones in and around 20 km radius of the international borders”.
Earlier, a delegation of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) and the Indo-Bangla Chamber of Commerce led by the President of FBCCI, Annisul Hud, today met the Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr DD Lapang in his office chamber to discuss the improvement of trade relations between Bangladesh and India through Meghalaya.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister BM Lanong, Forest and Environment Minister RC Laloo, GAD Minister Prestone Tynsong, Chief Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee and Commissioner and Secretary, Industries, A Som.
The meeting discussed the issues of improvement of trade ties between India and Bangladesh via Meghalaya and exploring investment opportunities in different sectors in the State.
Hafijur Raman passes away
MANGALDAI, Oct 27: Darrang Additional Deputy Commissioner Hafijur Rahman is no more. An officer of high integrity, devotion and commitment yet very simple in his lifestyle Hafijur Rahman left for the heavenly abode in a private nursing home here on the afternoon of Monday leaving behind his aged mother, wife, three grown-up daughters, two brothers and a good number of relatives and well wishers. He was suffering from diabetes and was shifted to the nursing home as he confronted with a stroke. He was planning for the kidney transplant surgery in a hospital outside the State and was scheduled to leave on October 31. The sudden demise of this well-known administrative officer has created a sense of deep shock, pain and grief not only among his family friends or relatives, but people from different walks of life made a beeline to his residence at Ward No. 2 of Mangaldai town immediately on receipt of the news of his sudden demise. Darrang Deputy Commissioner Dhruba Hazarika, Superintendent of Police Imdadul Hussain Bora and all the officers and employees of the DC’s office also rushed to his home to offer their last respect. The janaja of this reputed administrative officer was performed in his native village at Bordoulguri this morning in presence of a large number of mourners including Darrang Deputy Commissioner Dhruba Hazarika, former Legislator Basanta Das. The Darrang Police also offered their last respect to the departed soul.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
One arrested on charge of rape and murder of Northeast girl
NEW DELHI, Oct 26: Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has assured former Arunachal Pradesh MP Kiren Rijiju of taking all measures for the protection of Northeast students in the national capital. The last two consecutive days, two girls from the region were allegedly molested and raped, and one them was murdered.
A Naga girl (19) from Manipur was reportedly raped and murdered in Delhi on October 24. Dikshit is for a CBI inquiry into the case and immediate action to stop such racial attack on the people from the Northeast living in Delhi.
According to the North East Support Centre & Helpline, Ramchanphy Hongrei from Manipur was found charred in her rented house in Murnika. The people of the Northeast living in the area claim that she was raped and murdered.
The police arrested a suspect — Papal Kumar Singh (30), a Ph.D candidate from IIT, New Delhi. He will be produced before Patiala court tomorrow.
A 22-year-old girl from Arunachal Pradesh was molested by a group of schoolboys in the New Friends Colony on October 22. In another accident, another girl from Manipur was molested by a man in Naraina on the night of October 15 while she was on her way back home from work.
The North East Support Centre and Helpline has submitted a memorandum to the Delhi Chief Minister demanding a high-level inquiry into the October 24 incident and take up immediate steps to ensure safety to the students from the Northeast in Delhi.
A Naga girl (19) from Manipur was reportedly raped and murdered in Delhi on October 24. Dikshit is for a CBI inquiry into the case and immediate action to stop such racial attack on the people from the Northeast living in Delhi.
According to the North East Support Centre & Helpline, Ramchanphy Hongrei from Manipur was found charred in her rented house in Murnika. The people of the Northeast living in the area claim that she was raped and murdered.
The police arrested a suspect — Papal Kumar Singh (30), a Ph.D candidate from IIT, New Delhi. He will be produced before Patiala court tomorrow.
A 22-year-old girl from Arunachal Pradesh was molested by a group of schoolboys in the New Friends Colony on October 22. In another accident, another girl from Manipur was molested by a man in Naraina on the night of October 15 while she was on her way back home from work.
The North East Support Centre and Helpline has submitted a memorandum to the Delhi Chief Minister demanding a high-level inquiry into the October 24 incident and take up immediate steps to ensure safety to the students from the Northeast in Delhi.
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Four Waves of Muslim Immigration to America
The concept of the Muslim in America is perceived to be a relatively new phenomena. The idea of the bearded man or the hijab-wearing woman prostrating en mass in a mosque to Allah (swt), instead of singing a hymn to Jesus in a church, is an image that has seemingly only really crept into the collective conscious of the American mind after September 11, 2001.
The Muslim in America has been juxtaposed over the silhouette of the 'Other'. That vague being whose existence is a threat to your existence. The one who societies all over the world need when they wake up to their reality. For some, it is the 'White Man', for others it's the 'corporations', or the 'capitalists', or the 'West'. Sometimes the juxtaposed figure is more clear and specific; the 'Jews', the 'Americans', the 'Iranians', etc. In America, it seems for now the target is the Muslims. I would think this stems from the events of September 11, and the greater realization that the threat of violence from a foreign entity leaves no one immune, followed, hopefully, by an equal realization, if not greater that everyone has some blood on their hands.
If having awoken to such a reality that one, warm September morning, one must understand that the image that has been painted of the Muslim in America is nothing like the image that has been blown up and muralized by the Glenn Becks and Anne Coulters of the world.
There is a face behind that beard and behind that hijab that is shrouded in the American immigrant experience, not unlike the Irsh or Italians. And just like the Irish and Italians, Muslims have been landing on the shores of the United States for over a century.
In fact, the number of Muslims in America has risen dramatically in the last half-century through immigration, procreation, and conversion. Of the 3.6 million who call America their home, about two-thirds of the total are immigrants from countries where the majority of the population is Muslim. The vast majority of the rest are converts.
This increasing presence of Muslims, as well as the accompanying awareness of their existence by the American media, media pundits, and other television and radio personalities, it is only fair to observe the origins of their arrival.
As such, I've compiled the 4 waves of immigration responsible for bringing Muslims to the shores of Ellis Island and beyond.
