MONTH-IN-PERSPECTIVE
JAMMU&KASHMIR: The report in The Hindu, “Valley seethes at officer’s killing”, conveyed it all. Similar selective outrage has been the problem with Pakistan handling of its own terror groups. It is a case of ‘chicken coming home to roost’.
Leadership, which is orchestrating the Valley’s response to unrest there, is learning it the hard way. Terrorism cannot be condoned if you think it helps you.
The story of Valley supporting separatists and their hobnobbing with Pak based terror groups like Hizbul Mujahideen and LeT will come back to haunt them.
Valley has been always selective in responding to security forces by pushing small children and its youth, and now college girls, to pelt stones at security forces. Now that one of their very own has been gunned down in their own midst by the same people they supported, will haunt them forever. Valley did not react when Pakistan made Gilgit Baltistan part of POK as Pakistan’s 5th state. Clearly it has shown the Muslim dimension of the Valley’s India centric resistance. They did not mind Pakistan usurping POK as their own but resist India’s claim, which, prima facie, is legal. Yes, Valley must decide whether they want to go with India or with Pakistan.
And those politically oriented supporters in India including some media houses and of course their friend Arundhati Roy must look within, that their support to Kashmiri cause is sinister, not based on humanity and truth. There has to be realistic development, so that Kashmir and Kashmiris can be saved.
For all those years, before Pakistan decided to take on its homegrown terror groups, they allowed these groups free run since they were only attacking India & Kashmir. Terrorists are a law unto themselves and Pakistan experienced it first hand at a heavy price. Only then they decided to take them on. But have still allowed it in Kashmir. It is for Kashmiris to recognize this danger. They too allowed it, and their very own officer has been killed in their own neighbourhood. Yes, chicken has come home to roost. Take it or leave it.
Punjab: Being critical of the government should not be the only objective of journalistic writings. The ‘power point’ by Sachidananda Murthy- ‘A mixed message’ (THE WEEK- 30/4/17) surely has a mixed reaction. The remarks by the writer on the Canadian Defence Minister’s visit, mentioning that Khalistan movement was crushed 25 years ago may not truly pass the muster. Khalistani elements are there among Sikhs- both in India and in Canada. How can the writer forget the horrendous Kanishka Bombing, where 329 perished off the Irish coast in the Atlantic! It was the war on India by Khalistanis of Canada. It reflected the poor security checks by Canadian authorities. Sikh Sardars involved in planting the bomb in Kanishka were, not only not punished but even witnesses were murdered. None of the Sikh Canadian organizations have apologized for this horrendous crime they have committed on absolute innocent air travelers only because it was Air India.
Did this Harjit Singh Sajjan, the Canadian Defence Minister who is presently embroiled in a controversy of self promotion, touch on this macabre event and apologized for this dark episode in the contemporary history of this civilized world? There is a need for the last word to be said on one of the greatest aviation tragedy orchestrated from Canada by the Sikhs of that country.
New Delhi: In his keenness to score brownie points, Kapil Sibal, the advocate for All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has waded into uncharted currents.
He said, “Triple talaq is a matter of faith like Lord Rama’s birth place in Ayodhya and it cannot be interpreted or changed by any court of law”. By this argument he not only made the work of those seeking Shree Ram temple in Ayodhya easier, he also compared triple talaq with the Christian faith of virginity of Mother Mary.
This is bad logic. Nobody came forward to claim suffering due to either of the claim of adherents to Hindu myth or Christian myth. But there is a whole lot of Muslim women in India who have suffered physical, emotional and financial pain immensely due to triple talaq. There is a whole lot of evidence in support of banning triple talaq from among the Muslim faithfuls, both common people and intelligentsia. Besides, there are many Muslim Countries who have banned this archaic practice of triple talaq in their society.
‘Have these countries gone against the tenets of Islam Mr. Sibal?’
Don’t be opportunistic, since it helps you professionally and the vested interest of those from AIMPLB, who, truly speaking do not represent the entire Islamic faithfuls of India. Besides, do remember that you belong to the political class that supported the same group against Shah Bano. So are you doing party work at the court?!
What is wrong with this Congress party? At times it looks as if the leadership has mortgaged its sense of proportion. It is not just Digvijay Singh or a Manishankar Aiyar, with foot in mouth syndrome, it’s the leadership itself.
Or else, how would they go to town and attack the govt. for going to International Court of Justice (ICJ), when the entire country is happy with the ICJ staying the death sentence of Kulbhushan Jhadav?
Accusing the NDA government of internationalizing the issue of K. Jadhav and suggesting that this would make Pakistan approach the ICJ with Kashmir issue, this Congress has unwittingly committed a political hara–keeri. Not only it gave the idea to Pakistan to go ICJ but also gave an impression that saving Jadhav from gallows need not be a priority for the nation. This is bad and stupid politics. Whoever is the architect of such a stand simply does not know what they are doing. It is clear that Congress wants to oppose anything and everything that this NDA government does.
As for Pakistan taking the Kashmir issue to ICJ, surely Pakistan need no lessons and they are quite competent to look after their political interest.
While on the subject, it is important to note that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran, and what is the explanation the Iranian government or the police have on this abduction of an Indian from inside Iran by Pakistani agencies? There have been no inputs from Indian authorities on the role of Iran and its agencies, before, during and after the kidnapping. Govt. must come clean on this.
Appointment of Lokpal has been eluding Indians despite there being a law in place. The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act 2013, which came into effect on 16th Jan 2014 to inquire into allegations of corruption against public functionaries has, kind of, remained in a limbo.
The law aims to check corruption under this independent body at the national level, for receiving and processing complaints relating to corruption against government servants, to ensure that they are properly investigated and if found guilty initiate prosecution against such officials in a time bound manner.
