india at war with itself

[kingfisher99]

Under pressure, Maha govt denies lynching
10/29/2008 3:56:15 PM
Deputy Chief Minister RR Patil

As a fresh controversy erupted over the killing of a youth from Uttar Pradesh in a suburban train, Maharashtra government on Wednesday (October 29) sought to downplay the incident saying initial reports suggested that there was no angle of language or involvement of any local outfit in it.

"When we catch the culprits involved in it we will find out the real reason for the murder. But initial reports that we have got suggest that nobody shouted any slogan in support of Marathi or any outfit or any leader," Deputy Chief Minister RR Patil.

He was reacting to reports that it was a "hate crime" that led to the death of Dharam Dev, a migrant worker Uttar Pradesh in a suburban train last night. He said a case of murder has been registered in connection with the killing of Dev and that law will do its duty.

Announcing a compensation of Rs two lakh for the kin of the man, who was done to death, Patil gave an assurance that the government would give security to all those who lived in Maharashtra. "We will such strong action that it would not be easy anybody to take law into their hands," he said.

"The state government takes the responsibility of protecting migrants from other states including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh," Patil said. When asked whether the attackers were MNS activists, he said, "I do not have any confirmation of the report. But we will take strict action against offenders."

Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said that the Maharashtra government is taking all possible steps to stop violence in the state. He said that it was difficult to stop stray incidents of violence in the state. But stern action will be taken against the offenders in yesterday's incident.

Meanwhile, the Centre said Maharashtra government should do what is expected of it to stop such incidents. "I think Maharashtra government should do what it is expected to do and I hope they would do it," Home Minister Shivraj Patil, who spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, told reporters.

Patil spoke over telephone to the Chief Minister in the wake of reports of killing of a youth Dharam Dev, hailing from Uttar Pradesh, by a group of people allegedly after abusing north Indians and asking them why they came to Mumbai.

Last week, a gun-wielding youth from Patna was shot dead in a city bus in Mumbai that triggered charges of killing in cold blood from political leaders in Bihar and of a concerted campaign against people of their state in Maharashtra.

Minister of State for Home Shakil Ahmed said that since these are very sensitive times, Maharashtra should be extra careful. He said Maharashtra government has informed the Centre that the death of the UP migrant was due to clash between two groups of youngsters on sitting arrangement in a local train.

A Home Ministry spokesman said details have been sought from the state government about the incident, which came close on the heels of the death of Rahul Raj, a youth from Patna, who was shot dead by the police in a Mumbai bus on Monday. Rahul had held a bus load of passenger’s hostage in Mumbai with a country-made revolver.

(With inputs from agencies)

 

[kingfisher99]

In an apparent hint to Maharashtra, Lalu Prasad said his ministry would have to consider suspension of train services in states where Railway passengers and property are targeted.

"I have told the Prime Minister to take stringent action against those behind the incident. I also spoke to Deshmukh for action against the culprits," he said.

Paswan demanded dismissal of the Congress-NCP government and trial of MNS leader Raj Thackeray for "sedition".

It was also the turn of SP leader Amar Singh to vent his party's ire on the Maharashtra government and Raj. He agreed with a questioner that Maharashtra has turned into a "banana republic" as he attacked Thackeray, calling him a "criminal" whose "gang" was sought to be "legitimised" by the Vilasrao Deshmukh government.

He said Lalu and Paswan should quit the Union Cabinet as a protest against the attacks on north Indians.

Lalu, however, rejected the demand saying it was not a solution.

The SP leader also asked the Congress to "wake up" and check such incidents, to which the party, which leads the alliance with NCP in the state said there would be "zero tolerance" against any regional chauvinism.

"We will not remain a silent spectator to regional chauvinism which affects the unity of the country and the fundamental right of the people to reside and work in any part of the country," party spokesperson Jayanthi Natarajan said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, from whose state the lynched youth hailed, said the Centre and the state government should initiate immediate measures to prevent attacks on north Indians.

 

[kingfisher99]

Controversies

[edit] 2008 violence against North Indians in Maharashtra
Rally at Shivaji Park,Mumbai in which Raj spoke out against North Indians.

