EDITORIAL
Friends
While 1st May represents the day of the labour the world over, as May Day, for the states of Maharashtra and Gujarath it was the date with the history when half a century ago these states came into being. Fifty years ago on this day in 1960, the then Bombay Presidency was divided into two states on linguistic basis, Gujarath for Gujarathies and Maharashtra for Marathi speaking people. Looking back, how the people of these two states recollect their journey of 50 years, shall be an exercise of interesting dimension. Both states officially celebrated the golden jubilee of their creation. Gujarath unlike Maharashtra have always been upbeat. The overall economic, educational and social indices have catapulted Gujarath as a progressive state. Of course having Narendra Modi as the Chief Minister has also added to the aura of the state despite the negatives of the communal disturbances of the past. Inaugurating the yearlong event he has reportedly stated that "We have contacted Gujarathies living in other states of India and other countries and invited them to participate in the celebration. Our aim is to connect the new generation of Gujarathies with their home state. Around 100 functions are going to be organised by the Gujarathies across the nation and the world". That was being indeed dynamic. But the same effervescence was missing in Maharashtra with the politics of Marathi Manoos movement. Shiv Sena appeared scoring over the Chief Minister Ashok Chavan’s official programme. Although Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra and the financial centre of the country, it was the outsiders and non-marathi people who contributed greatly to the growth of Mumbai. Contribution of House of Tatas to Mumbai is immeasurable, so also that of Ambanis, Bajaj group, Godrej group. None of them were invited to the official functions including Ratan Tata. Even the Indian nightingale Lata Mangeshkar was seen at Shiv Sena really rather than the official function of the government of Maharashtra. Of course there have been tremendous growth across the state of Maharashtra since sixties. However huge problems persist, like load shedding, drought, affordable housing for poorer sections and many other burning problems. But Chief Minister and his ministers are already preparing to travel abroad, all for the ‘welfare’ of the state. According to reports few ministers will visit Israel and Singapore, ostensibly to ‘study’ the water use technique. There have been in the past, trips to Israel for the same purpose. However the ‘study’ continues and the state continues to suffer from water crisis.
In the month of March 2010, we had commented on the issue of drunken driving by rich and powerful and how they, because of their money power, have time and again undermined the process of justice. Nooriya Haweliwala, at least the name suggests that she is Muslim, was arrested for the accident that killed a police sub inspector and a bike rider. She was reportedly found with 457 mg alcohol count as against the permitted 30 mg, that is more than 15 times. Yet police, despite overwhelming evidence, failed to file a charge-sheet within the stipulated period of 60 days and court granted bail as per the provisions of the law. This was not the first case where police have failed to file charge-sheet and make a case of culpable homicide. There are innumerable such cases all over India. Does this represent police connivance with money and money’s power? However, the very same police make a strong case every time there is an accused without money or pulls of power. Isn’t this true? Now look at what police in Mumbai says about this Nooriya case. They argue, since the case comes under IPC/304, involving culpable homicide, they should get 90 days, to file charge sheet and that they are going to challenge the bail order in the High Court. Doesn’t this argument make you laugh? What was so difficult that police couldn’t build up the case in 60 long days? How does that becomes easier within the next 30 days? Aren’t we all reminded of the time tested idiom, "where there is will there is a way"?
A section of Muslims is being unnecessarily stubborn when it comes to veil? It is a medieval practice, and a vast section among Muslim themselves do not adhere to it. They have evolved over a period of time. The reasons forwarded by the fundamentalists that, it is to protect women folks from lecherous men, no more exist. The liberal and reasonable Muslims have an important role to play in the evolution of this small minority of Muslims who refuse to change. What is disturbing is, where ever they go, some of them continue to practice this sign of backwardness, where local laws may not be supporting it. But they want to defy it. That’s rather very inappropriate to say the least. Take this case of Canada. A women taking French classes wearing the niqab was given the option of changing her place where her face was not required to be seen, but in a circular table for conversation, she simply refused to uncover her face and the school asked her to leave the school. There are any number of instances in foreign countries where Muslim women with veil are having problem with authorities. It is an issue the community must seriously address and if they want to get into the social mainstream in those countries. Afterall even in Saudi Arabia, or the whole of Middle East, Pakistan or North African Muslim countries, in fact the whole Muslim world, there are millions who do not wear veil. It appears to be a case of misplaced assertiveness, something both their men and women must ponder. And those liberals among them have their role cut out in the overall interest of the community and the world at large. Besides as the world sees it, the burqa can be a security risk. In Pakistan, especially, there have been cases where burqa has indeed been a threat to its fragile security. A Peshawar date lined print media report by one A. Mohammed in a Mumbai daily had this head line some time ago "2 burqa-clad Bombers kill 41 people in Pak", says it all. So, there are more reasons why the community should think of getting out of veil.
Maoists continue to strike at will. The cold blooded murder of 39 passengers in Dantewada is an indication of its ruthless objective of spreading mayhem and terror. Yes, Naxals appear clear in their deadly mission of annihilating the authority, but strangely state-represented by the centre-appear confused with different leaders mouthing discordant notes. The result is, India’s best home minister is stymied by his own government from being effective. No wonder, he gave went to his frustration when he said that, his brief from the cabinet committee on security was limited and conditional. Opposition called him "injured martyr".