UPA, which enacted the law, while in power, lost power in early 2014. NDA combine led by Narendra Modi, on the plank “abki baar Modi Sarcar” came to power. It won the election after declaring “Brashtaachaar Nirmoolan”. It’s been in power for the last 3 years, but strangely did not push for Lokpal, apparently for its own political compulsions.
It’s alright to talk about eradicating corruption as election rhetoric, but to see that concrete steps are taken to this end is a different ball game. Talk about Lokpal started in the 1960s, it took over half a century for our political class to pass a law in 2013. It was clearly under duress, post Anna Hazare led movement that the then UPA government buckled to enact a law to create Lokpal, on 16th Jan 2014.
Fact is, no government is clean, and has more often than not, crossed the proverbial Laxman Rekha, at times or many a time. Only difference is the degree of muck and the number of instances an elected government got involved in sleaze. So the fear of the ombudsman was always there, and every government pushed it for another day.
Now that UPA after all did enact the law, but the NDA that came in May 2014, like all earlier governments, did not push it hard enough. They had a handy reason, no LOP, or Leader of opposition. Under the law to appoint a Lokpal, there has to be a committee, of 4 functionaries, like Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India or his nominee, Loksabha speaker and LOP, who in turn shall select a 5th Member, who is a jurist of repute. But no where it was mentioned that without LOP you can’t elect this ‘Jurist of repute’. As they say, ‘where there is will there is a way’. Narendra Modi, did not have Lokayukta in Gujarath, he appeared not so keen in the centre either, to go for Lokpal.
Indians are privy to the ‘righteous indignation’ of BJP when it was in opposition. During the Anna led movement in Jantar Mantar, BJP’s Sushma Swaraj had reportedly responded saying “Anna’s call is an appeal to our collective conscience”. Where is this “collective conscience now”! Got lost in the corridors of parliament!
Acting on a plea by NGO Common Cause, the highest court of the land has asked the central government to pull up its socks and not to drag its feet. Hope NDA led by Modi acts sooner to protect its own credibility. Yes country needs to have its first LOKPAL.
Chhattisgarh: Varsha Dongre, the deputy jailor had alleged in a social media post that she ‘had seen tribal women being stripped at police stations in Bastar and tortured by giving electric shocks. This is inhuman. Our laws and systems should not allow such practices. It is time to introspect?’ Reportedly, this was after the Maoists attack on CRPF in Sukma.
If true, NHRC has to take up suo-moto this issue of torture of innocent tribals just as they issued notice to UP for denial of ambulance to a labourer to carry his teenage son’s dead body. But she was rewarded by way of ‘suspension’, by the DGP of Chhattisgarh, ‘since her conduct was in violation of service rules’.
Surely Indians remember that jawan posting pictures of watery daal and roti and complaining about the poor quality of food. He too was sacked after the inquiry. People at the bottom, especially in police, army and other security forces getting a raw deal is more a norm than an exception. This time it has gone higher to the level of deputy jailer, may be a senior inspector grade.
It is true that there are forums and levels for making complaints. But for the fear of victimization it is not largely resorted to. Does this mean, truth should die, even before its natural death?! What is the alternative to expose these dark spots of our evolving democracy?!
Maharashtra: Some weeks ago bollywood singer Sonu Nigam had hit the bulls’ eye with his take on the use of loud speakers for Aazaan, the Muslim call for prayer. He was written about, both in praise and in criticism- some called him right and some called him petty and not fit for secular India. It is another matter, that the word ‘secular’ has its varied interpretation in India for obvious reasons, and is highly misused.
Of course all is quite after the initial outburst, where even a fatwa was issued by a West Bengal cleric to shave Nigam’s hair off his head etc.
But strangely nobody reacted when Babu Bhai, went to court much before the noise by Sonu Nigam, demanding the stoppage of use of loudspeakers in Masjids. Of course some have more noise and less content, while there are those who have more content and less noise. This is how all public discourse is.
Mumbai based, 66 year old Mohd. Ali alias Babu Bhai, had challenged in Bombay High Court the practice of using loudspeakers during early morning aazaan.
According to him, there is no harm if the use of loudspeaker is stopped and he claims it to be anti-Islamic. Reportedly he even succeeded to get seven mosques to stop the use of loudspeakers. He tells “Islam is over 1400 years old and loudspeaker was invented not even hundred years ago! Islam is strong enough and does not need any support of parasite like loudspeakers.”
While challenging the practice of using loudspeakers, he has reportedly collected 64 fatwa from maulvis in support of his stand. So also the court has already passed its order sometime in Aug 2016, on the suit filed by Babu Bhai, that loudspeakers cannot be used between 10PM & 6AM, and any violation shall be punishable with both fine and imprisonment.
But strangely most of the public space is unaware of this development. This needs to be pursued to its logical end. Do you hearken: Sonu Nigam, you already have a peer!
IPL 10 has come and gone, - Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Dare Devils, Gujarat Lions and the Virat Kohli led Royal Challengers Bengalooru (RCB), these four teams were out of reckoning for the knockout stage, with RCB at the bottom. It’s a star studded batting side, with lineup of bating greats, like Kohli himself, Chris Gayle and others. But they were credited with the lowest score of the current IPL series, at less than 50 all-out within 8 overs, with batting average of minus 1.299, the lowest of all 8 teams. Of course cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties, unsung can sing to glory and top notch biting the dust, more so with IPL with its entertainment dimension of hit out & get out. Or else, there is no way Kings XI Punjab, with the highest score of 237 in the last but one match is out of reckoning. And Rising Pune with average of just 0.176 is the 2nd in the ladder of playoffs.
Winning and losing is a part of all games, be it cricket or any other. But the number of defeats, and the way one has lost has lot to say on the leadership. Does this mean Kohli has failed as a captain!? If he is not good for IPL, can he be good for Tests, 50 over matches, & T20s?