Main article: 2008 attacks on North Indians in Maharashtra

In February 2008, some MNS activists clashed with Samajwadi Party (SP) workers in Mumbai when Samajwadi Party supporters attended a rally at Shivaji Park, Dadar, Mumbai, a stronghold of MNS, where Samajwadi Party leader, Abu Asim Azmi made a fiery speech. After the clashes, 73 MNS activists and 19 SP workers were arrested by Mumbai Police for indulging in violence.[2]

On February 6, 2008, reportedly, about 200 Maharashtra Navnirman Sena party workers quit the party and joined Shiv Sena to protest against MNS's so-called anti-north Indian agenda.[3] [4]

A petition was filed in the Patna civil court on February 8th against Thackeray for his alleged remarks over Chhath, Bihar's most popular festival.[5] Mr. Thackeray maintains he is not against Chhath Puja, but against the "show of arrogance" displayed by some people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar on this occasion.

On February 10, 2008, MNS workers attacked vendors and shopkeepers from North India in various parts of Maharashtra, and destroyed government property to vent their anger against the reported move to arrest Raj Thackeray.[6] Nashik police detained 26 MNS workers for the violence.

In February 2008, Raj Thackarey's speech on the issue of uncontrolled migration into Mumbai from other parts of India created a well publicized controversy. Maharashtra's economy leads other states in India and its capital Mumbai has become a magnet to migrant population from states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. MNS supporters clashed with activists of the Samajwadi Party, a regional party from Uttar Pradesh leading to street violence. Thackeray also criticized noted film actor turned politician Amitabh Bachchan, a native of Uttar Pradesh, for taking sides in the migrant issue. Bachchan came into fame and fortune in Mumbai's film industry – Bollywood. [7][8]

On September 8, 2008, Infosys Technologies announced that 3,000 employee positions had been shifted from Pune due to construction delays caused earlier that year by MNS attacks on North Indian construction workers in Maharashtra.[9]

On 15 October 2008, Thackeray threatened to shut down Jet Airways operations in Maharashtra if they did not rehire probationary employees that had been shed in a cost cutting move forced by the economic downturn.[10]

In October 2008, MNS activists beat up North Indian candidates appearing for the all-India Railway Recruitment Board entrance exam for the Western region in Mumbai.[11] One bihari died in the ensuing rioting.[12] In retaliation for the MNS' attack on biharis and north indians in general, the Bharatiya Bhojpuri Sangh attacked the residence of a Marathi official of Tata Motors in Jamshedpur.[13] Following the uproar in the Indian parliament, and calls that there was no pressure to arrest the MNS chief,[14] Raj Thackeray was arrested in the early hours of October 21. He was produced before a court on the day itself and would return the next day after spending the night in jail.[15] Following the arrest, however, MNS party activists took out their anger on parts of Mumbai city and the region at large.[16] The arrest resulted in applause, fear and calls for a ban on the MNS.[17][18][19] The Shiv Sena, however, maintained a cool response, although senior party leader Manohar Joshi said they were close to supporting the MNS in their agitation against the non-Marathi candidates for the railway board exam.[20]

[edit] Clash with Shiv Sena

On October 10, 2006 clashes erupted between supporters of Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena headed by Raj Thackery. It was alleged that workers of MNS had tore the posters bearing the photographs of Shiv Sena Supremo Bal Thackrey near the SIES college in Mumbai. Later as retaliation it was alleged that Shiv Sena workers brought down the hoardings with Raj Thackrey's photo near the Sena Bhavan at Dadar. As the news spread about the incident groups gathered near the Sena Bhavan and started pelting stones at each other. In this incident a policeman was injured and many supporters of both parties were injured. To restore normalcy in the situation the police fired tear gas shells at the mob. Normalcy was eventually restored following police action and the appearance of Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin Raj Thackeray on the spot. Uddhav appealed to Sena workers to go back home.[21] He said:

``The police will take necessary action. This is happening because many people are joining us from MNS. The defections have started and that is why they are resorting to such actions".[21]

The division chief of the Shiv Sena Milind Vaidya said that they had lodged a complaint with the local police against an MNS worker who was involved in the incident. MNS general secretary Pravin Darekar, however, pinned the cause down to local elections in the SIES college. He alleges that the Sena is concerned about losing their hold over the colleges and that is why they are trying to color the issue, adding that the Sena's allegations had no merit. Raj Thackeray asserts that MNS could not have vandalized the pictures, seeing as how he and his members revere Bal Thackeray.[22]