First Wave - Pre-World Wars (1875 to 1908)
Muslims from the Middle East began to migrate to the United States in approximately 1875. The first wave came primarily from what was known as Syria, which was later divided into modern Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine. Most of the arrivals were labourers, uneducated, unskilled, and from peasant backgrounds. Motivated by success stories brought back from Lebanese Christians who had preceded them, they expected to achieve a degree of financial prosperity and then return to their native countries. Lacking proficiency in English, many became peddlers. Others found employment in factories and mines, or became grocers and shopkeepers. Their willingness to work hard often brought not only capital but improved social status and living conditions. Many who had intended temporary stay soon knew they would not leave. Those who did return to their homelands encouraged others to venture forth for a similar experience.
Second Wave - Post World Wars (1909 to 1946)
Historic events periodically interrupted this flow of immigration and changed its character. The First World War ended the first major wave; the second, which peaked in the 1930s, was brought to a halt by World War II. During much of this time, immigration laws were blatantly discriminatory. Some hopeful immigrants were blatantly turned back at Ellis Island, and in many cases, Middle Easterners found it difficult to obtain citizenship. At one point, they were denied citizenship because of officials, using the criteria of colour and shape of nose could not determine which race they belonged to. Restrictive laws limited the number of who were allowed to enter, with preference given to relatives of earlier immigrants.
Third Wave - Post-War (1947 to mid-1960s)
The Third Wave of immigration, which took place between 1947 and the mid-1960s, effected changing circumstances in Muslim countries. Many who left their homes during this period did so to escape political oppression. Unlike the earlier immigrants, they were often well-educated and from influential families. The largest group consisted of Palestinians displaced by Israel, but there were many from other lands, such as Egyptians whose property had been nationalized by Gamel Abdul Nasser; Iraqi's fleeing their country after the 1958 revolution; Syrians of position who had been excluded from government participation; and East European Muslims from countries like Yugoslavia, Albania, and the Soviet Union, escaping from communist rule.
Fourth Wave - (mid-1960s to present)
The Fourth Wave, which began in 1967 and continues to the present, consists mainly of those who are educated, fluid in English, and Westernized. They came from a wide variety of countries, including many beyond the Middle East. These Muslims have not come to make a fortune and return home, but to settle, to participate in American affluence, and to obtain higher education and advanced technical training for specialized work opportunities. Many are also seeking freedom from what they see as oppressive ideologies in their places of origin. There are of course some exceptions such as displaced refugees from war-torn countries like Palestine, Iraq, etc.
Muslim immigrants have adapted their religious practices to the requirements of American society in varying ways. The earlier immigrants tended to settle with fellow Muslims, if possible with those of similar ethnic backgrounds, but were generally too busy with economic survival to make much attempt to promote Islam on a community level. This factor, plus their relatively small numbers and the fact that many of them saw their American residence as only temporary, inhibited the establishment of Islamic organizations. But as the number of permanent immigrants increased, so did the awareness that the practitioners of their faith could only be maintained by the initiation of new, native-born generations into the fold. Those who intended to stay, thus began gradually to develop the organizations and institutions required to preserve the faith.
Conversions gradually became a normative experience for the Muslim communities in America. Remnants of which we see in the effluence of Islam among Black Americans.
So while the media, its pundits, and the general population continue to see visuals of American Muslims, the idea of the Muslim-American itself is over 100 years old, and representative of an experience as American as any other.
At its present rate, by the year 2015, Islam will be the second-largest religion in the United States. And as wars continue to wage in their homelands, it's only natural that many more Muslims will immigrate. So rather than stigmatize and stereotype Muslims as monolithic and as an entity objectified as the 'Other', it would be much easier and much more progressive to accept and celebrate the diversity that Muslims bring to the American experience and have been bringing for generations.
References:
A Century of Islam in America by Syed Dr. Yvonne Y. Haddad
Hamdard Islamicus Vol. XXI No. 4. 1997.
The Muslim in America has been juxtaposed over the silhouette of the 'Other'. That vague being whose existence is a threat to your existence. The one who societies all over the world need when they wake up to their reality. For some, it is the 'White Man', for others it's the 'corporations', or the 'capitalists', or the 'West'. Sometimes the juxtaposed figure is more clear and specific; the 'Jews', the 'Americans', the 'Iranians', etc. In America, it seems for now the target is the Muslims. I would think this stems from the events of September 11, and the greater realization that the threat of violence from a foreign entity leaves no one immune, followed, hopefully, by an equal realization, if not greater that everyone has some blood on their hands.
If having awoken to such a reality that one, warm September morning, one must understand that the image that has been painted of the Muslim in America is nothing like the image that has been blown up and muralized by the Glenn Becks and Anne Coulters of the world.
There is a face behind that beard and behind that hijab that is shrouded in the American immigrant experience, not unlike the Irsh or Italians. And just like the Irish and Italians, Muslims have been landing on the shores of the United States for over a century.
In fact, the number of Muslims in America has risen dramatically in the last half-century through immigration, procreation, and conversion. Of the 3.6 million who call America their home, about two-thirds of the total are immigrants from countries where the majority of the population is Muslim. The vast majority of the rest are converts.
This increasing presence of Muslims, as well as the accompanying awareness of their existence by the American media, media pundits, and other television and radio personalities, it is only fair to observe the origins of their arrival.
As such, I've compiled the 4 waves of immigration responsible for bringing Muslims to the shores of Ellis Island and beyond.
First Wave - Pre-World Wars (1875 to 1908)
Muslims from the Middle East began to migrate to the United States in approximately 1875. The first wave came primarily from what was known as Syria, which was later divided into modern Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine. Most of the arrivals were labourers, uneducated, unskilled, and from peasant backgrounds. Motivated by success stories brought back from Lebanese Christians who had preceded them, they expected to achieve a degree of financial prosperity and then return to their native countries. Lacking proficiency in English, many became peddlers. Others found employment in factories and mines, or became grocers and shopkeepers. Their willingness to work hard often brought not only capital but improved social status and living conditions. Many who had intended temporary stay soon knew they would not leave. Those who did return to their homelands encouraged others to venture forth for a similar experience.