Anyone genuinely concerned about the welfare of the exploited people would organise them in a peaceful manner, not kill and maim completely innocent people, in their name. Ordinary people are as much victims of the mindless naxal violence as are the police and paramilitary forces. To neutralise the growing threat of the Maoists, the first prerequisite is for the entire political class to be united on the same side. If that does not happen, naxals are going to exploit, with Congressmen like Digvijay Singh and his president voicing platitudes, job of containing "the biggest internal security challenge" of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is going to be far more difficult than originally thought.
O.Ravi a top home ministry official was arrested some time ago, for alleged corruption involving excise duty evasion. A 1983, IAS officer of Gajarat Cadre was caught for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs. 25 lakhs from six Daman distillers. These distillers were believed to have evaded excise duty on their produce, to the extent of a whopping 340 crore rupees. Daman being an union territory, and head of the territory being the administrator, was probably not available for purchase by these breweries. Instead they used IAS official Ravi in the ministry of home affairs to influence the administrator’s transfer from Daman. Fortunately for distillers, the IAS man turned out to be very cheap at Rs. 25 lakhs, which was not even 0.1% of the total suspected evasion. So here is an IAS officer, who could be sold for a pittance as against the huge loss of 340 crore rupees to the exchequer, which probably could be the annual development budget of Daman! Shouldn’t such officers be declared as traitors, and seal all those breweries for cheating the country of its legitimate dues?
Former Chief Election Commissioner M.S. Gill, who entered politics, which is considered ethically wrong, became a sports minister, in the UPA govt. He is apparently trying to improve the sports scene in the country. How genuine is his desire is not known. But his recent move against the monopolising of the country’s sports bodies by some vested interests was widely welcomed. Cracking down on politicians, businessmen and bureaucrats who have ruled national sports federations for long, the government recently limited their tenures, a report informs. Of course, the affected ones naturally rejected it-out right, saying its totally undemocratic. Cap on tenure will hurt Suresh Kalmadi the most, who is the IOA chairman for over 15 years. This is a sports body with huge funding. What is his qualification to head such an important sports body is unknown. But his contribution for the growth and relevance of sports, is abysmal. A country of 1200 million people has a shameful history of sports achievement or rather sports failures. Then there are those like V K Malhotra, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, V K Varma of Badminton Association, Capt Sathish Sharma who heads Aero Club since 24 years, B S Adityan, a businessman, presides Volleyball Federation of India. All these gentlemen have been ruling the roost for 3 terms and more, despite there being stipulation of 2 or 3 terms. There are many who are into 3rd term but close to 10 years at the helm. It’s the same story like politicians, their families and friends. They want things to happen to them and are oblivious, that there are others too waiting in the wings to ‘serve’ the nation, with or without vested interest. Do you think sports can improve under such condition of monopolising power centres?
BJP government in Karnataka is having all kinds of problems. First it was, Reddy brothers revolt against the CM and his lady minister colleague, then mining scam, the NICE land scam, MLA’s with problems with women, episodes of church attacks, latest being that of a minister being charged with rape. There are enough evidence to prove the crime, media had claimed. However the Chief Minister did come to the rescue of his cabinet colleague, even before the investigation. That’s politics. Now State CID is investigating. What can be the outcome is anybody’s guess, since an MLA of the ruling party was caught in MLA hostel, some time ago, taking bribe was exonerated by the House Panel and instead recommended the arrest of the complainant. This is Yeh Mera India.
This hyped media blitz-Aman ki Asha (Aasha), a so-called-Indo Pak Peace Project-is quite frankly a bit of hogwash. From 1947 to 2010:-, almost 63 years, for 3rd generation of Pakistanies-geo-political situation has not really changed substantially. Those who were born before 1947, they went over to Pakistan-for varieties of reasons. Muslims were not persecuted in India for them to leave the mainland to create another separate country. Some, were uncomfortable living with Hindu majority, so they thought being Muslim in a Muslim country they would prosper better. Good number of them were looking for political space, who were the real prime movers of Pakistan creation. They knew clearly, what kind of a mainland they were leaving behind. Academicians pushed by politicians created a history to fill the young minds of post independent Pakistan with misinformation and pages filled with hatred. So the whole of 1st generation of Pakistanis were treated to untruth about India, thus created an impregnable wall of distrust and dislike. Yes over a period everything has diluted, and they are coming to realise that between the two people there is hardly any difference. And it is also true that there are many secret admirers of India's successful democratic experiment and Indian ethos. The trade, which the present peace project is talking about, always existed, so were the opportunities. But for every socio-economic transformation there has got to be political will. The fact is the political will is still not there. Indo-Pak relations, culminating into this Aman Ki Aasha (AKA), can be a huge writing exercise, there is so much to write about-into hundreds of pages. Commenting positively on this AKA, David Milliband, the British Foreign Secretary and a Pakistani Maj Gen(Rtd) Mohd. Durani, spoke about the shared history, tradition, language, air that we breath, the water that we drink etc. Is it something suddenly landed from the sky? It was always there for all these 63 years, and yet, we are still too far away for comfort. Why? It’s a question Pakistan has to answer more than India. While India expects too many confidence building measures from Pakistan, let Pakistan hand over one notorious fugitive from the Indian law, an Indian by birth and nationality, the underworld criminal Dawood Ibrahim, who has been given unethical, immoral, patently bad shelter by Pakistan. This shelter has been the single most important unfriendly act by Pakistani government of those days. His crooked world of bad money was allowed to flourish and was encouraged by the Pakistani society and politicians. Pakistani media, never, ever wrote anything against him or his activities. He was targeting India, in all possible ways, and all in Pakistan, the civil society, the government and the media played dumb. And now you are dangling AKA! Wonder, who is fooling whom! While we are about it, it needs to emphasised that, an Arab country and predominantly Muslim Palestine, is adopting Gandhian approach in their struggle for peace, Christian Science Monitor, an American journal had reported. Pakistan, a beneficiary of Mahatma’s fight for freedom never thinks or talks about it. Their history books even portrays him rather poorly.