When a panel is examining a breach of privilege notice from some MP's for remarks made by the Bal Thackeray against Uttar Bharatiyas, MNS chief Raj Thackeray had said he would not allow any politician from UP and Bihar to enter Mumbai if the parliamentary panel insisted on summoning Bal Thackeray. Bal countered this by terming his nephew Raj a "backstabber" and reacted to the MNS chief with a "big no thank you."[23]

Shiv Sena (SS) and MNS workers also clashed at Anand Nagar in Oshiwara over the issuance of Navratri posters during the holiday season. SS corporator Rajul Patel said "The MNS activists had put up huge hoardings and were demanding money from people to remove them. People complained to us and we objected. This led to a scuffle." MNS Vibhag Pramukh (Division Leader) Manish Dhuri retorted that "the Sainiks are jealous of our popularity. On Sunday afternoon, a mob of Shiv Sainiks came to the area and started pulling down posters that were put up by us. We objected to this. Fortunately, one MNS activist sustained severe injuries."[24]

[edit] Growth in potency
A memorial erected by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena outside Borivali station aftermath the 11 July 2006 Mumbai train bombings

In October 2008, Jet Airways laid off almost 1,000 employees. In the frenzy for reinstatement that followed numerous political parties took the stand for the probationers’ cause. First the MNS and the SS came in, then the established national parties, the Congress and the BJP. Even the CPI M, rallied in support of the laid off calcutta employees.

One day after the lay off, the retrenched former staff flocked to the MNS office, even though the SS labour arm, the Bharatiya Kamgar Sena generally rules the aviation unions. The MNS then led more than 300 former employees to Jet’s office in Marol. MNS general secretary Nitin Sardesai said, "We met Jet officials today while a lot of (cabin) crew and MNS workers were protesting outside. While we were talking, Jet chairman Naresh Goyal telephoned Raj Thackeray…. He requested us to end the protest and offered to meet Rajsaheb in a couple of days. We had a one-point agenda that those laid off should be taken back."

In two days the MNS march and support got the staff re-hired. The media widely appeared to pronounce Raj as having won the game of one upmanship with the SS, whose mantle of aggressive street politics has beenusurped. This was a big boost for the MNS' newly formed trade union, the Maharashtra Navnirman Kamgar Sena, which has been trying to cut into the SS' influence in the aviation, hotel and entertainment sectors.[25] The MNS General Secretary Sardesai said "Jet has been forced to take this decision due to the agitation launched by MNS. This is a victory of party chief Raj Thackeray's tactics."[26]

[edit] Political criticism

Following an attack on North Indians who had turned up to the IAS railway exam in Mumbai numerous politicians, mainly from the ruling UPA central government, harshly criticised Raj Thackeray and the MNS.

Three UPA ministers demanded tough action, including a call for a ban against the party. Railway Minister Lalu Prasad yadav demanded a ban on the MNS and its chief was a "mental case," Steel Minister Ram Vilas Paswan added that he would raise the issue in the next cabinet meeting and wondered why no action was being, or had been, taken against the MNS despite a repetition of such violent incidents. He said: "I strongly condemn the incident. There should be strong action against that party...MNS should be banned. [The] Thackeray family has become a chronic problem for Maharashtra and Raj Thackeray, in particular, has become a mental case." The Minister for Food Processing Industries, as well as a Congress leader, Subodh Kant Sahay demanded the Congress-NCP coalition government in Maharashtra treat those responsible for the attacks as criminals. He said, "I have spoken to Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and asked him on the goondaism that is going on in the state." As far the government's action till date is concerned, it has been soft on them. It should take action as too much has already happened there." They are not workers. They are looters. Organisations like MNS, Bajrgang Dal, VHP and RSS should be banned."[27]