Second Wave - Post World Wars (1909 to 1946)
Historic events periodically interrupted this flow of immigration and changed its character. The First World War ended the first major wave; the second, which peaked in the 1930s, was brought to a halt by World War II. During much of this time, immigration laws were blatantly discriminatory. Some hopeful immigrants were blatantly turned back at Ellis Island, and in many cases, Middle Easterners found it difficult to obtain citizenship. At one point, they were denied citizenship because of officials, using the criteria of colour and shape of nose could not determine which race they belonged to. Restrictive laws limited the number of who were allowed to enter, with preference given to relatives of earlier immigrants.
Third Wave - Post-War (1947 to mid-1960s)
The Third Wave of immigration, which took place between 1947 and the mid-1960s, effected changing circumstances in Muslim countries. Many who left their homes during this period did so to escape political oppression. Unlike the earlier immigrants, they were often well-educated and from influential families. The largest group consisted of Palestinians displaced by Israel, but there were many from other lands, such as Egyptians whose property had been nationalized by Gamel Abdul Nasser; Iraqi's fleeing their country after the 1958 revolution; Syrians of position who had been excluded from government participation; and East European Muslims from countries like Yugoslavia, Albania, and the Soviet Union, escaping from communist rule.
Fourth Wave - (mid-1960s to present)
The Fourth Wave, which began in 1967 and continues to the present, consists mainly of those who are educated, fluid in English, and Westernized. They came from a wide variety of countries, including many beyond the Middle East. These Muslims have not come to make a fortune and return home, but to settle, to participate in American affluence, and to obtain higher education and advanced technical training for specialized work opportunities. Many are also seeking freedom from what they see as oppressive ideologies in their places of origin. There are of course some exceptions such as displaced refugees from war-torn countries like Palestine, Iraq, etc.
Muslim immigrants have adapted their religious practices to the requirements of American society in varying ways. The earlier immigrants tended to settle with fellow Muslims, if possible with those of similar ethnic backgrounds, but were generally too busy with economic survival to make much attempt to promote Islam on a community level. This factor, plus their relatively small numbers and the fact that many of them saw their American residence as only temporary, inhibited the establishment of Islamic organizations. But as the number of permanent immigrants increased, so did the awareness that the practitioners of their faith could only be maintained by the initiation of new, native-born generations into the fold. Those who intended to stay, thus began gradually to develop the organizations and institutions required to preserve the faith.
Conversions gradually became a normative experience for the Muslim communities in America. Remnants of which we see in the effluence of Islam among Black Americans.
So while the media, its pundits, and the general population continue to see visuals of American Muslims, the idea of the Muslim-American itself is over 100 years old, and representative of an experience as American as any other.
At its present rate, by the year 2015, Islam will be the second-largest religion in the United States. And as wars continue to wage in their homelands, it's only natural that many more Muslims will immigrate. So rather than stigmatize and stereotype Muslims as monolithic and as an entity objectified as the 'Other', it would be much easier and much more progressive to accept and celebrate the diversity that Muslims bring to the American experience and have been bringing for generations.
References:
A Century of Islam in America by Syed Dr. Yvonne Y. Haddad
Hamdard Islamicus Vol. XXI No. 4. 1997.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Ex-Maharashtra IG smashes India's “Islamic terrorism” myth in a new book
Book: Who Killed Karkare? The Real Face of Terrorism in India
Author: SM Mushrif
Price: Rs 300/ USD 25
Pages: 319
Publisher: Pharos Media (www.pharosmedia.com), New Delhi
By M Zeyaul Haque,
A new book curiously titled Who Killed Karkare? says a nationwide network of Hindutva terror that has its tentacles spread up to Nepal and Israel is out to destroy the India most Indians have known for ages and to remould it into some kind of Afghanistan under the Taliban.
The writer, a former IG Police of Maharashtra, SM Mushrif, has reconstructed a fearsome picture out of former Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare’s chargesheet against alleged Hindutva terrorists like Lt. Col. Purohit, Sadhvi Pragyasingh Thakur and others.
The chargesheet pointed towards a mind-boggling nationwide conspiracy with international support to destabilise the constitutional order and the secular democratic Indian state that upholds it, to be replaced by a Hindutva state run according to a new Constitution. For that the conspirators were prepared for a massive bloodbath, using bomb attacks on religious places to trigger an anti-Muslim holocaust.
Mushrif, who has over three decades of diligent policing behind him and whose feats include exposing the Telgi scam, has made an elaborate case out of nearly a dozen blasts over a large area of the country conducted by Hindutva terror groups of different stripes. His case: a section of India’s intelligence services, a miniscule group in the armed forces and a section of different state police forces have been compromised and infiltrated by these elements, a development that bodes ill for the future of the country.
In Hemant Karkare’s net (of investigations, of course) many big and small fishes of VHP, RSS, Bajrang Dal and Sanatan Sanstha (which has been found to be involved in Diwali-eve blasts in Goa last week) had been trapped. Serving and retired army officers, academics, serving and retired officials of India’s premier intelligence service were ensnared in Karkare’s fishing net. The menacing power of the latter groups, inspired by sustained anti-Muslim hate campaigns of the last six decades, gave the plot a sinister and highly destructive character.
Among the plans unearthed by Karkare was a blueprint for the assassination of 70 prominent Indians who could by a hindrance to the project of Hindutva. Interestingly, most of the persons marked for elimination would, naturally, be Hindus because it is they who primarily run the dispensation. The conspirators were also unhappy with organisations whose Hindutva they suspected to be less virulent than desired.
Mushrif, who very well knows the power of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to make or mar lives and careers, says he is prepared to face the consequences of hostility of this power hub. He musters “evidence” to show that the IB has regularly been interfering with regular police investigations to let Hindutva terrorists slip out of the net and replace them with random Muslim youth. To fudge the issues further obliging police officers in the states would not mind exterminating a few Muslim youth to be branded posthumously as “terrorists”.