Rahane is the vice-captain of the Indian team. He led the team in the absence of Kohli in the last and the decisive test against Australia. He had shown immense character and maturity in that match. And India won it and the series with that win.
Praising Rahane with the way he captained the Indian team, former Australian captain Ian Chappel had observed post the last Test “India are very very lucky to have a captain like Rahane. I thought he did a fantastic job. They (Kohli & Rahane) do it totally different. But I thought Rahane did a good job and the team right behind him because of the way he captained.”
Coming from a former Australian captain is a tribute to the ability of Rahane, but look at what Aussie media had to say about Virat Kohli, titling it “Aussie media labels Kohli ‘Classless’ and ‘ego maniac’, while Mark Taylor, the legendary batsman had observed ‘Kohli should grow bigger’. Many former cricketers also felt that it is wrong to hold grudges against players off the pitch for some stupid behaviour on the pitch. After all it’s just a game; you have to be bigger than that. “Virat Kohli had to shake hands and move on after series win. But he acted like a child”. After the series loss Aussie capt. Steve Smith called the Indian Team for a beer and Kohli had declined the offer. That was very unsporting. For the captain of a No1 cricket team, these comments reflect poorly. Certainly there appears to be room, for him to be a better model. Selectors do you hearken!
Karnataka: When will Indians ever learn to be people centric in their approach to development? Why do we suffer from this ostrich mentality, not wanting to see things in proper perspective?
“Drop Pourakarmikas’ Singapore trip plan, provide facilities”, was a news datelined Bengalooru. Ascribing to the President of the Karnataka State Pourakarmika’s Association(KSPA), report had informed accusing the state government of wanton waste of public money in sending 1000 pourakarmikas or conservancy staff to Singapore, ostensibly to “make them learn civic responsibilities.” What an incredible objective of Brihan Bengalooru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP)! and we have a joker from Environment groups in public space remarking “I am happy that Pourakarmikas will be going to Singapore as they deserve”. These pourakarmikas, who work under trying unhygienic conditions, with no protective boots, no protective hand gloves and masks, deserve so many entitlements and not trip to Singapore. Listen to Lalithamma, “We have to lift garbage with bare hands since no gloves are provided. We are being provided with mid-day meals and we have to eat our meals standing as there are no rest rooms and neither there is toilet. We will benefit more if the government focuses on these instead of arranging a trip to an unknown place”. Surely this pourakarmika Lalitamma has got more brain than BBMP commissioner N Manjunatha, who was reportedly unavailable to comment when media approached his office.
Tragedy is the complete unimaginative and insensitive approach of political class and their bureaucratic advisors, who didn’t blink at the fact that in Singapore authorities will not explain things to these workers in Kannada, with hardly any among these 1000 workers with any knowledge of English. And these workers from the municipal corporations across Karnataka would be shocked to see Singapore conservancy staff in full protective clothing and their handling tools comparing themselves to the stone-age traditions and man management practices of BBMP. Bengalooru, one of India’s top cities, still caught in the time warp.
Asking the government to provide better facilities with the fund instead of the trip the president of KSPA has charged that “CM announced revision of workers’ wages many months ago, which is still to be implemented” while demanding regularization of contract workers. It is a sad reflection of our ruling class or can we call them managing class’-politicians & babus-serious lack of a sense of proportion. There have been innumerable number of trips by MLAs and ministers going abroad on so-called study trips, visiting night clubs etc., and coming back with no-learning. When will we truly learn, so that we can truly develop!
The report “Traffic Police may come home to collect fines” is the most positive news from police in Bengalooru. Indians are the most indisciplined road users. Road rage and traffic violation of all kinds is fairly normal. Heavy fine is one of the strong deterrent. The recent amendment in the related act to heavily fine is a welcome measure.
The report informs that Bengalooru Traffic Police (BTP) has collected information of 500 repeat offenders to follow up till all the fine payments are made, tells lot about the commitment of the traffic police. Reportedly there are 22376 cases against these 500 vehicles- 4 wheelers, 2 wheelers and auto rickshaws-indicates the gravity of the issue. Although maximum number of violations are by motorcycles, one particular auto rickshaw tops the list of repeat offenders with 123 cases and a private car with 36 offences. This is staggering to say the least. Not only the entire fine due should be collected from these traffic violators, the license of the auto rickshaw driver and that of the private car driver should be suspended, at least for some years. Only then the message will go across that police means business. Hopefully some semblance of discipline shall come about. In any case, two cheers to BTP.
Most students of history of Karnataka know this Tipu Sultan. Writing on his death anniversary, yesterday the 4th May, one Shakira Khanum writes with a title ‘Tipu, a hero denied his place in history’. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi “Tipu was an embodiment of Hindu Muslim Unity”, the writer had gone on to praise this bigot called Tipu, left-right and centre.
If anything, as some writer had put it, Tipu was indeed “a divisive historical character, some even called him Aurangzeb, the tyrant. But there are vested interest vote bank politicians like Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah elevating this Tipu as a ‘true patriotic nationalist leader’. His party was in power in Karnataka for over 50 years, they never thought Tipu ‘true patriotic nationalist leader’. Siddu himself is there since last 4 years, as the CM of Karnataka. For the first 3 years, Tipu was nowhere around in the scheme of things. So surely, something or somebody had prompted Siddu to act to celebrate Tipu Jayanthi last Nov. He could have been a brave soldier; he could have been a good administrator. But there are enough people saying he killed both Hindus and Christians in thousands and forcibly converted many of them to Islam from all across Kodagu, Malabar and Mangalore. Anybody who uses cruelty and force against vulnerable sections is not fit for any tribute, let alone celebrating his ‘Jayanthi’.