‘Govt bans telecom networking equipment made in China’ was a news item, early-on last month. For security concerns, Govt of India had blocked the purchase of Chinese hardware for Indian telecom usage. Purely as a measure of pre-empt. This move was perfectly in order. But our intellectual, economist minister of environment Jairam Ramesh had some sharp words of dissent. For his ill luck he mouthed them on a foreign soil, that too on Chinese soil. As a minister, commenting on policy matters on a foreign soil, is an absolute ‘NO’. He had reportedly stated, while attending an international conference on climate change in Beijing that to sustain the bonhomie with China, India has to change its "needlessly restrictive, alarmist and suspicious approach to Chinese investment in infrastructure". Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh reportedly rebuked and warned him. Media even speculated that the erring minister may quit. Of course no such thing has happened. A chastened J. Ramesh, refused to take questions on China by the media on his return. However, we need to remind our world’s most educated economist Prime Minister Sardar Dr Manmohan Singh, that he is as much guilty of speaking against Indian opposition parties on foreign soil. He was heard complaining both at Singapore and Paris, during UPA 1st term about the ‘problems’ created by opposition parties, especially BJP, in the smooth management of the government. Hope now that he has repripanded his junior minister, he will keep the dignity of his office while on a foreign soil.
While on the subject, it is interesting to note a sharp remark by a journalist in the media "Is Congress suffering from ‘A foot in the mouth disease’, citing the example of both Shashi Tharoor's twitters and statements and of J. Ramesh as well.
Karunanidhi is only blackmailing UPA Chairperson and Congress President by insisting on retaining his protégé, the minister A. Raja in the union cabinet. And Prime Minister is either playing into the hands of his party president or is too timid to act on his own or he does not think that A. Raja is doing anything wrong in subverting the procedures at his ministry to the detriment of the national revenue. Dr. Singh, obviously is indulging in double standard. While Shashi Tharoor, was hardly an issue, he was forced to resign. He is certainly far more competent, educated, articulate and honest, yet he had to quit, but this thick skinned DMK minister have no qualms about the wrong doings that they have done in the past and continue to do to the utter chagrin of most Indians. This is bound to sway people against the UPA rule. The overconfidence of 2nd innings at the centre may not take too long for the goodwill to evaporate.
Controversy regarding phone tapping is not new one. All over the world this practice is prevalent in some form or the other. That it does violate the constitutional right of privacy is not in doubt. But the question is why does the official agencies feel the need to snoop in to these private conversation needs to be pondered. In the case of recent phone tapping, the Income Tax Deptt. had intercepted the calls of a particularly high profile influential lady go between, a PR professional. She was close to senior politicians and bureaucrats besides some top corporate honchos, among them was our notorious telecom minister A. Raja. Because of this interception lot of dirty linen came to the open. So in the larger interest of the nation this was a justifiable step, although patently wrong. The bad blood between media barons, corporate money bags, purely for their own selfish interest and ego, these snooping activities always keep going for a high price, and nobody talks about it. But when the official agencies does it, even if clandestinely, somehow media learns about it, does its own net work, they blow it out of proportion. So primarily because there are forces inimical to national interest, such snooping should have some sanction where some kind of a regulation is put in place, so that it is not used for settling personal scores.
CBI was at it again. It closed the case of Jagdish Tytler, the former Congress minister, and Delhi High Court gave him a clean chit, in the 1984, Anti-Sikh riot case. Yes, as the Sikh community lamented that even after 26 long years no justice came in the way of 7000 innocent Sikhs killed in the wake of the assassination of Indira Gandhi. Commissions after commissions went only round and round, but did nothing to assuage the feelings of those Sikh families who lost their near and dear ones. Everybody knows who was behind the riot and which political party started it and yet it failed even to fix one of its leaders. This Jagdish Tytler, would have become a member of Parliament and probably even a minister in UPA II, but for the shoe that was hurled at Chidambaram, by a Sikh journalist, which led to the immediate withdrawal of Tytler’s nomination. So brazen was this party. That was like giving Padma Bhushan to Keshub Mahindra, the former chairman of Union Carbide (India), just after Bhopal disaster, displaying height of insensitivity. Strange are the ways of political parties.
This joker Sibu Soren is a disgrace to Indian politics. Of course, we cannot get leaders better than us. Soren represents the rot in the whole political system of the country. If a confirmed criminal like him can get elected then only god can save the country. Of course BJP too deserved the treatment that they got from him. The alliance was highly opportunistic with only selfish programme. Now that the alliance is broken, it may be good for the state. Even if it shall cost the exchequer, another election can be the only solution. Hope governor takes over the government until then.
"Ajmer Explosion: Cops pick MP industrialist", was a report that confirmed the involvement of Abhinav Bharart, a radical out fit of RSS. There have been pointers ever since the Jalgoan blast, where col. Purohit was nabbed that a radical group with Hindu background may be taking up cudgels as a tit for tat. There have been many names involved in such activities according to Anti Terrorist Squads from states of Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Such involvement, in the larger interest of national peace shall surely have negative impact. A tit for tat approach can be justified with its own brand of justification, but it only increases the divide. Hence it has to be condemned and those found guilty has to be legally tried and punished.