There are quite a few number of such cases where such extra-judicial killing of Muslim youth has turned out to be false police encounters. All this is done to cover tracks of Hindutva terror. Mushrif says a “Brahminist” network that has its origins in Maharashtra, and is closely knit across political parties, government services, including IB, and other vital sectors of life is behind the terror that seeks to destroy the secular, democratic state. He hastens to clarify that very few Brahminists are Brahmins. Many are from other high Hindu castes, some from middle and lower castes.
Most Brahmins are fair-minded and would not like to associate themselves with hate ideologies. Hemant Karkare, too, was a Brahmin, Mushrif says. So is Mushrif’s son-in-law.
It is pertinent to note that “Brahminism” and “Brahminical order” first appeared in Dalit protest vocabulary in the Dalit uprising movement in Maharashtra towards the turn of the 20th century. Mushrif, who appropriates part of this vocabulary for the present discourse, says that Maharashtra still remains the centre of this ideology that, among other things, has the dubious distinction of killing the Father of the Nation.
The power establishment that really runs the affairs of this country (Mushrif says it is not Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh or Rahul Gandhi) does not want to expose the Hindutva terrorists. One example is the blasts in Samjhauta Express, which the IB said was carried out by Pakistan’s ISI. Mushrif quotes a report in The Times of India that said, “the Centre had blamed the ISI on the basis of the IB’s findings.” However, during a narco-analysis test under Karkare, Lt. Col. Purohit had admitted having supplied the RDX used in the blast. The IB, which draws its power from its proximity to the Prime Minister (its director briefs the PM every morning for half an hour), did not want Karkare’s investigation that blew the cover off the IB’s shenanigans, to continue.
Once Karkare was removed from the scene, the IB moved in to fill his position with KP Raghuvanshi, a pliant police officer with extremely low credibility among Muslims for his record of letting off known Hindutva terrorists and implicating innocent Muslim youth even in bomb attack cases on mosques.
There are quite a few interesting vignettes here, like Raghuvanshi and Col. Purohit’s association with Abhinav Bharat in Maharashtra, whose hand was evident in a series of blasts across the country. It has old connections with men like Veer Damodar Savarkar (whose relative Himani Savarkar leads the Abhinav Bharat movement), Dr Munje, who led the Hindu Mahasabha, and other Hindutva luminaries. It is at the Bhonsala Military Academy run by these groups that Purohit trained police officers, including Raghuvanshi. Mushrif asks a pertinent question: Will Raghuvanshi pursue the investigation against Purohit, his guru? A plausible answer is, perhaps no. Already charges have been dropped by a special court under MCOCA against 11 accused, including Purohit, on the grounds of insufficient evidence produced in the court by the prosecution.
This was just the beginning of the undoing of Karkare’s painstaking investigation. Mushrif says slowly the system is working to undo all of Karkare’s work and let off the terrorists who over the years destroyed scores of lives and wreaked irreparable economic damage. The ATS team under Karkare had pointed out VHP leader Praveen Togadia’s role in the blasts. The ATS under Raghuvanshi dropped the investigation against him saying (please hold your laughter) they do not know who Togadia is!
A number of investigations have been thus sabotaged by the powers that be and the tracks of the Hinduta terrorists duly covered. The 319-page book is crammed with such information.
But what about who killed Karkare? Mushrif says two teams were at work on 26/11 – one which did the maximum damage, and was from outside. The smaller team took advantage of the confusion of the moment and acted only on the relatively small CST-CAMA-Rangbhavan stretch that killed Karkare. It was a desi unit that wanted Karkare and his men out of the way.
(Courtesy: The Milli Gazette)
http://twocircles.net/2009oct23/ex_maharashtra_ig_smashes_indias_islamic_terrorism_myth_new_book.html
Author: SM Mushrif
Price: Rs 300/ USD 25
Pages: 319
Publisher: Pharos Media (www.pharosmedia.com), New Delhi
By M Zeyaul Haque,
A new book curiously titled Who Killed Karkare? says a nationwide network of Hindutva terror that has its tentacles spread up to Nepal and Israel is out to destroy the India most Indians have known for ages and to remould it into some kind of Afghanistan under the Taliban.
The writer, a former IG Police of Maharashtra, SM Mushrif, has reconstructed a fearsome picture out of former Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare’s chargesheet against alleged Hindutva terrorists like Lt. Col. Purohit, Sadhvi Pragyasingh Thakur and others.
The chargesheet pointed towards a mind-boggling nationwide conspiracy with international support to destabilise the constitutional order and the secular democratic Indian state that upholds it, to be replaced by a Hindutva state run according to a new Constitution. For that the conspirators were prepared for a massive bloodbath, using bomb attacks on religious places to trigger an anti-Muslim holocaust.
Mushrif, who has over three decades of diligent policing behind him and whose feats include exposing the Telgi scam, has made an elaborate case out of nearly a dozen blasts over a large area of the country conducted by Hindutva terror groups of different stripes. His case: a section of India’s intelligence services, a miniscule group in the armed forces and a section of different state police forces have been compromised and infiltrated by these elements, a development that bodes ill for the future of the country.
In Hemant Karkare’s net (of investigations, of course) many big and small fishes of VHP, RSS, Bajrang Dal and Sanatan Sanstha (which has been found to be involved in Diwali-eve blasts in Goa last week) had been trapped. Serving and retired army officers, academics, serving and retired officials of India’s premier intelligence service were ensnared in Karkare’s fishing net. The menacing power of the latter groups, inspired by sustained anti-Muslim hate campaigns of the last six decades, gave the plot a sinister and highly destructive character.
Among the plans unearthed by Karkare was a blueprint for the assassination of 70 prominent Indians who could by a hindrance to the project of Hindutva. Interestingly, most of the persons marked for elimination would, naturally, be Hindus because it is they who primarily run the dispensation. The conspirators were also unhappy with organisations whose Hindutva they suspected to be less virulent than desired.