On the first working day following the incident uproarous scene ere seen in the national parliament. Numerous members of Parliament condemned the attacks. They also indirectly criticised railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav while noting that even in their regions, the maximum recruitments being made were those of people from Bihar and not from the state where the recruitment drives were held, adding come credence to the MNS' drive. Speaking first on the issue, RJD leader Devendra Prasad Yadav demanded that the Centre take action in the state under Article 355. He noted that despite the attacks, the Maharashtra chief minister has maintained a silence on the issue. Adding that such actions threaten the unity and integrity of the country. Other MP's also demanded the invokation of Article 355 in the light of the attacks. Shahnawaz Hussain of the BJP made such demands in asking if people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh needed a permit to travel to other parts of the country. The CPI M's Mohammed Salim said that such incidents threaten the country's integrity and send a wrong signal to the rest of the country. Anant Geete of the Shiv Sena, however, tried to give the other side of the story by noting the 42 lakh educated and unemployed youth in Maharashtra.[28] The CPI (M) strongly condemned the attack, terming them a "blatant" assault on the Constitution and demanded the immediate arrest of party chief Raj Thackeray, adding that any leniency shown to "divisive forces" will have far-reaching consequences. The CPI(M) Polit Bureau said the attack on the Constitution was a poor showing on the Maharashtra government which is duty bound to protect and take stringent action against the perpetrators of such crimes. "That it has failed to do so and in fact showing leniency to the leader of the outfit shows the utter bankruptcy of the politics of Congress and its coalition partner." The CPI also said such attacks should not be tolerated and Thackeray and his supporters must be "immediately arrested and prosecuted".[29] Maharasthra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said his government is responsibile for failure in preventing attacks and ordered a probe into the incident, which will also inquire into why the job advertisements where not given in Marathi newspapers. He said: "What has happened is not good. Such incidents take place because of loopholes in the law. One can't hold only the Home Ministry responsible for it, it is (entire) Government's responsibility. Such incidents are affecting the image of the state and I have instructed the DGP to take stern action." On Raj Thackeray's accusation that job advertisements were not published in local newspapers to keep out Maharashtrian candidates, he said, "An inquiry would also be conducted about why advertisements about the examination were not given in Marathi newspapers and the number of Marathi candidates invited for the exam." He also assured that such incidents of vandalism would not take place in future

 

[kingfisher99]

Bihar youths claim MNS killed candidate, vandalise Patna station
21 Oct 2008, 1419 hrs IST, IANS
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PATNA: Youths who returned to Bihar on Tuesday after being assaulted by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists while appearing for a railway
recruitment exam on Sunday, vandalised the railway station here to protest the alleged killing of a candidate by Raj Thackeray's supporters in Mumbai.

Pawan Mahto, a resident of Bara-Khurd village in Nalanda district, about 100 km from here, was one of the hundreds of students from Bihar appearing for a railway recruitment exam in Maharashtra Sunday.

The son of a poor farmer, Pawan had hoped to improve his family's standard of living by getting a government job. However, his dead body was brought back to Bihar Tuesday afternoon.

Pawan's father Jagdish Mahto, who had come here to receive his son's body, said: "The Mumbai police called and said he was killed in a stampede after MNS workers attacked north Indian students at the exam centre."

However, the other candidates claimed Pawan was beaten up by MNS activists and succumbed to his injuries.

On Sunday, north Indian job aspirants, especially from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, were subjected to brutal attacks in more than 13 places in Maharashtra when MNS cadres vandalised railway recruitment centres and tore up examination sheets.

Hundreds of angry youths who returned to Patna shouted slogans against Raj Thackeray and vandalised the railway station to protest the state government's alleged inaction and failure to protect Biharis. Many screamed that Pawan was killed by the MNS.

Shridhar Mandal, deputy superintendent of police, said: "The students vandalised the station. They are hurt and angry. We are trying to control the situation."

Some students also filed a complaint against Thackeray at the Government Railway Police (GRP) station.

Alok Kumar, GRP station officer in-charge, said: "The students ransacked the station and shouted slogans against Thackeray."

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced compensation of Rs.150,000 to Pawan's family. However, a relative of the dead youth said the entire Bara-Khurd village is in mourning and all residents have decided not to cook food till his last rites are performed.

 

[kingfisher99]

i hope all these politicians are taken to task. or else im prepared to do the dirty work myself

 

[doobie86]

accusations of hate crimes by Indians against other Indians? The government really needs to wake up here, these kinds of things will not only divide the country but the people will lose faith in the authority of the system.

 

[kingfisher99]

UP Man Beaten To Death In Mumbai

UP LABOURER BEATEN TO DEATH IN MUMBAI LOCAL TRAIN

A migrant from Uttar Pradesh died after being beaten up on a local train by fellow commuters who allegedly humiliated him and his three friends on Tuesday afternoon after learning that they were 'bhaiyyas'. Satya Prakash and Dheeraj are among the three survivors. The four friends were attacked on a Khopoli-CST local.

The deceased is Dharam Dev Rai, 25, a resident of Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh. Dharam Dev was working as a helper at a construction site and was residing at Vashi phata. On Tuesday, he was on his way to Gorakhpur, along with his friends Dheeraj Kumar Verma, Satya Prakash and Virendra Rai, when they were cornered by other commuters at Khopoli, about 60 km from Mumbai.