And this writer, who writes on his death anniversary as tribute need to circumspect, despite her social proximity to Tipu. And she has, -kind of- no holds barred, indulged in praising the despot, while concealing if Haidar Ali, who was only a Dalvai, or chief of an army unit, usurped the Mysore Kingdom from Wodeyars?! Recorded history of Wodeyar dynasty is from 1399 to 1947, broken by a period from 1761 to 1799. This was the period Haidar Ali and Tipu ruled Mysore. How did this snap come about? So is this Tipu hero or villain?!
What is important for historians is to tell the truth and not cover it by our prejudices. History must help create better human beings leading to better civilization and not help sustain untruth masquerading as truth.
World: The news report that “Hafiz Saeed will remain under house arrest for 90 days more”, has to an extent conveyed the seriousness with which the authorities in Pak looks at this walking danger.
Pakistani government had on 30th January put Saeed and his four followers, Prof Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdur Rehman Abid, Qazi Kashif Hussain and Abdullah Obaid- under house arrest, ostensibly for their involvement in activities prejudicial to peace and security. It was reported that it was the warning by the Trump administration to act against JuD chief that prompted Pakistani action. However Indian media reacted to this January 30 detention as an eyewash, dismissing it as Pakistan has always took such action only for public consumption and hence need not be taken seriously for India to feel comfortable.
However the latest extension of the detention has tried to convey the seriousness of the government at Islamabad. It had considered and listed the JuD chief under terrorism law and that he can pose a ‘serious threat’ to the nation. Reportedly, the acknowledgement of danger, about the Mumbai attack mastermind came from the Defence Minister Khawaja Asif of Pakistan during his interaction with the audience at the Global Security Conference held in Munich, according to the Pakistani news paper ‘The Nation’.
Prior to his house arrest, this Saeed Hafiz was put on Exit Control List, barring him from leaving Pakistan.
It has to be noted that, this action on Saeed Hafiz came in the wake of around ten terrorist attack inside Pakistan in January 2017 alone, where hundreds died, including the attack on a famed Sufi Shrine near Karachi, which claimed some 90 lives.
So at long last, the Pakistani politicians and the army have realized and recognized that ‘chicken has come home to roost’, that those who can kill others for no reason, can kill us as well.
Is it a purge or there is any method in madness! Trump, and there are many in the U.S., who do not like Barack Obama for whatever reason. Is it because he is a Democrat and not a Republican, or is it because, he is coloured or both. For whatever reasons, Trump is undoing all that Obama administration has done, whether it is some legislation or appointments made during the Obama Presidency. It was true that Obama administration had appointed many accomplished Indian professionals in some very senior positions in the government for their acknowledged contribution to the U.S economy and society.
Caught in the latest purge is Dr. Vivek Murthy who was appointed by Obama as Surgeon General. The 39 year old, Murthy was the first Indian to occupy this position of Leader of the U.S Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. He was appointed in Dec 2014 for a four year term. He was asked to resign sometime in April 2017 and asked to handover to Sylvia Trent Adams, a professionally qualified nurse, older than Murthy by some 12 years. A Super Power, supposedly the most powerful country in the world, strangely asks an MD in Medicine so also a faculty in Harvard Medical School besides being a practising physician in some top American hospitals, to resign and appoints a nurse, of course very well qualified and experienced, as the acting Surgeon General. No doubt Ms. Adams holds a ‘master in nursing and health policy’ besides a Ph.d from University of Maryland, but she is a nurse! She is simply not qualified to become the Chief of U.S Public Health Service. It would be like 12th class pass, Smrithi Irani lording it over Vice-chancellor of Indian Universities. It may be that Ms. Adams is only temporarily holding the fort, until someone else is appointed. But what was the tearing hurry to replace the incumbent chief except that he is an Indian and an Obama appointee!?
Strange are the ways of Trump. While demitting the office, Vivek Murthy had reportedly wrote in a FaceBook post “For a grandson of a poor farmer from India to be asked by the President to look after the health of an entire nation was a humbling and uniquely American story”. For this fetish of ‘America the greatest’, is Trump reversing American story?
Unlike low-key Barack Obama, Donald Trump is a high profile U.S. president. He wants to tell it and tell it loudly that he is the U.S president and ‘better take me seriously’. So, blasts Muslims of the world on his election as the President and then makes a state visit to Saudi Arabia. Saudi monarch receives Trump in a ceremonial welcome. Trump clinches an arms deal worth over US $ 110 billion. Goes to Tel Aviv and tells them that he is with them, warning Iran from Israeli soil for their contribution to terrorism, while not mentioning the Sunni terror of Saudi led combine. In fact, more than Shia terror, it’s the Sunny terror which has created the problems for the wide world. If Palestinian issue is solved, more of Shia terror would likely to stop. Talking to Mohmoud Abbas of Palestine, President Trump had categorically supported the idea of Palestine leader ‘of a negotiated settlement of all issues, for it to usher in long term peace and stability between Israel and Palestine and offered himself as ‘mediator, arbiter or facilitator’.
So, Trump is making it clear to all ‘what I say matters’. Recognize me as the ‘numero uno’ and wants to say it unabashedly. No qualms about it. Yes ‘U.S. is the greatest and I am its president.’ Like it or not.
It is true within his own country, the U.S., his countrymen are beginning to dislike him. They disliked him earlier too but now they even hate him. A Professor from California had even tweeted “To save American democracy, Trump must hang. The sooner and the higher the better.” But he is not perturbed. It was disturbing that majority of U.S. citizens supported him in the presidential bid. Fortunately there are Presidents of Iran and France who have just been elected by majority Iranians and majority French. They are both centrist reformers. They have a more egalitarian view of the world. While there are few extreme right leaders emerging causing disquiet, there are also moderates emerging too. Hope, between them world survives the looming crisis the world over.