Mushrif, who very well knows the power of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to make or mar lives and careers, says he is prepared to face the consequences of hostility of this power hub. He musters “evidence” to show that the IB has regularly been interfering with regular police investigations to let Hindutva terrorists slip out of the net and replace them with random Muslim youth. To fudge the issues further obliging police officers in the states would not mind exterminating a few Muslim youth to be branded posthumously as “terrorists”.
There are quite a few number of such cases where such extra-judicial killing of Muslim youth has turned out to be false police encounters. All this is done to cover tracks of Hindutva terror. Mushrif says a “Brahminist” network that has its origins in Maharashtra, and is closely knit across political parties, government services, including IB, and other vital sectors of life is behind the terror that seeks to destroy the secular, democratic state. He hastens to clarify that very few Brahminists are Brahmins. Many are from other high Hindu castes, some from middle and lower castes.
Most Brahmins are fair-minded and would not like to associate themselves with hate ideologies. Hemant Karkare, too, was a Brahmin, Mushrif says. So is Mushrif’s son-in-law.
It is pertinent to note that “Brahminism” and “Brahminical order” first appeared in Dalit protest vocabulary in the Dalit uprising movement in Maharashtra towards the turn of the 20th century. Mushrif, who appropriates part of this vocabulary for the present discourse, says that Maharashtra still remains the centre of this ideology that, among other things, has the dubious distinction of killing the Father of the Nation.
The power establishment that really runs the affairs of this country (Mushrif says it is not Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh or Rahul Gandhi) does not want to expose the Hindutva terrorists. One example is the blasts in Samjhauta Express, which the IB said was carried out by Pakistan’s ISI. Mushrif quotes a report in The Times of India that said, “the Centre had blamed the ISI on the basis of the IB’s findings.” However, during a narco-analysis test under Karkare, Lt. Col. Purohit had admitted having supplied the RDX used in the blast. The IB, which draws its power from its proximity to the Prime Minister (its director briefs the PM every morning for half an hour), did not want Karkare’s investigation that blew the cover off the IB’s shenanigans, to continue.
Once Karkare was removed from the scene, the IB moved in to fill his position with KP Raghuvanshi, a pliant police officer with extremely low credibility among Muslims for his record of letting off known Hindutva terrorists and implicating innocent Muslim youth even in bomb attack cases on mosques.
There are quite a few interesting vignettes here, like Raghuvanshi and Col. Purohit’s association with Abhinav Bharat in Maharashtra, whose hand was evident in a series of blasts across the country. It has old connections with men like Veer Damodar Savarkar (whose relative Himani Savarkar leads the Abhinav Bharat movement), Dr Munje, who led the Hindu Mahasabha, and other Hindutva luminaries. It is at the Bhonsala Military Academy run by these groups that Purohit trained police officers, including Raghuvanshi. Mushrif asks a pertinent question: Will Raghuvanshi pursue the investigation against Purohit, his guru? A plausible answer is, perhaps no. Already charges have been dropped by a special court under MCOCA against 11 accused, including Purohit, on the grounds of insufficient evidence produced in the court by the prosecution.
This was just the beginning of the undoing of Karkare’s painstaking investigation. Mushrif says slowly the system is working to undo all of Karkare’s work and let off the terrorists who over the years destroyed scores of lives and wreaked irreparable economic damage. The ATS team under Karkare had pointed out VHP leader Praveen Togadia’s role in the blasts. The ATS under Raghuvanshi dropped the investigation against him saying (please hold your laughter) they do not know who Togadia is!
A number of investigations have been thus sabotaged by the powers that be and the tracks of the Hinduta terrorists duly covered. The 319-page book is crammed with such information.
But what about who killed Karkare? Mushrif says two teams were at work on 26/11 – one which did the maximum damage, and was from outside. The smaller team took advantage of the confusion of the moment and acted only on the relatively small CST-CAMA-Rangbhavan stretch that killed Karkare. It was a desi unit that wanted Karkare and his men out of the way.
(Courtesy: The Milli Gazette)
http://twocircles.net/2009oct23/ex_maharashtra_ig_smashes_indias_islamic_terrorism_myth_new_book.html
Namaz at India Islamic Cultural Centre
Photo & text by Kashif-ul-Huda, TwoCircles.net
The building of the India Islamic Cultural Center (IICC) takes your breath away. The beautiful dome, intricate calligraphy and delicate design in beautiful Persian tiles make you spellbound. The administration of IICC can be forgiven for taking 22 years to complete its construction.
Between Indira Gandhi laying the foundation stone of the Centre on August 24, 1984 and her daughter-in-law inaugurating it on June 12, 2006, it took many people and much money to see to its completion. It is a beautiful example of Muslim’s and the Indian government coming together to give shape to an institution.
With the objective to “promote understanding among the people of different religion and help the promotion of the cause of national integration,” IICC has quickly become an important institution.
Last year, it saw a bitter fight between businessman Sirajuddin Qureshi and present Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid for the post of the president. Though Mr. Qureshi was able to win the election easily, the quarrel symbolizes the prestige of the institution.
Though it has become a hub of Muslim related activities like seminars, conferences, and meetings, the space allocated for namaz (prayers) seems to be an after-thought. You have to go down a flight of stairs to get to the place. Though there is a proper wuzu-khana the musalla (prayer place) is neatly tucked away from important parts of the building. It is out in the open with only a few rows with overhead covering. During winter the musalla moves in-doors in the basement. I did not see any place for women to offer prayers. There is no mihrab, dome or beautiful columns as is found in other masaajid of India. In short, the building does a wonderful job of hiding an important pillar of Islam.
Namaz at IICC [IICC photo]
So, a premier institution of Indian Muslims that have the backing of some of the biggest names of the community comes up short in the “Islamic” part of its name, let’s hope it holds up to the “Indian” tag.