There is this long haired Salman Ahmed, a Pak origin London based rock star, who plays to packed houses and according to reports sold some 30 million albums, can be an unlikely peace messenger in the Muslim world. To combat terror, Britain has been promoting him to counter radicalisation among students. "Stay away from Terrorism says Pak Rock Star" was a London datelined report by IANS. It may not be a bad idea to get him to India to promote social harmony. Would somebody think about it?
Darul Uloom Deoband is at it again. After issuing fatwa against Muslim women working where men too work, it has sharpened its diktats on women's modeling and acting in films as unislamic. Muslim women have been working in films from days of silent era, may be a century ago, suddenly these clerics got up from their slumber to declare acting in films unislmic. On the face of it, they will never succeed in enforcing it. The fact is, the Court dancer concept, has come from Muslim rulers and cinema is only an extension of it. Darul Uloom Deoband is India based, what can it do against films made in Pakistan or the Arab world? Doesn’t this sound funny? These clerics keep issuing these fatwas only to assert their existence and nothing else. Things keep happening inspite of them. According to Quran, we are told that men and women are treated equally, but how do you justify these restrictions on women, when men folks have complete and unchecked free runs. Muslim men are allowed to do all that Europeans do as a part of their civil freedom in their designer outfits. Nothing unislamic about it. But women? Oh poor Muslim sisters of India!
The U.S. stand on its relationship with Pakistan vis-à-vis its relationship with India, there is visible confusion. In the past, it was always believed that U.S. will not develop friendship with India at the cost of Pakistan. But its true that things have improved over a period, especially since Clinton days, followed by George Bush(Jr) days. However since the days of Obama becoming the White House occupant, it was hoped that India may have preference since Obama is a peace votary. But no such thing has happened. U.S. still believes Pak is an important ally, probably more important than India. There is a distinct effort to portray Pakistan more positively, however negative factors keep croping up. Take the recent case of Faisal Shahzad, who was arrested after the abortive bombing attempt at Times Square in Midtown Manhattan. Shahzad, is a naturalised U.S. citizen of Pak origin. On his arrest he had confessed to his association and training with Taliban. Hillary Clinton had put Pak on notice by "warning of severe consequences – if New York trial leads to Islamabad". That statement for the first time made India feel better, that long last, ‘it’s catching up’. But the elation was short lived. Worried that Clinton outburst shall alienate Pakistan in the American fight against terror, White House spokesman issues statement under-playing Hillary’s warning, hence the media headline "Now U.S. plays down Hillary warning". Thus, however bad Pak does, it is very unlikely that U.S. will play India card against Pak, despite their knowing full well that ISI had secretly released two high ranking Taliban militants during April and CIA has acknowledged that ISI still maintain active links with Taliban. So what are the choices available to India? It is an issue that power that be in New Delhi must seriously dwell into and weigh all options. Another friendship treaty with Russia may not be a bad idea. It can help us against both China and U.S. as a buffer.
Kasab, the lone terrorist, who was caught alive by the valiance of ASI Ombale of Mumbai police is to be hanged to death. Within less than 18 months of the attack by Pakistani terror elements, on 26/11, special court announced its verdict of guilty of horrendous crime against humanity in general and Indians in particular. That he has to be given death penalty, was the overall consensus among general public. Yes, it has to go thru’ the usual procedural formalities. Indian politics being what it is, it is hoped that this chapter on 26/11 is formally closed as far as Ajmal Kasab is concerned, within the shortest possible time. We do have precedence to the country, of dillydallying.
The tragedy involving AIR INDIA EXPRESS from Dubai, which crash landed outside the runway at Mangalore airport is indeed a very sad one. It happened as the families were waiting outside the arrival lounge to be united with the passengers of the ill fated aircraft. They had almost landed and yet……….How true that ‘there are many slips between the cup and the lip’. The cruel fate had a last laugh. Of the 169 passengers, some 160 perished. Such accidents always throws up questions. Why it happened? Whether it could have been avoided? Was it is a human or technical error?
Yes, as things became clearer, it was generally believed that it was the pilot who erred. He landed short by 600 meters away from the touch down point, and landed at 250km speed which couldn’t be controlled within the remaining run of the runway. Overshot the runway to land in the valley of no return. Proving, in the process, that table top airstrip has an inherent danger. Best planned and managed scheme of things can still have accidents, but it can reduce probability to the minimum. Having an airport on a hillock is certainly not the best option. Cost of human life is always greater than the monetary cost of whatever dimension. That is the bottom line, take it or leave it.
The Census 2011 has started with some 25 lakhs enumerators on the job. Although its significance and relevance as a very important data of socio-economic indicators need not be over emphasised, the inclusion of caste, despite reasoned opposition by many, only to score some political points, is a sad commentary on the machinations by politicians due to which ordinary citizens have to suffer. We have tried to discuss the issue under Focus for the importance it deserved. However, as Arif Mohd Khan, a progressive Muslim leader and a former Civil Aviation Minister, suggested, while participating in a CENSUS DEBATE in New Delhi, we should write in the column for caste as HINDUSTANI. According to him even if 5 crore of the 120 crores Indian write as ‘HINDUSTANI’ it can be a force to reckon with. Yes Indian should join the call of Arif to declare their caste as HINDUSTANI, it can have a multiplier effect.