J. Shriyan
Leadership, which is orchestrating the Valley’s response to unrest there, is learning it the hard way. Terrorism cannot be condoned if you think it helps you.
The story of Valley supporting separatists and their hobnobbing with Pak based terror groups like Hizbul Mujahideen and LeT will come back to haunt them.
Valley has been always selective in responding to security forces by pushing small children and its youth, and now college girls, to pelt stones at security forces. Now that one of their very own has been gunned down in their own midst by the same people they supported, will haunt them forever. Valley did not react when Pakistan made Gilgit Baltistan part of POK as Pakistan’s 5th state. Clearly it has shown the Muslim dimension of the Valley’s India centric resistance. They did not mind Pakistan usurping POK as their own but resist India’s claim, which, prima facie, is legal. Yes, Valley must decide whether they want to go with India or with Pakistan.
And those politically oriented supporters in India including some media houses and of course their friend Arundhati Roy must look within, that their support to Kashmiri cause is sinister, not based on humanity and truth. There has to be realistic development, so that Kashmir and Kashmiris can be saved.
For all those years, before Pakistan decided to take on its homegrown terror groups, they allowed these groups free run since they were only attacking India & Kashmir. Terrorists are a law unto themselves and Pakistan experienced it first hand at a heavy price. Only then they decided to take them on. But have still allowed it in Kashmir. It is for Kashmiris to recognize this danger. They too allowed it, and their very own officer has been killed in their own neighbourhood. Yes, chicken has come home to roost. Take it or leave it.
Punjab: Being critical of the government should not be the only objective of journalistic writings. The ‘power point’ by Sachidananda Murthy- ‘A mixed message’ (THE WEEK- 30/4/17) surely has a mixed reaction. The remarks by the writer on the Canadian Defence Minister’s visit, mentioning that Khalistan movement was crushed 25 years ago may not truly pass the muster. Khalistani elements are there among Sikhs- both in India and in Canada. How can the writer forget the horrendous Kanishka Bombing, where 329 perished off the Irish coast in the Atlantic! It was the war on India by Khalistanis of Canada. It reflected the poor security checks by Canadian authorities. Sikh Sardars involved in planting the bomb in Kanishka were, not only not punished but even witnesses were murdered. None of the Sikh Canadian organizations have apologized for this horrendous crime they have committed on absolute innocent air travelers only because it was Air India.
Did this Harjit Singh Sajjan, the Canadian Defence Minister who is presently embroiled in a controversy of self promotion, touch on this macabre event and apologized for this dark episode in the contemporary history of this civilized world? There is a need for the last word to be said on one of the greatest aviation tragedy orchestrated from Canada by the Sikhs of that country.
New Delhi: In his keenness to score brownie points, Kapil Sibal, the advocate for All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has waded into uncharted currents.
He said, “Triple talaq is a matter of faith like Lord Rama’s birth place in Ayodhya and it cannot be interpreted or changed by any court of law”. By this argument he not only made the work of those seeking Shree Ram temple in Ayodhya easier, he also compared triple talaq with the Christian faith of virginity of Mother Mary.
This is bad logic. Nobody came forward to claim suffering due to either of the claim of adherents to Hindu myth or Christian myth. But there is a whole lot of Muslim women in India who have suffered physical, emotional and financial pain immensely due to triple talaq. There is a whole lot of evidence in support of banning triple talaq from among the Muslim faithfuls, both common people and intelligentsia. Besides, there are many Muslim Countries who have banned this archaic practice of triple talaq in their society.
‘Have these countries gone against the tenets of Islam Mr. Sibal?’
Don’t be opportunistic, since it helps you professionally and the vested interest of those from AIMPLB, who, truly speaking do not represent the entire Islamic faithfuls of India. Besides, do remember that you belong to the political class that supported the same group against Shah Bano. So are you doing party work at the court?!
What is wrong with this Congress party? At times it looks as if the leadership has mortgaged its sense of proportion. It is not just Digvijay Singh or a Manishankar Aiyar, with foot in mouth syndrome, it’s the leadership itself.
Or else, how would they go to town and attack the govt. for going to International Court of Justice (ICJ), when the entire country is happy with the ICJ staying the death sentence of Kulbhushan Jhadav?
Accusing the NDA government of internationalizing the issue of K. Jadhav and suggesting that this would make Pakistan approach the ICJ with Kashmir issue, this Congress has unwittingly committed a political hara–keeri. Not only it gave the idea to Pakistan to go ICJ but also gave an impression that saving Jadhav from gallows need not be a priority for the nation. This is bad and stupid politics. Whoever is the architect of such a stand simply does not know what they are doing. It is clear that Congress wants to oppose anything and everything that this NDA government does.
As for Pakistan taking the Kashmir issue to ICJ, surely Pakistan need no lessons and they are quite competent to look after their political interest.
While on the subject, it is important to note that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran, and what is the explanation the Iranian government or the police have on this abduction of an Indian from inside Iran by Pakistani agencies? There have been no inputs from Indian authorities on the role of Iran and its agencies, before, during and after the kidnapping. Govt. must come clean on this.
Appointment of Lokpal has been eluding Indians despite there being a law in place. The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act 2013, which came into effect on 16th Jan 2014 to inquire into allegations of corruption against public functionaries has, kind of, remained in a limbo.
The law aims to check corruption under this independent body at the national level, for receiving and processing complaints relating to corruption against government servants, to ensure that they are properly investigated and if found guilty initiate prosecution against such officials in a time bound manner.