IICC in daylight [Photo by s.prigge]
Link:
http://www.iiccentre.org/
http://twocircles.net/2009oct24/namaz_india_islamic_cultural_centre.html
The building of the India Islamic Cultural Center (IICC) takes your breath away. The beautiful dome, intricate calligraphy and delicate design in beautiful Persian tiles make you spellbound. The administration of IICC can be forgiven for taking 22 years to complete its construction.
Between Indira Gandhi laying the foundation stone of the Centre on August 24, 1984 and her daughter-in-law inaugurating it on June 12, 2006, it took many people and much money to see to its completion. It is a beautiful example of Muslim’s and the Indian government coming together to give shape to an institution.
With the objective to “promote understanding among the people of different religion and help the promotion of the cause of national integration,” IICC has quickly become an important institution.
Last year, it saw a bitter fight between businessman Sirajuddin Qureshi and present Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid for the post of the president. Though Mr. Qureshi was able to win the election easily, the quarrel symbolizes the prestige of the institution.
Though it has become a hub of Muslim related activities like seminars, conferences, and meetings, the space allocated for namaz (prayers) seems to be an after-thought. You have to go down a flight of stairs to get to the place. Though there is a proper wuzu-khana the musalla (prayer place) is neatly tucked away from important parts of the building. It is out in the open with only a few rows with overhead covering. During winter the musalla moves in-doors in the basement. I did not see any place for women to offer prayers. There is no mihrab, dome or beautiful columns as is found in other masaajid of India. In short, the building does a wonderful job of hiding an important pillar of Islam.
Namaz at IICC [IICC photo]
So, a premier institution of Indian Muslims that have the backing of some of the biggest names of the community comes up short in the “Islamic” part of its name, let’s hope it holds up to the “Indian” tag.
IICC in daylight [Photo by s.prigge]
Link:
http://www.iiccentre.org/
http://twocircles.net/2009oct24/namaz_india_islamic_cultural_centre.html
I am not a boot-licker: Dr. Ejaz Ali
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Dr Ejaz Ali who was elected to Rajay Sabha in March 2008 by Janata Dal (United) from Bihar has been dismissed from the party.
Dr. Ejaz Ali who is also the president of All India United Muslim Morcha is going to hold a program on 1st November in Patna where expelled BJP leader Jaswant Singh is invited. In an interview with Manzar Bilal of TwoCircles.net, he talked on the reasons of differences with the party and purpose behind holding the program.
You have been dismissed from JD (U) along with other two leaders what would be the reason?
Officially I am not informed about this decision so far but I came to know about that through media. The reasons behind dismissal of others two members are clear as they have put their son and wife against party members in election but why I was dismissed I am unable to understand. I am going to organize a program on 1st November at Krishna Memorial Hall, Patna where I invited Mr. Jaswant Singh. It might be the reason for my dismissal because Mr. Jaswant Singh is the leader of BJP who was dropped from the party and JDU is its ally.
Party leaders said that you have been involved in anti-party activities which resulted into your dismissal. What do you say?
Though I was elected by JD (U) but as a representative of a community it was my responsibility to raise voice for the rights of my community. I have been doing my job and whenever I felt anything against benefit of my community I opposed it, be it against my party or any one else because for me interest of community is superior to anything.
Do you feel that policies of JD (U) are against your views?
What are policies of party I do not know but as far as I am concerned I am not boot-licker of anyone but I am deeply concerned about problems of my community. When BJP said that they would construct Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, I opposed it and my party also said that they are not with BJP in this matter. When BJP presented Advani as PM, I stood against it but my party supported it. When Nitish Kumar hugged Narendra Modi, I strongly condemned it. Hemant Karkare investigated on the right direction in Malegon blast case and unveiled the face of saffron terrorism for the first time in India but he was killed. It left suspicion in minds of millions of people. A.R Antulay raised the question in Lok Sabha on the matter and demanded that death of Karkare should be investigated either by the CBI or a serving Judge of Supreme Court. I did the same in Rajay Sabha which angered my party because Karkare was an eye-sore of BJP and RSS. If I had not raised these issues then it is useless to be a member of Parliament.
What is the purpose behind organizing the program on 1st Nov.?
The real propose of program is to inform the people that who are the responsible for partition of India. Since last 62 years Muslims alone have been blamed for partition and because of that they were neglected in every spare of the life. Benefit under Article 341 was snatched from them. Jaswant Singh presented the real history of the partition and cleared that it was power struggle which partitioned the country and there was nothing like Hindu and Muslim factor behind it. So, by this program I want to spread the real history of partition to the people by such a person who is not from my community or group.
But some people say that Jaswant Singh gave clean-chit to Jinnah and Indian Muslim has nothing to do with Jinnah. What do you say?
It is incorrect and a propaganda of BJP that Jaswant Singh gave clean-chit to Jinnah. On the contrary he said that if Jinnah was responsible for the partition, he was not alone but Pandit Nehru, Sardar Patel and policies of Congress were also equally responsible for that. He also accepted that Muslims have been discriminated in their own country without any sin.
It is reality that partition was the product of politicians which pushed the country to backwardness because it was unnatural but common people are unaware about this fact. We are going to make an organization in which people from all communities will be given representation from where we will work for the communal harmony by visiting all parts of the country. The program of 1st Nov. is first part of that movement.
People say that you are going to hold program only to strengthen your political image among people so, that you can get benefit in the election? How much is it true?
My 25-year service in medical field and work for downtrodden and the depressed sections are enough to get people’s support and I have used it in the elections for my community’ benefit. It is a fact that I got elected MP by JD (U) because of my familiarity among people. So, I do not need to organize such program for my publicity.
You are claiming that you have raised voice for the right of Dalit Muslims but after reaching Parliament you have forgot the issue. What is your answer?
I am the first man who stood for Dalit Muslim issue. I was badly injured during a demonstration before Bihar assembly house with the demand to pass resolution for inclusion of Dalit Muslims under Article 341 and Bihar assembly passed the resolution.