Rest of the issues are usual.
While 1st May represents the day of the labour the world over, as May Day, for the states of Maharashtra and Gujarath it was the date with the history when half a century ago these states came into being. Fifty years ago on this day in 1960, the then Bombay Presidency was divided into two states on linguistic basis, Gujarath for Gujarathies and Maharashtra for Marathi speaking people. Looking back, how the people of these two states recollect their journey of 50 years, shall be an exercise of interesting dimension. Both states officially celebrated the golden jubilee of their creation. Gujarath unlike Maharashtra have always been upbeat. The overall economic, educational and social indices have catapulted Gujarath as a progressive state. Of course having Narendra Modi as the Chief Minister has also added to the aura of the state despite the negatives of the communal disturbances of the past. Inaugurating the yearlong event he has reportedly stated that "We have contacted Gujarathies living in other states of India and other countries and invited them to participate in the celebration. Our aim is to connect the new generation of Gujarathies with their home state. Around 100 functions are going to be organised by the Gujarathies across the nation and the world". That was being indeed dynamic. But the same effervescence was missing in Maharashtra with the politics of Marathi Manoos movement. Shiv Sena appeared scoring over the Chief Minister Ashok Chavan’s official programme. Although Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra and the financial centre of the country, it was the outsiders and non-marathi people who contributed greatly to the growth of Mumbai. Contribution of House of Tatas to Mumbai is immeasurable, so also that of Ambanis, Bajaj group, Godrej group. None of them were invited to the official functions including Ratan Tata. Even the Indian nightingale Lata Mangeshkar was seen at Shiv Sena really rather than the official function of the government of Maharashtra. Of course there have been tremendous growth across the state of Maharashtra since sixties. However huge problems persist, like load shedding, drought, affordable housing for poorer sections and many other burning problems. But Chief Minister and his ministers are already preparing to travel abroad, all for the ‘welfare’ of the state. According to reports few ministers will visit Israel and Singapore, ostensibly to ‘study’ the water use technique. There have been in the past, trips to Israel for the same purpose. However the ‘study’ continues and the state continues to suffer from water crisis.
In the month of March 2010, we had commented on the issue of drunken driving by rich and powerful and how they, because of their money power, have time and again undermined the process of justice. Nooriya Haweliwala, at least the name suggests that she is Muslim, was arrested for the accident that killed a police sub inspector and a bike rider. She was reportedly found with 457 mg alcohol count as against the permitted 30 mg, that is more than 15 times. Yet police, despite overwhelming evidence, failed to file a charge-sheet within the stipulated period of 60 days and court granted bail as per the provisions of the law. This was not the first case where police have failed to file charge-sheet and make a case of culpable homicide. There are innumerable such cases all over India. Does this represent police connivance with money and money’s power? However, the very same police make a strong case every time there is an accused without money or pulls of power. Isn’t this true? Now look at what police in Mumbai says about this Nooriya case. They argue, since the case comes under IPC/304, involving culpable homicide, they should get 90 days, to file charge sheet and that they are going to challenge the bail order in the High Court. Doesn’t this argument make you laugh? What was so difficult that police couldn’t build up the case in 60 long days? How does that becomes easier within the next 30 days? Aren’t we all reminded of the time tested idiom, "where there is will there is a way"?
A section of Muslims is being unnecessarily stubborn when it comes to veil? It is a medieval practice, and a vast section among Muslim themselves do not adhere to it. They have evolved over a period of time. The reasons forwarded by the fundamentalists that, it is to protect women folks from lecherous men, no more exist. The liberal and reasonable Muslims have an important role to play in the evolution of this small minority of Muslims who refuse to change. What is disturbing is, where ever they go, some of them continue to practice this sign of backwardness, where local laws may not be supporting it. But they want to defy it. That’s rather very inappropriate to say the least. Take this case of Canada. A women taking French classes wearing the niqab was given the option of changing her place where her face was not required to be seen, but in a circular table for conversation, she simply refused to uncover her face and the school asked her to leave the school. There are any number of instances in foreign countries where Muslim women with veil are having problem with authorities. It is an issue the community must seriously address and if they want to get into the social mainstream in those countries. Afterall even in Saudi Arabia, or the whole of Middle East, Pakistan or North African Muslim countries, in fact the whole Muslim world, there are millions who do not wear veil. It appears to be a case of misplaced assertiveness, something both their men and women must ponder. And those liberals among them have their role cut out in the overall interest of the community and the world at large. Besides as the world sees it, the burqa can be a security risk. In Pakistan, especially, there have been cases where burqa has indeed been a threat to its fragile security. A Peshawar date lined print media report by one A. Mohammed in a Mumbai daily had this head line some time ago "2 burqa-clad Bombers kill 41 people in Pak", says it all. So, there are more reasons why the community should think of getting out of veil.
Maoists continue to strike at will. The cold blooded murder of 39 passengers in Dantewada is an indication of its ruthless objective of spreading mayhem and terror. Yes, Naxals appear clear in their deadly mission of annihilating the authority, but strangely state-represented by the centre-appear confused with different leaders mouthing discordant notes. The result is, India’s best home minister is stymied by his own government from being effective. No wonder, he gave went to his frustration when he said that, his brief from the cabinet committee on security was limited and conditional. Opposition called him "injured martyr".