The four went by bus to Khopoli where they boarded the 1.57 pm local for CST. Dheeraj said, "We were occupying the window seat but a group of 8 to 10 commuters, who appeared to be local villagers, forced us to vacate it. Then they asked if we were 'bhaiyyas'? When we said 'yes', they started abusing us."

The four men refused to take the abuse lying down. By then, the train had started moving. When it crossed Lowjee station, the other commuters allegedly overpowered the four men and started beating them up.

"We were slapped and kicked. They made us sit like a 'murga' and apologise. Even after that, they were not satisfied and one of them kicked Dharam Dev's stomach rendering him unconscious," Dheeraj alleged. The commuters got down at Karjat while Dev and his friends continued their journey on the same train. When Dev said he could not bear the pain, Dheeraj called up the Railway Protection Force (RPF) control number 22620800, which is displayed in trains, from his mobile phone at 2.49 pm.

The RPF control room confirmed receiving a call from a passenger informing that his friend was unconscious and needed urgent medical assistance.

“The person informed us that the train was reaching Neral. We immediately informed the station manager. However, the train had crossed Neral by then. We then informed station officials of Shelu and Wangani, but no policemen are posted there to tackle such situations,” RPF officials said.

D N Adhikari, deputy station master at Badlapur railway station, acted on the information received from the RPF and rushed Government Railway Policemen (GRP) personnel to attend to Dev and his friends. Dev was rushed to Dubey Hospital near Badlapur station, but was declared dead on arrival.

Satya Prakash, his friend, said, “We were helpless and scared. We had not imagined something of this sort could happen on our way back home. We have informed Dharam Dev's family. They are coming to Mumbai.”

Rai, with Veerendra Ramgopal Rai, Satyaprakash Kaushal Rai and Shivkumar Verma, hailed from Gauri Ghat in UP's Gorakhpur district. The boys were to board the Kushinagar express from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus at Kurla.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said the state government was taking all possible steps to stop violence in the state. He said that it was difficult to stop stray incidents of violence, but stern action will be taken against the offenders in yesterday's incident. Maharashtra government sought to downplay the incident with Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil saying initial reports suggested that there was no no angle of language or involvement of any local outfit in it.

Home Minister Shivraj Patil spoke over telephone to the Chief Minister amidst suggestions from the Centre that the state administration should remain cautious and alert in the wake of attacks on north Indians in the state.

The Government Railway Police has detained 20 persons involved in the death of Dharamdev Rai.

GRP Commissioner A K Sharma refused to confirm if the detainees were from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

 

[kingfisher99]

AMAR SINGH ASKS LALU, PASWAN TO QUIT, LALU THREATENES TO CANCEL TRAINS

Samajwadi Party, BJP, Congress, RJD and BSP leaders on Wednesday traded political punches over the killing of a UP labourer in a Mumbai local train. Railway Minister Lalu Prasad threatened to suspend train movement in states where rail passengers and properties are repeatedly attacked.

"Railways are becoming soft target in many states these days. If railway properties and passengers continued to be attacked we may think of cancelling train operations in those areas," Prasad told reporters. He however clarified that he did not mean any particular state.

Prasad spoke to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chief Sonia Gandhi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and expressed serious concern over the incident involving Dharam Dev. Lalu announced a compensation of Rs 3 lakh to the next kith and kin of Dharamdev Rai. "PM and Soniaji have assured me that they would immediately take up the matter with Maharashtra government," he said.

Seeking tough action against those involved in the train incident, Prasad requested the Prime Minister to ensure "full security" to north Indians in Maharashtra during the Chhat festival. Prasad requested the PM to call an all-party meeting so that the stand of political parties over the matter becomes clear.

Dubbing the Deshmukh government as a "weak" one, Prasad said, it did not take any action and demanded registration of sedition case against MNS. He also criticised Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray for publishing derogatory remarks against him and north Indians.

Dismissing the demand for his resignation made by SP general secretary Amar Singh over the issue, Prasad said: "This is rubbish. Resignation is not a solution. We have faith in Prime Minister. The PM has earlier also taken action and I am sure this time also he would do the needful."

Taking a dig at BJP leader L K Advani for maintaining silence on the issue, he said "Advani has not condemned the incident yet. Shiv Sena is part of the NDA and he has his ambition to become Prime Minister in which Sena is lending a helping hand."