UPA, which enacted the law, while in power, lost power in early 2014. NDA combine led by Narendra Modi, on the plank “abki baar Modi Sarcar” came to power. It won the election after declaring “Brashtaachaar Nirmoolan”. It’s been in power for the last 3 years, but strangely did not push for Lokpal, apparently for its own political compulsions.
It’s alright to talk about eradicating corruption as election rhetoric, but to see that concrete steps are taken to this end is a different ball game. Talk about Lokpal started in the 1960s, it took over half a century for our political class to pass a law in 2013. It was clearly under duress, post Anna Hazare led movement that the then UPA government buckled to enact a law to create Lokpal, on 16th Jan 2014.
Fact is, no government is clean, and has more often than not, crossed the proverbial Laxman Rekha, at times or many a time. Only difference is the degree of muck and the number of instances an elected government got involved in sleaze. So the fear of the ombudsman was always there, and every government pushed it for another day.
Now that UPA after all did enact the law, but the NDA that came in May 2014, like all earlier governments, did not push it hard enough. They had a handy reason, no LOP, or Leader of opposition. Under the law to appoint a Lokpal, there has to be a committee, of 4 functionaries, like Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India or his nominee, Loksabha speaker and LOP, who in turn shall select a 5th Member, who is a jurist of repute. But no where it was mentioned that without LOP you can’t elect this ‘Jurist of repute’. As they say, ‘where there is will there is a way’. Narendra Modi, did not have Lokayukta in Gujarath, he appeared not so keen in the centre either, to go for Lokpal.
Indians are privy to the ‘righteous indignation’ of BJP when it was in opposition. During the Anna led movement in Jantar Mantar, BJP’s Sushma Swaraj had reportedly responded saying “Anna’s call is an appeal to our collective conscience”. Where is this “collective conscience now”! Got lost in the corridors of parliament!
Acting on a plea by NGO Common Cause, the highest court of the land has asked the central government to pull up its socks and not to drag its feet. Hope NDA led by Modi acts sooner to protect its own credibility. Yes country needs to have its first LOKPAL.
Chhattisgarh: Varsha Dongre, the deputy jailor had alleged in a social media post that she ‘had seen tribal women being stripped at police stations in Bastar and tortured by giving electric shocks. This is inhuman. Our laws and systems should not allow such practices. It is time to introspect?’ Reportedly, this was after the Maoists attack on CRPF in Sukma.
If true, NHRC has to take up suo-moto this issue of torture of innocent tribals just as they issued notice to UP for denial of ambulance to a labourer to carry his teenage son’s dead body. But she was rewarded by way of ‘suspension’, by the DGP of Chhattisgarh, ‘since her conduct was in violation of service rules’.
Surely Indians remember that jawan posting pictures of watery daal and roti and complaining about the poor quality of food. He too was sacked after the inquiry. People at the bottom, especially in police, army and other security forces getting a raw deal is more a norm than an exception. This time it has gone higher to the level of deputy jailer, may be a senior inspector grade.
It is true that there are forums and levels for making complaints. But for the fear of victimization it is not largely resorted to. Does this mean, truth should die, even before its natural death?! What is the alternative to expose these dark spots of our evolving democracy?!
Maharashtra: Some weeks ago bollywood singer Sonu Nigam had hit the bulls’ eye with his take on the use of loud speakers for Aazaan, the Muslim call for prayer. He was written about, both in praise and in criticism- some called him right and some called him petty and not fit for secular India. It is another matter, that the word ‘secular’ has its varied interpretation in India for obvious reasons, and is highly misused.
Of course all is quite after the initial outburst, where even a fatwa was issued by a West Bengal cleric to shave Nigam’s hair off his head etc.
But strangely nobody reacted when Babu Bhai, went to court much before the noise by Sonu Nigam, demanding the stoppage of use of loudspeakers in Masjids. Of course some have more noise and less content, while there are those who have more content and less noise. This is how all public discourse is.
Mumbai based, 66 year old Mohd. Ali alias Babu Bhai, had challenged in Bombay High Court the practice of using loudspeakers during early morning aazaan.
According to him, there is no harm if the use of loudspeaker is stopped and he claims it to be anti-Islamic. Reportedly he even succeeded to get seven mosques to stop the use of loudspeakers. He tells “Islam is over 1400 years old and loudspeaker was invented not even hundred years ago! Islam is strong enough and does not need any support of parasite like loudspeakers.”
While challenging the practice of using loudspeakers, he has reportedly collected 64 fatwa from maulvis in support of his stand. So also the court has already passed its order sometime in Aug 2016, on the suit filed by Babu Bhai, that loudspeakers cannot be used between 10PM & 6AM, and any violation shall be punishable with both fine and imprisonment.
But strangely most of the public space is unaware of this development. This needs to be pursued to its logical end. Do you hearken: Sonu Nigam, you already have a peer!
IPL 10 has come and gone, - Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Dare Devils, Gujarat Lions and the Virat Kohli led Royal Challengers Bengalooru (RCB), these four teams were out of reckoning for the knockout stage, with RCB at the bottom. It’s a star studded batting side, with lineup of bating greats, like Kohli himself, Chris Gayle and others. But they were credited with the lowest score of the current IPL series, at less than 50 all-out within 8 overs, with batting average of minus 1.299, the lowest of all 8 teams. Of course cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties, unsung can sing to glory and top notch biting the dust, more so with IPL with its entertainment dimension of hit out & get out. Or else, there is no way Kings XI Punjab, with the highest score of 237 in the last but one match is out of reckoning. And Rising Pune with average of just 0.176 is the 2nd in the ladder of playoffs.
Winning and losing is a part of all games, be it cricket or any other. But the number of defeats, and the way one has lost has lot to say on the leadership. Does this mean Kohli has failed as a captain!? If he is not good for IPL, can he be good for Tests, 50 over matches, & T20s?