Anyone genuinely concerned about the welfare of the exploited people would organise them in a peaceful manner, not kill and maim completely innocent people, in their name. Ordinary people are as much victims of the mindless naxal violence as are the police and paramilitary forces. To neutralise the growing threat of the Maoists, the first prerequisite is for the entire political class to be united on the same side. If that does not happen, naxals are going to exploit, with Congressmen like Digvijay Singh and his president voicing platitudes, job of containing "the biggest internal security challenge" of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is going to be far more difficult than originally thought.
O.Ravi a top home ministry official was arrested some time ago, for alleged corruption involving excise duty evasion. A 1983, IAS officer of Gajarat Cadre was caught for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs. 25 lakhs from six Daman distillers. These distillers were believed to have evaded excise duty on their produce, to the extent of a whopping 340 crore rupees. Daman being an union territory, and head of the territory being the administrator, was probably not available for purchase by these breweries. Instead they used IAS official Ravi in the ministry of home affairs to influence the administrator’s transfer from Daman. Fortunately for distillers, the IAS man turned out to be very cheap at Rs. 25 lakhs, which was not even 0.1% of the total suspected evasion. So here is an IAS officer, who could be sold for a pittance as against the huge loss of 340 crore rupees to the exchequer, which probably could be the annual development budget of Daman! Shouldn’t such officers be declared as traitors, and seal all those breweries for cheating the country of its legitimate dues?
Former Chief Election Commissioner M.S. Gill, who entered politics, which is considered ethically wrong, became a sports minister, in the UPA govt. He is apparently trying to improve the sports scene in the country. How genuine is his desire is not known. But his recent move against the monopolising of the country’s sports bodies by some vested interests was widely welcomed. Cracking down on politicians, businessmen and bureaucrats who have ruled national sports federations for long, the government recently limited their tenures, a report informs. Of course, the affected ones naturally rejected it-out right, saying its totally undemocratic. Cap on tenure will hurt Suresh Kalmadi the most, who is the IOA chairman for over 15 years. This is a sports body with huge funding. What is his qualification to head such an important sports body is unknown. But his contribution for the growth and relevance of sports, is abysmal. A country of 1200 million people has a shameful history of sports achievement or rather sports failures. Then there are those like V K Malhotra, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, V K Varma of Badminton Association, Capt Sathish Sharma who heads Aero Club since 24 years, B S Adityan, a businessman, presides Volleyball Federation of India. All these gentlemen have been ruling the roost for 3 terms and more, despite there being stipulation of 2 or 3 terms. There are many who are into 3rd term but close to 10 years at the helm. It’s the same story like politicians, their families and friends. They want things to happen to them and are oblivious, that there are others too waiting in the wings to ‘serve’ the nation, with or without vested interest. Do you think sports can improve under such condition of monopolising power centres?
BJP government in Karnataka is having all kinds of problems. First it was, Reddy brothers revolt against the CM and his lady minister colleague, then mining scam, the NICE land scam, MLA’s with problems with women, episodes of church attacks, latest being that of a minister being charged with rape. There are enough evidence to prove the crime, media had claimed. However the Chief Minister did come to the rescue of his cabinet colleague, even before the investigation. That’s politics. Now State CID is investigating. What can be the outcome is anybody’s guess, since an MLA of the ruling party was caught in MLA hostel, some time ago, taking bribe was exonerated by the House Panel and instead recommended the arrest of the complainant. This is Yeh Mera India.
This hyped media blitz-Aman ki Asha (Aasha), a so-called-Indo Pak Peace Project-is quite frankly a bit of hogwash. From 1947 to 2010:-, almost 63 years, for 3rd generation of Pakistanies-geo-political situation has not really changed substantially. Those who were born before 1947, they went over to Pakistan-for varieties of reasons. Muslims were not persecuted in India for them to leave the mainland to create another separate country. Some, were uncomfortable living with Hindu majority, so they thought being Muslim in a Muslim country they would prosper better. Good number of them were looking for political space, who were the real prime movers of Pakistan creation. They knew clearly, what kind of a mainland they were leaving behind. Academicians pushed by politicians created a history to fill the young minds of post independent Pakistan with misinformation and pages filled with hatred. So the whole of 1st generation of Pakistanis were treated to untruth about India, thus created an impregnable wall of distrust and dislike. Yes over a period everything has diluted, and they are coming to realise that between the two people there is hardly any difference. And it is also true that there are many secret admirers of India's successful democratic experiment and Indian ethos. The trade, which the present peace project is talking about, always existed, so were the opportunities. But for every socio-economic transformation there has got to be political will. The fact is the political will is still not there. Indo-Pak relations, culminating into this Aman Ki Aasha (AKA), can be a huge writing exercise, there is so much to write about-into hundreds of pages. Commenting positively on this AKA, David Milliband, the British Foreign Secretary and a Pakistani Maj Gen(Rtd) Mohd. Durani, spoke about the shared history, tradition, language, air that we breath, the water that we drink etc. Is it something suddenly landed from the sky? It was always there for all these 63 years, and yet, we are still too far away for comfort. Why? It’s a question Pakistan has to answer more than India. While India expects too many confidence building measures from Pakistan, let Pakistan hand over one notorious fugitive from the Indian law, an Indian by birth and nationality, the underworld criminal Dawood Ibrahim, who has been given unethical, immoral, patently bad shelter by Pakistan. This shelter has been the single most important unfriendly act by Pakistani government of those days. His crooked world of bad money was allowed to flourish and was encouraged by the Pakistani society and politicians. Pakistani media, never, ever wrote anything against him or his activities. He was targeting India, in all possible ways, and all in Pakistan, the civil society, the government and the media played dumb. And now you are dangling AKA! Wonder, who is fooling whom! While we are about it, it needs to emphasised that, an Arab country and predominantly Muslim Palestine, is adopting Gandhian approach in their struggle for peace, Christian Science Monitor, an American journal had reported. Pakistan, a beneficiary of Mahatma’s fight for freedom never thinks or talks about it. Their history books even portrays him rather poorly.