I also held an agitation before Parliament house in Delhi for the same purpose and beaten up by police. I am happy that this issue has reached to Parliament. Now when I stand in Rajya Sabha, people consider that there might be any Dalit Muslim related issue. Those who are blaming me have nothing to do with Muslim issues and they are doing that only to appease their political bosses.
What is your plan in next Bihar assembly election, will you take part in that?
No, I will not take part and also will not make any party but I will campaign among the people to change the government at every 5 years. So that politicians would work more for the development of the state because even after 62 years of independence, Bihar is lagging behind only because of dynasty system of government.
Any thing else to say?
I can not compromise with benefit of my community and country at any cost and I appeal other member of Parliament to do the same. I also request people to support the truth and beware of tricks of politicians because they always try to create infighting among people.
(About the interviewee: Dr. Ejaz Ali is M.B.B.S., M.S. (General Surgery) practicing in Patna and son-in law of late Bihar assembly speaker Ghulam Sarwar. He is national president, All-India United Muslim Morcha, chief editor and Publisher, Sangam, an Urdu daily, published from Patna.)
Dr Ejaz Ali who was elected to Rajay Sabha in March 2008 by Janata Dal (United) from Bihar has been dismissed from the party.
Dr. Ejaz Ali who is also the president of All India United Muslim Morcha is going to hold a program on 1st November in Patna where expelled BJP leader Jaswant Singh is invited. In an interview with Manzar Bilal of TwoCircles.net, he talked on the reasons of differences with the party and purpose behind holding the program.
You have been dismissed from JD (U) along with other two leaders what would be the reason?
Officially I am not informed about this decision so far but I came to know about that through media. The reasons behind dismissal of others two members are clear as they have put their son and wife against party members in election but why I was dismissed I am unable to understand. I am going to organize a program on 1st November at Krishna Memorial Hall, Patna where I invited Mr. Jaswant Singh. It might be the reason for my dismissal because Mr. Jaswant Singh is the leader of BJP who was dropped from the party and JDU is its ally.
Party leaders said that you have been involved in anti-party activities which resulted into your dismissal. What do you say?
Though I was elected by JD (U) but as a representative of a community it was my responsibility to raise voice for the rights of my community. I have been doing my job and whenever I felt anything against benefit of my community I opposed it, be it against my party or any one else because for me interest of community is superior to anything.
Do you feel that policies of JD (U) are against your views?
What are policies of party I do not know but as far as I am concerned I am not boot-licker of anyone but I am deeply concerned about problems of my community. When BJP said that they would construct Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, I opposed it and my party also said that they are not with BJP in this matter. When BJP presented Advani as PM, I stood against it but my party supported it. When Nitish Kumar hugged Narendra Modi, I strongly condemned it. Hemant Karkare investigated on the right direction in Malegon blast case and unveiled the face of saffron terrorism for the first time in India but he was killed. It left suspicion in minds of millions of people. A.R Antulay raised the question in Lok Sabha on the matter and demanded that death of Karkare should be investigated either by the CBI or a serving Judge of Supreme Court. I did the same in Rajay Sabha which angered my party because Karkare was an eye-sore of BJP and RSS. If I had not raised these issues then it is useless to be a member of Parliament.
What is the purpose behind organizing the program on 1st Nov.?
The real propose of program is to inform the people that who are the responsible for partition of India. Since last 62 years Muslims alone have been blamed for partition and because of that they were neglected in every spare of the life. Benefit under Article 341 was snatched from them. Jaswant Singh presented the real history of the partition and cleared that it was power struggle which partitioned the country and there was nothing like Hindu and Muslim factor behind it. So, by this program I want to spread the real history of partition to the people by such a person who is not from my community or group.
But some people say that Jaswant Singh gave clean-chit to Jinnah and Indian Muslim has nothing to do with Jinnah. What do you say?
It is incorrect and a propaganda of BJP that Jaswant Singh gave clean-chit to Jinnah. On the contrary he said that if Jinnah was responsible for the partition, he was not alone but Pandit Nehru, Sardar Patel and policies of Congress were also equally responsible for that. He also accepted that Muslims have been discriminated in their own country without any sin.
It is reality that partition was the product of politicians which pushed the country to backwardness because it was unnatural but common people are unaware about this fact. We are going to make an organization in which people from all communities will be given representation from where we will work for the communal harmony by visiting all parts of the country. The program of 1st Nov. is first part of that movement.
People say that you are going to hold program only to strengthen your political image among people so, that you can get benefit in the election? How much is it true?
My 25-year service in medical field and work for downtrodden and the depressed sections are enough to get people’s support and I have used it in the elections for my community’ benefit. It is a fact that I got elected MP by JD (U) because of my familiarity among people. So, I do not need to organize such program for my publicity.
You are claiming that you have raised voice for the right of Dalit Muslims but after reaching Parliament you have forgot the issue. What is your answer?
I am the first man who stood for Dalit Muslim issue. I was badly injured during a demonstration before Bihar assembly house with the demand to pass resolution for inclusion of Dalit Muslims under Article 341 and Bihar assembly passed the resolution.
I also held an agitation before Parliament house in Delhi for the same purpose and beaten up by police. I am happy that this issue has reached to Parliament. Now when I stand in Rajya Sabha, people consider that there might be any Dalit Muslim related issue. Those who are blaming me have nothing to do with Muslim issues and they are doing that only to appease their political bosses.
What is your plan in next Bihar assembly election, will you take part in that?
No, I will not take part and also will not make any party but I will campaign among the people to change the government at every 5 years. So that politicians would work more for the development of the state because even after 62 years of independence, Bihar is lagging behind only because of dynasty system of government.
Any thing else to say?
I can not compromise with benefit of my community and country at any cost and I appeal other member of Parliament to do the same. I also request people to support the truth and beware of tricks of politicians because they always try to create infighting among people.
(About the interviewee: Dr. Ejaz Ali is M.B.B.S., M.S. (General Surgery) practicing in Patna and son-in law of late Bihar assembly speaker Ghulam Sarwar. He is national president, All-India United Muslim Morcha, chief editor and Publisher, Sangam, an Urdu daily, published from Patna.)