Charging the Government Railway Police (GRP) of Maharashtra government for not taking prompt action after the youth was beaten up, Prasad said, they (GRP) were "not even registering a police case against the culprits. They have showed negligence. We are seeking suspension of erring GRP men. We have spoken to Maharashtra DGP and he admitted the lapse on the part of the police."

In Delhi, Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh asked Union ministers from Bihar Lalu Prasad and Ram Vilas Paswan to resign from the Cabinet in the wake of attacks on north Indians in Maharashtra. "Had I been in the Cabinet, I would have resigned as the Vilasrao Deshmukh government is not taking steps to prevent attacks despite the Prime Minister's intervention...I request Lalu Prasad and Paswan to resign from the Cabinet," Singh said.

He said the attack on a migrant from UP was in fact an attack on the honour of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar," he said. He asked Congress to "wake up" and check such incidents before it faces the ire of voters in the coming elections in Delhi, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. "Congress should wake up before it faces the ire of north Indians in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections in Delhi, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh," he said, while condemning the lynching of Dharamdev Rai.

In Mumbai, the Maharashtra government sought to play down the incident saying initial reports suggested that there was no no angle of language or involvement of any local outfit in it. "When we catch the culprits involved in it we will find out the real reason for the murder. But initial reports that we have got suggest that nobody shouted any slogan in support of Marathi or any outfit or any leader," Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil said.

Announcing a compensation of Rs. two lakh for the kin of Dharamdev Rai, Patil gave an assurance that the government would give security to all those who lived in Maharashtra. He again supported the police action in Rahul Raj's case, saying the police carried out their duties diligently, adding, "those who take law into their hands and threaten with bullets will get a reply."

In Lucknow, UP Chief Minister Mayawati asked the Centre and Maharashtra government to take immediate action to stop attacks on north Indians, saying they have "failed" to prevent such incidents. Mayawati shot off a letter to the union government and Maharashtra chief minister.

Mayawati also announced an ex-gratia of Rs two lakhs for the family of the victim, Dharam Dev, who hailed from Sant Kabir Nagar district of the state.

Steel Minister and Lok Jan Shakti Party leader Ram Vilas Paswan demanded imposition of President’s rule in Maharashtra.

 

[kingfisher99]

Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is in the grip of violence & turmoil these days. All because of a novice politician who is hell-bent on proving himself as the greatest savior of Maratha pride second only to the legendary great Shivaji of 17th Century. This politician is Raj Thackeray , the nephew of Shiv Sena Supremo Bal Thackray, and head of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Raj has been giving anti- North Indians statements for quite sometime and is ridiculing the festivals of Northern India (particularly the Chhat festival of Bihar). Just a few days back, he alleged the superstar Amitabh Bachchan of not doing enough for Maharashtra and insulted him for his love for the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (UP). Amitabh, who originally belongs to Allahabad (a city of UP) is very close to a North Indian politician Amar Singh of Samajwadi Party in UP. raj_thackery.jpg

Raj Thackeray publically insulted Amar Singh, questioned the integrity of Amitabh and declared that Amar Singh will not be allowed to enter into Mumbai. He warned all North Indians to behave themselves in Mumbai.

Yesterday, wide spread incident of violence between supporters of Raj Thackray and Samajwadi Party (of Amar Singh ) were reported in Mumbai. We saw the grim images of innocent North Indians being brutally beaten by party activist of MNS. Poor taxi drivers were dragged out of their taxis and were brutally beaten by them, the stalls of many daily hawker were thrashed and many poor people were harassed just for their being an outsider in Mumbai.

In my opinion, these activists are not members of a political party. They are goons and criminals. The nation is in rage and strong protests against Raj Thackray have started in the country (especially in North India). In a democratic country like India, everybody has the right to move freely and earn his livelihood wherever he wants. Our constitution guarantees this by means of Fundamental Rights. There are no discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, religion or any regional basis. But Mr. Raj appears to be totally ignorant about our constitution and its contents. He is behaving like a novice and his actions have already made him extremely unpopular among the masses.

Let me tell you about something about North Indian people living in Mumbai. I get this information from a leading newspaper of India.