‘Govt bans telecom networking equipment made in China’ was a news item, early-on last month. For security concerns, Govt of India had blocked the purchase of Chinese hardware for Indian telecom usage. Purely as a measure of pre-empt. This move was perfectly in order. But our intellectual, economist minister of environment Jairam Ramesh had some sharp words of dissent. For his ill luck he mouthed them on a foreign soil, that too on Chinese soil. As a minister, commenting on policy matters on a foreign soil, is an absolute ‘NO’. He had reportedly stated, while attending an international conference on climate change in Beijing that to sustain the bonhomie with China, India has to change its "needlessly restrictive, alarmist and suspicious approach to Chinese investment in infrastructure". Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh reportedly rebuked and warned him. Media even speculated that the erring minister may quit. Of course no such thing has happened. A chastened J. Ramesh, refused to take questions on China by the media on his return. However, we need to remind our world’s most educated economist Prime Minister Sardar Dr Manmohan Singh, that he is as much guilty of speaking against Indian opposition parties on foreign soil. He was heard complaining both at Singapore and Paris, during UPA 1st term about the ‘problems’ created by opposition parties, especially BJP, in the smooth management of the government. Hope now that he has repripanded his junior minister, he will keep the dignity of his office while on a foreign soil.
While on the subject, it is interesting to note a sharp remark by a journalist in the media "Is Congress suffering from ‘A foot in the mouth disease’, citing the example of both Shashi Tharoor's twitters and statements and of J. Ramesh as well.
Karunanidhi is only blackmailing UPA Chairperson and Congress President by insisting on retaining his protégé, the minister A. Raja in the union cabinet. And Prime Minister is either playing into the hands of his party president or is too timid to act on his own or he does not think that A. Raja is doing anything wrong in subverting the procedures at his ministry to the detriment of the national revenue. Dr. Singh, obviously is indulging in double standard. While Shashi Tharoor, was hardly an issue, he was forced to resign. He is certainly far more competent, educated, articulate and honest, yet he had to quit, but this thick skinned DMK minister have no qualms about the wrong doings that they have done in the past and continue to do to the utter chagrin of most Indians. This is bound to sway people against the UPA rule. The overconfidence of 2nd innings at the centre may not take too long for the goodwill to evaporate.
Controversy regarding phone tapping is not new one. All over the world this practice is prevalent in some form or the other. That it does violate the constitutional right of privacy is not in doubt. But the question is why does the official agencies feel the need to snoop in to these private conversation needs to be pondered. In the case of recent phone tapping, the Income Tax Deptt. had intercepted the calls of a particularly high profile influential lady go between, a PR professional. She was close to senior politicians and bureaucrats besides some top corporate honchos, among them was our notorious telecom minister A. Raja. Because of this interception lot of dirty linen came to the open. So in the larger interest of the nation this was a justifiable step, although patently wrong. The bad blood between media barons, corporate money bags, purely for their own selfish interest and ego, these snooping activities always keep going for a high price, and nobody talks about it. But when the official agencies does it, even if clandestinely, somehow media learns about it, does its own net work, they blow it out of proportion. So primarily because there are forces inimical to national interest, such snooping should have some sanction where some kind of a regulation is put in place, so that it is not used for settling personal scores.
CBI was at it again. It closed the case of Jagdish Tytler, the former Congress minister, and Delhi High Court gave him a clean chit, in the 1984, Anti-Sikh riot case. Yes, as the Sikh community lamented that even after 26 long years no justice came in the way of 7000 innocent Sikhs killed in the wake of the assassination of Indira Gandhi. Commissions after commissions went only round and round, but did nothing to assuage the feelings of those Sikh families who lost their near and dear ones. Everybody knows who was behind the riot and which political party started it and yet it failed even to fix one of its leaders. This Jagdish Tytler, would have become a member of Parliament and probably even a minister in UPA II, but for the shoe that was hurled at Chidambaram, by a Sikh journalist, which led to the immediate withdrawal of Tytler’s nomination. So brazen was this party. That was like giving Padma Bhushan to Keshub Mahindra, the former chairman of Union Carbide (India), just after Bhopal disaster, displaying height of insensitivity. Strange are the ways of political parties.
This joker Sibu Soren is a disgrace to Indian politics. Of course, we cannot get leaders better than us. Soren represents the rot in the whole political system of the country. If a confirmed criminal like him can get elected then only god can save the country. Of course BJP too deserved the treatment that they got from him. The alliance was highly opportunistic with only selfish programme. Now that the alliance is broken, it may be good for the state. Even if it shall cost the exchequer, another election can be the only solution. Hope governor takes over the government until then.
"Ajmer Explosion: Cops pick MP industrialist", was a report that confirmed the involvement of Abhinav Bharart, a radical out fit of RSS. There have been pointers ever since the Jalgoan blast, where col. Purohit was nabbed that a radical group with Hindu background may be taking up cudgels as a tit for tat. There have been many names involved in such activities according to Anti Terrorist Squads from states of Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Such involvement, in the larger interest of national peace shall surely have negative impact. A tit for tat approach can be justified with its own brand of justification, but it only increases the divide. Hence it has to be condemned and those found guilty has to be legally tried and punished.