Rahane is the vice-captain of the Indian team. He led the team in the absence of Kohli in the last and the decisive test against Australia. He had shown immense character and maturity in that match. And India won it and the series with that win.
Praising Rahane with the way he captained the Indian team, former Australian captain Ian Chappel had observed post the last Test “India are very very lucky to have a captain like Rahane. I thought he did a fantastic job. They (Kohli & Rahane) do it totally different. But I thought Rahane did a good job and the team right behind him because of the way he captained.”
Coming from a former Australian captain is a tribute to the ability of Rahane, but look at what Aussie media had to say about Virat Kohli, titling it “Aussie media labels Kohli ‘Classless’ and ‘ego maniac’, while Mark Taylor, the legendary batsman had observed ‘Kohli should grow bigger’. Many former cricketers also felt that it is wrong to hold grudges against players off the pitch for some stupid behaviour on the pitch. After all it’s just a game; you have to be bigger than that. “Virat Kohli had to shake hands and move on after series win. But he acted like a child”. After the series loss Aussie capt. Steve Smith called the Indian Team for a beer and Kohli had declined the offer. That was very unsporting. For the captain of a No1 cricket team, these comments reflect poorly. Certainly there appears to be room, for him to be a better model. Selectors do you hearken!
Karnataka: When will Indians ever learn to be people centric in their approach to development? Why do we suffer from this ostrich mentality, not wanting to see things in proper perspective?
“Drop Pourakarmikas’ Singapore trip plan, provide facilities”, was a news datelined Bengalooru. Ascribing to the President of the Karnataka State Pourakarmika’s Association(KSPA), report had informed accusing the state government of wanton waste of public money in sending 1000 pourakarmikas or conservancy staff to Singapore, ostensibly to “make them learn civic responsibilities.” What an incredible objective of Brihan Bengalooru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP)! and we have a joker from Environment groups in public space remarking “I am happy that Pourakarmikas will be going to Singapore as they deserve”. These pourakarmikas, who work under trying unhygienic conditions, with no protective boots, no protective hand gloves and masks, deserve so many entitlements and not trip to Singapore. Listen to Lalithamma, “We have to lift garbage with bare hands since no gloves are provided. We are being provided with mid-day meals and we have to eat our meals standing as there are no rest rooms and neither there is toilet. We will benefit more if the government focuses on these instead of arranging a trip to an unknown place”. Surely this pourakarmika Lalitamma has got more brain than BBMP commissioner N Manjunatha, who was reportedly unavailable to comment when media approached his office.
Tragedy is the complete unimaginative and insensitive approach of political class and their bureaucratic advisors, who didn’t blink at the fact that in Singapore authorities will not explain things to these workers in Kannada, with hardly any among these 1000 workers with any knowledge of English. And these workers from the municipal corporations across Karnataka would be shocked to see Singapore conservancy staff in full protective clothing and their handling tools comparing themselves to the stone-age traditions and man management practices of BBMP. Bengalooru, one of India’s top cities, still caught in the time warp.
Asking the government to provide better facilities with the fund instead of the trip the president of KSPA has charged that “CM announced revision of workers’ wages many months ago, which is still to be implemented” while demanding regularization of contract workers. It is a sad reflection of our ruling class or can we call them managing class’-politicians & babus-serious lack of a sense of proportion. There have been innumerable number of trips by MLAs and ministers going abroad on so-called study trips, visiting night clubs etc., and coming back with no-learning. When will we truly learn, so that we can truly develop!
The report “Traffic Police may come home to collect fines” is the most positive news from police in Bengalooru. Indians are the most indisciplined road users. Road rage and traffic violation of all kinds is fairly normal. Heavy fine is one of the strong deterrent. The recent amendment in the related act to heavily fine is a welcome measure.
The report informs that Bengalooru Traffic Police (BTP) has collected information of 500 repeat offenders to follow up till all the fine payments are made, tells lot about the commitment of the traffic police. Reportedly there are 22376 cases against these 500 vehicles- 4 wheelers, 2 wheelers and auto rickshaws-indicates the gravity of the issue. Although maximum number of violations are by motorcycles, one particular auto rickshaw tops the list of repeat offenders with 123 cases and a private car with 36 offences. This is staggering to say the least. Not only the entire fine due should be collected from these traffic violators, the license of the auto rickshaw driver and that of the private car driver should be suspended, at least for some years. Only then the message will go across that police means business. Hopefully some semblance of discipline shall come about. In any case, two cheers to BTP.
Most students of history of Karnataka know this Tipu Sultan. Writing on his death anniversary, yesterday the 4th May, one Shakira Khanum writes with a title ‘Tipu, a hero denied his place in history’. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi “Tipu was an embodiment of Hindu Muslim Unity”, the writer had gone on to praise this bigot called Tipu, left-right and centre.
If anything, as some writer had put it, Tipu was indeed “a divisive historical character, some even called him Aurangzeb, the tyrant. But there are vested interest vote bank politicians like Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah elevating this Tipu as a ‘true patriotic nationalist leader’. His party was in power in Karnataka for over 50 years, they never thought Tipu ‘true patriotic nationalist leader’. Siddu himself is there since last 4 years, as the CM of Karnataka. For the first 3 years, Tipu was nowhere around in the scheme of things. So surely, something or somebody had prompted Siddu to act to celebrate Tipu Jayanthi last Nov. He could have been a brave soldier; he could have been a good administrator. But there are enough people saying he killed both Hindus and Christians in thousands and forcibly converted many of them to Islam from all across Kodagu, Malabar and Mangalore. Anybody who uses cruelty and force against vulnerable sections is not fit for any tribute, let alone celebrating his ‘Jayanthi’.