In it’s population of 1.5 Crore (15 millions), Mumbai has 30% people of North Indian origin. This figure includes the population of Mumbai and it’s surrounding suburbs. If you add the percentage of South Indians and Gujarati/Marwaris living in Mumbai, you will find that almost 82% people living in Mumbai are outsiders and only 18% of the population is the original native of Maharashtra. Among all the Hindi speaking people in Mumbai, 80% belongs to UP & Bihar. The maximum among these are from the districts of Eastern UP like Benaras, Jaunpur, Ajamgarh, Pratapgarh, Allahabad and Basti. Some of the most essential services in Mumbai are being provided by these people. The trades related to Dairy, Milk production, education, Paan (betel leaf), Taxi transport, Flour Mills, Vegetables, Security Guards and junk items are being managed by North Indians in Mumbai. In fact these people have become part and parcel of the life in Mumbai and they are doing their best in making this city the financial hub of India. As such a blatant attack on them is likely to hamper the overall functioning of the city. Further this does not bode well for the rest of the country as well.

Mr. Raj Thackray has been a struggling politician since the time he separated from his parent party Shiv Sena. He is behaving like a flop actor who, despite his fading popularity, tries to be in the lime light by making sensational scene in the public.

Raj is a great admirer of Hitler. He once said on his birthday:

“Hitler had everything. The one thing he did not have was the ambition to conquer the world,” Raj said, adding, “you can draw whatever conclusions you want from my remarks.” (See Source)

Mr Raj ! your are not living in the Nazi Germany of 1939. You are living in India of 21st century. Please don’t try to repeat what Hitler did during those times. It will backfire on you very heavily.

 

[kingfisher99]

Naxalism: Threat to India’s Internal Security
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By Vinay

“No. It is not a single biggest internal security threat in India”, reiterated our honorable Home Minister Mr. Shivaraj Patel in an interview given to Karan Thapar on CNN-IBN. He was referring to Naxalism.

And on March 19 addressing the Rajya Sabha he said,” The Naxalite threat should not be exaggerated to create fear psychosis among people,”

Our Prime Minister sings a different tune……..

On August 15, 2006 addressing the nation he unequivocally said that the Naxalism is the single biggest internal security threat ever faced by India. Well, I thought that at least our Proxy Prime Minister seems genuinely concerned.

These contradictory statements by two most responsible people of India are no more intriguing to common man on the street. We are as callous as our politicians are. When, within India’s border hundreds of innocent people and policemen are being murdered in broad day light, our politicians pass it as another law and order problem not worth of any attention.

They are wrong.

From 2003 to 2007, as many as 750 policemen and 2500 civilians have been killed by Naxalites throughout India. This figure is more than that of terrorism related deaths in India.



Birth of Red Threat

In 1967 April, a tribal youth from Naxalbari, a small village in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal won a case in the court regarding his right to own a small piece of land that was sequestered by local Zamindar. On March 2nd, when he went to plough his land, he was attacked by goons sent by the Zamindar. This incident provoked a rebel group lead by Charu Majumdar, a hardcore Maoist. On May 25th they clashed with the Zamindars and police in an armed struggle. This incident left 13 tribal people and a police sub-inspector dead. Soon its flames engulfed other parts of India. Naxalism was born.

Today its presence is conspicuous in 170 districts of 16 states and they occupy fifth of India’s forest land which they call ‘liberated zone’. In Chattisgarh state they run parallel government in the districts of Dontewada, Bailadilla and Bastar – together these districts have an area larger than Kerala.

THE Maoists launched a well planned attack on the night of February 15, 2008 in the district of Nayagarh of Orissa to loot the arms. They killed 13 policemen and looted every single weapon. After many days of combing they are still elusive. Orissa police claim that they killed 100 Maoists but have failed to recover a single body.

On March, 20 again in Orissa, Maoists in a meticulous attack plundered two tonnes of explosives from the SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited) factory. Investigation is still on and as usual this will go on and on.

Our Home Minister is still not convinced about Naxalite’s threat. Then, it is not surprising why criminals in India love the land so much.



Spread of Red

From 1968 onwards the real journey of Maoism began in India. Those communists who subscribed to the idea of violence as a means of attaining their goal of liberation of India from the clutches of corrupt politicians and bureaucrats soon formed an all India committee called All India Coordination Committee of Communist Revolutionaries (AICCCR). After some time differences among the cadres led to many splits in its ranks.

In 1969 AICCCR was divided into two parties; one Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) lead by Charu Majumdar and Kanu Sanyal and another Maoist Communist Centre of India (MCCI) headed by Kanhai Chatterjee. The movement spread rapidly in Andhra Pradesh and beyond, especially in the district of Sri Kakulam. Underground activities of Maoists against the state of India increased and the cadres rapidly acquired skills of guerilla warfare.