There is this long haired Salman Ahmed, a Pak origin London based rock star, who plays to packed houses and according to reports sold some 30 million albums, can be an unlikely peace messenger in the Muslim world. To combat terror, Britain has been promoting him to counter radicalisation among students. "Stay away from Terrorism says Pak Rock Star" was a London datelined report by IANS. It may not be a bad idea to get him to India to promote social harmony. Would somebody think about it?
Darul Uloom Deoband is at it again. After issuing fatwa against Muslim women working where men too work, it has sharpened its diktats on women's modeling and acting in films as unislamic. Muslim women have been working in films from days of silent era, may be a century ago, suddenly these clerics got up from their slumber to declare acting in films unislmic. On the face of it, they will never succeed in enforcing it. The fact is, the Court dancer concept, has come from Muslim rulers and cinema is only an extension of it. Darul Uloom Deoband is India based, what can it do against films made in Pakistan or the Arab world? Doesn’t this sound funny? These clerics keep issuing these fatwas only to assert their existence and nothing else. Things keep happening inspite of them. According to Quran, we are told that men and women are treated equally, but how do you justify these restrictions on women, when men folks have complete and unchecked free runs. Muslim men are allowed to do all that Europeans do as a part of their civil freedom in their designer outfits. Nothing unislamic about it. But women? Oh poor Muslim sisters of India!
The U.S. stand on its relationship with Pakistan vis-à-vis its relationship with India, there is visible confusion. In the past, it was always believed that U.S. will not develop friendship with India at the cost of Pakistan. But its true that things have improved over a period, especially since Clinton days, followed by George Bush(Jr) days. However since the days of Obama becoming the White House occupant, it was hoped that India may have preference since Obama is a peace votary. But no such thing has happened. U.S. still believes Pak is an important ally, probably more important than India. There is a distinct effort to portray Pakistan more positively, however negative factors keep croping up. Take the recent case of Faisal Shahzad, who was arrested after the abortive bombing attempt at Times Square in Midtown Manhattan. Shahzad, is a naturalised U.S. citizen of Pak origin. On his arrest he had confessed to his association and training with Taliban. Hillary Clinton had put Pak on notice by "warning of severe consequences – if New York trial leads to Islamabad". That statement for the first time made India feel better, that long last, ‘it’s catching up’. But the elation was short lived. Worried that Clinton outburst shall alienate Pakistan in the American fight against terror, White House spokesman issues statement under-playing Hillary’s warning, hence the media headline "Now U.S. plays down Hillary warning". Thus, however bad Pak does, it is very unlikely that U.S. will play India card against Pak, despite their knowing full well that ISI had secretly released two high ranking Taliban militants during April and CIA has acknowledged that ISI still maintain active links with Taliban. So what are the choices available to India? It is an issue that power that be in New Delhi must seriously dwell into and weigh all options. Another friendship treaty with Russia may not be a bad idea. It can help us against both China and U.S. as a buffer.
Kasab, the lone terrorist, who was caught alive by the valiance of ASI Ombale of Mumbai police is to be hanged to death. Within less than 18 months of the attack by Pakistani terror elements, on 26/11, special court announced its verdict of guilty of horrendous crime against humanity in general and Indians in particular. That he has to be given death penalty, was the overall consensus among general public. Yes, it has to go thru’ the usual procedural formalities. Indian politics being what it is, it is hoped that this chapter on 26/11 is formally closed as far as Ajmal Kasab is concerned, within the shortest possible time. We do have precedence to the country, of dillydallying.
The tragedy involving AIR INDIA EXPRESS from Dubai, which crash landed outside the runway at Mangalore airport is indeed a very sad one. It happened as the families were waiting outside the arrival lounge to be united with the passengers of the ill fated aircraft. They had almost landed and yet……….How true that ‘there are many slips between the cup and the lip’. The cruel fate had a last laugh. Of the 169 passengers, some 160 perished. Such accidents always throws up questions. Why it happened? Whether it could have been avoided? Was it is a human or technical error?
Yes, as things became clearer, it was generally believed that it was the pilot who erred. He landed short by 600 meters away from the touch down point, and landed at 250km speed which couldn’t be controlled within the remaining run of the runway. Overshot the runway to land in the valley of no return. Proving, in the process, that table top airstrip has an inherent danger. Best planned and managed scheme of things can still have accidents, but it can reduce probability to the minimum. Having an airport on a hillock is certainly not the best option. Cost of human life is always greater than the monetary cost of whatever dimension. That is the bottom line, take it or leave it.
The Census 2011 has started with some 25 lakhs enumerators on the job. Although its significance and relevance as a very important data of socio-economic indicators need not be over emphasised, the inclusion of caste, despite reasoned opposition by many, only to score some political points, is a sad commentary on the machinations by politicians due to which ordinary citizens have to suffer. We have tried to discuss the issue under Focus for the importance it deserved. However, as Arif Mohd Khan, a progressive Muslim leader and a former Civil Aviation Minister, suggested, while participating in a CENSUS DEBATE in New Delhi, we should write in the column for caste as HINDUSTANI. According to him even if 5 crore of the 120 crores Indian write as ‘HINDUSTANI’ it can be a force to reckon with. Yes Indian should join the call of Arif to declare their caste as HINDUSTANI, it can have a multiplier effect.
Rest of the issues are usual.
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