FM assures Muslim delegation to discuss interest-free Islamic Banking with RBI governor
By Mumtaz Alam Falahi, TwoCircles.net,
New Delhi: In a major development today in efforts to start Islamic Banking system in India, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee assured a delegation of Indian Centre for Islamic Finance that he would soon discuss the feasibility of interest-free Islamic banking system in India with Reserve Bank of India Governor.
To discuss about the feasibility of interest-free Islamic banking in India, a delegation headed by H Abdur Raqeeb, General Secretary, Indian Centre for Islamic Finance (ICIF), New Delhi, met Pranab Mukerjee today at his home in Kolkata, and submitted a memorandum to him.
After meeting with Mukherjee, Abdur Raqeeb told TCN: “The Finance Minister went through the 3-page memorandum and keenly read the recommendations of Raghuram Rajan committee on Financial Sector Reforms - CFSR recommendations on Interest-free banking which says: the Committee recommends that measures be taken to permit the delivery of interest-free finance on a larger scale, including through the banking system. This is in consonance with the objectives of inclusion and growth through innovation. The Committee believes that it would be possible, through appropriate measures, to create a framework for such products without any adverse systemic risk impact.”
He noted down that Interest-free Banking is not only for Muslims but for all. In Malaysia 40% customers are Chinese, who are Non-Muslim and In Britain 20% of customers are Non-Muslims. He also noted Vatican has recommended Islamic finance to western Banks for its emphasis on ethical investments and being socially responsible investment and an alternative to the conventional banking.
Finance Minister was informed about the decision of the Government of Kerala which had launched an Islamic investment company with Rs.1000 crore after the feasibility report of Ernst & Young and has plan to turn it to a Global Islamic bank after prevailing upon RBI to amend its Banking regulations.
Among the five options provided in the memorandum (Options of GOI) issuing directions and administrative guidelines, creating a subsidiary and going for an Act of Parliament also attracted his attention and he took note of it.
“FM said that he is going to meet RBI governor next week and will discuss with him on this issue. He also said that he will be visiting Saudi Arabia and will be available in the second week of November and then a meeting can be arranged with the secretaries and officials of Banking Department of Finance Ministry to interact with ICIF,” Abdur Raqeeb said.
New Delhi: In a major development today in efforts to start Islamic Banking system in India, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee assured a delegation of Indian Centre for Islamic Finance that he would soon discuss the feasibility of interest-free Islamic banking system in India with Reserve Bank of India Governor.
To discuss about the feasibility of interest-free Islamic banking in India, a delegation headed by H Abdur Raqeeb, General Secretary, Indian Centre for Islamic Finance (ICIF), New Delhi, met Pranab Mukerjee today at his home in Kolkata, and submitted a memorandum to him.
After meeting with Mukherjee, Abdur Raqeeb told TCN: “The Finance Minister went through the 3-page memorandum and keenly read the recommendations of Raghuram Rajan committee on Financial Sector Reforms - CFSR recommendations on Interest-free banking which says: the Committee recommends that measures be taken to permit the delivery of interest-free finance on a larger scale, including through the banking system. This is in consonance with the objectives of inclusion and growth through innovation. The Committee believes that it would be possible, through appropriate measures, to create a framework for such products without any adverse systemic risk impact.”
He noted down that Interest-free Banking is not only for Muslims but for all. In Malaysia 40% customers are Chinese, who are Non-Muslim and In Britain 20% of customers are Non-Muslims. He also noted Vatican has recommended Islamic finance to western Banks for its emphasis on ethical investments and being socially responsible investment and an alternative to the conventional banking.
Finance Minister was informed about the decision of the Government of Kerala which had launched an Islamic investment company with Rs.1000 crore after the feasibility report of Ernst & Young and has plan to turn it to a Global Islamic bank after prevailing upon RBI to amend its Banking regulations.
Among the five options provided in the memorandum (Options of GOI) issuing directions and administrative guidelines, creating a subsidiary and going for an Act of Parliament also attracted his attention and he took note of it.
“FM said that he is going to meet RBI governor next week and will discuss with him on this issue. He also said that he will be visiting Saudi Arabia and will be available in the second week of November and then a meeting can be arranged with the secretaries and officials of Banking Department of Finance Ministry to interact with ICIF,” Abdur Raqeeb said.
Arunachal girl ‘molested’ in Delhi
NEW DELHI, Oct 24: A 22-year-old student from Arunachal Pradesh was allegedly molested by schoolboys in southeast Delhi, police said today. The incident was reported from Bharat Nagar in New Friends Colony of south Delhi yesterday when the victim was on her way back home from Jamia Milia Islamia University after attending classes. She was crossing the Chandrasekhar Government Boys’ High School when she was attacked, police sources said.
She was in a rickshaw when some schoolboys passed some lewd comments at her. When the victim went inside the school premises to complain, she was surrounded by more students who teased her, a senior police official said. She brought it to the notice of the Vice Chancellor of the university and a case was registered on the complaint of the Proctor. “According to the girl, when she was walking towards the Principal’s office, some of the boys gheraoed her, pulled her clothes and verbally abused her,” the official said.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Virender Singh said that the victim did not lodge any complaint on Thursday. The next day she discussed the matter with her friends and the university Vice Chancellor who forwarded a complaint to the police.
She was in a rickshaw when some schoolboys passed some lewd comments at her. When the victim went inside the school premises to complain, she was surrounded by more students who teased her, a senior police official said. She brought it to the notice of the Vice Chancellor of the university and a case was registered on the complaint of the Proctor. “According to the girl, when she was walking towards the Principal’s office, some of the boys gheraoed her, pulled her clothes and verbally abused her,” the official said.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Virender Singh said that the victim did not lodge any complaint on Thursday. The next day she discussed the matter with her friends and the university Vice Chancellor who forwarded a complaint to the police.
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