And this writer, who writes on his death anniversary as tribute need to circumspect, despite her social proximity to Tipu. And she has, -kind of- no holds barred, indulged in praising the despot, while concealing if Haidar Ali, who was only a Dalvai, or chief of an army unit, usurped the Mysore Kingdom from Wodeyars?! Recorded history of Wodeyar dynasty is from 1399 to 1947, broken by a period from 1761 to 1799. This was the period Haidar Ali and Tipu ruled Mysore. How did this snap come about? So is this Tipu hero or villain?!
What is important for historians is to tell the truth and not cover it by our prejudices. History must help create better human beings leading to better civilization and not help sustain untruth masquerading as truth.
World: The news report that “Hafiz Saeed will remain under house arrest for 90 days more”, has to an extent conveyed the seriousness with which the authorities in Pak looks at this walking danger.
Pakistani government had on 30th January put Saeed and his four followers, Prof Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdur Rehman Abid, Qazi Kashif Hussain and Abdullah Obaid- under house arrest, ostensibly for their involvement in activities prejudicial to peace and security. It was reported that it was the warning by the Trump administration to act against JuD chief that prompted Pakistani action. However Indian media reacted to this January 30 detention as an eyewash, dismissing it as Pakistan has always took such action only for public consumption and hence need not be taken seriously for India to feel comfortable.
However the latest extension of the detention has tried to convey the seriousness of the government at Islamabad. It had considered and listed the JuD chief under terrorism law and that he can pose a ‘serious threat’ to the nation. Reportedly, the acknowledgement of danger, about the Mumbai attack mastermind came from the Defence Minister Khawaja Asif of Pakistan during his interaction with the audience at the Global Security Conference held in Munich, according to the Pakistani news paper ‘The Nation’.
Prior to his house arrest, this Saeed Hafiz was put on Exit Control List, barring him from leaving Pakistan.
It has to be noted that, this action on Saeed Hafiz came in the wake of around ten terrorist attack inside Pakistan in January 2017 alone, where hundreds died, including the attack on a famed Sufi Shrine near Karachi, which claimed some 90 lives.
So at long last, the Pakistani politicians and the army have realized and recognized that ‘chicken has come home to roost’, that those who can kill others for no reason, can kill us as well.
Is it a purge or there is any method in madness! Trump, and there are many in the U.S., who do not like Barack Obama for whatever reason. Is it because he is a Democrat and not a Republican, or is it because, he is coloured or both. For whatever reasons, Trump is undoing all that Obama administration has done, whether it is some legislation or appointments made during the Obama Presidency. It was true that Obama administration had appointed many accomplished Indian professionals in some very senior positions in the government for their acknowledged contribution to the U.S economy and society.
Caught in the latest purge is Dr. Vivek Murthy who was appointed by Obama as Surgeon General. The 39 year old, Murthy was the first Indian to occupy this position of Leader of the U.S Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. He was appointed in Dec 2014 for a four year term. He was asked to resign sometime in April 2017 and asked to handover to Sylvia Trent Adams, a professionally qualified nurse, older than Murthy by some 12 years. A Super Power, supposedly the most powerful country in the world, strangely asks an MD in Medicine so also a faculty in Harvard Medical School besides being a practising physician in some top American hospitals, to resign and appoints a nurse, of course very well qualified and experienced, as the acting Surgeon General. No doubt Ms. Adams holds a ‘master in nursing and health policy’ besides a Ph.d from University of Maryland, but she is a nurse! She is simply not qualified to become the Chief of U.S Public Health Service. It would be like 12th class pass, Smrithi Irani lording it over Vice-chancellor of Indian Universities. It may be that Ms. Adams is only temporarily holding the fort, until someone else is appointed. But what was the tearing hurry to replace the incumbent chief except that he is an Indian and an Obama appointee!?
Strange are the ways of Trump. While demitting the office, Vivek Murthy had reportedly wrote in a FaceBook post “For a grandson of a poor farmer from India to be asked by the President to look after the health of an entire nation was a humbling and uniquely American story”. For this fetish of ‘America the greatest’, is Trump reversing American story?
Unlike low-key Barack Obama, Donald Trump is a high profile U.S. president. He wants to tell it and tell it loudly that he is the U.S president and ‘better take me seriously’. So, blasts Muslims of the world on his election as the President and then makes a state visit to Saudi Arabia. Saudi monarch receives Trump in a ceremonial welcome. Trump clinches an arms deal worth over US $ 110 billion. Goes to Tel Aviv and tells them that he is with them, warning Iran from Israeli soil for their contribution to terrorism, while not mentioning the Sunni terror of Saudi led combine. In fact, more than Shia terror, it’s the Sunny terror which has created the problems for the wide world. If Palestinian issue is solved, more of Shia terror would likely to stop. Talking to Mohmoud Abbas of Palestine, President Trump had categorically supported the idea of Palestine leader ‘of a negotiated settlement of all issues, for it to usher in long term peace and stability between Israel and Palestine and offered himself as ‘mediator, arbiter or facilitator’.
So, Trump is making it clear to all ‘what I say matters’. Recognize me as the ‘numero uno’ and wants to say it unabashedly. No qualms about it. Yes ‘U.S. is the greatest and I am its president.’ Like it or not.
It is true within his own country, the U.S., his countrymen are beginning to dislike him. They disliked him earlier too but now they even hate him. A Professor from California had even tweeted “To save American democracy, Trump must hang. The sooner and the higher the better.” But he is not perturbed. It was disturbing that majority of U.S. citizens supported him in the presidential bid. Fortunately there are Presidents of Iran and France who have just been elected by majority Iranians and majority French. They are both centrist reformers. They have a more egalitarian view of the world. While there are few extreme right leaders emerging causing disquiet, there are also moderates emerging too. Hope, between them world survives the looming crisis the world over.
J. Shriyan
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