In Andhra Pradesh, Kondapalli Seetharamiah evolved as a leading revolutionary who later formed the dreaded Peoples War Group (PWG).

After endless violence against its own people and many failed efforts towards uniting splinter groups, these three parties namely MCCI, CPI (ML) and PWG came together on September 21st, 2oo4 to form the Communist Party of India (Maoist). Today this group boasts of 40,000 dedicated and skilled armed revolutionaries in its ranks. Their skills put our police into shame. They own sophisticated weapons illegally imported from Pakistan and Nepal. They have mastered the usage of improvised explosive devices to hit very important targets with high precision. Their intelligence network is far more superior to any organization in India. It is surprising that hiding deep inside the thick jungles they have managed to outsmart our security agencies in every sphere.



What Do They Want?

They want complete possession of political power in India. They want to liberate India and turn it into a nation based on the communist ideology of Mao. They are waging a futile but fatal war against India with an aim fixed on the throne in Delhi.

Naxalite hyperactivity is rampant in the most backward states of Chattisgarh, Orissa, Bihar, U.P.,West Bengal, Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh and Vidharba region of Maharashtra. This partly explains the evolution of Naxalism in India.

This ideology was born out of frustration and desperation against the oppressors. Oppression came in the form of police, zamindars, corrupt bureaucracy and ugly politics by local politicians. Tribals were made aliens in their own land by rich and mighty. Every development project displaced millions of people without ever providing them adequate or minimum living conditions necessary for sustaining lives. Landless farmers were exploited by big zamindars even after Independence and the abolition of zamindari system. Dalits were still discriminated by higher castes and looked upon as a menace. Tribal and Dalit women were frequently raped by rich and the cases were never registered in police stations, in fact police were also part of these rapes and murders. Many innocent people who revolted were killed in fake encounters or detained illegally. Poor farmers were made to suffer by middlemen by thoroughly exploiting lack of education among farmers regarding markets and money. Insensitive bureaucracy indulged in siphoning off every penny that was meant for the development purpose. Politicians remained as elusive as gods. All this lead to frustration and frustration lead them to resort for extreme action against the state.

But their ideology is flawed. They are a minority. Their way of conveying their message by means of non-violence has made them villains in the eyes of large section of society. Violence in any form is not justifiable. But how did they manage to spread their wings far and wide?

India has one of the worst managed police system in the world. Our police system is as old as Oldest Civilization when it comes to maintaining law and order in the country. Their primitive techniques and very poor training have readily helped the cause of Naxalism. Till today more police are dead compared to the number of Naxalites. When our police can not handle a small mob on the street how can one expect them to penetrate deep into the jungles and fight guerilla trained Maoists? A police equipped with a bamboo stick and a redundant .202 rifle is as good as a toothless dog. The fault is not that of police’s, the real culprits are people in power. India unfortunately lacks visionary leaders, honest politicians and farsighted officials. We allow cancer to grow to the fullest and then plan the surgery. A country unable to fight its enemies within should not be expected to fight enemy outside.



Union Government v/s State Governments

The Constitution of India, in its seventh schedule includes police, including railway and village police in the State List, which means policing is an exclusively a state subject and only it (state) can decide what to do with its police force. This is one of the reasons often mentioned by the Union Government for its inability to directly intervene in the matters of state.

Governments view Naxalism as serious threat on paper but not in action.

Another reason given by our Home Minister is the political non-consensus regarding amending the constitution to empower the Union Government to deal effectively against Naxal affected areas. It wants to directly take the administration of affected districts by amending articles 355 and 356 of the Indian Constitution and then deal with the menace using more sophisticated forces.



Solution?

In my opinion, Naxalism should be eliminated as quickly as possible by an all out war. People who have held guns to silence innocent and extort poor should never be expected to liberate India for the good. First, this weed must be eradicated at any cost. Second, plan a comprehensive relief package for the affected regions and complete the development programmes aimed at the welfare of people as soon as possible. Provide land to the landless. Take stringent measures to stop corruption. Reduce the gap between rich and poor by providing jobs to the poor. Oh……I wish these things were realized long ago. The hope lingers amidst hopelessness.

There are many peaceful ways to achieve things. Weapon in your hand is a passport to hell. For some to kill might be a thrill, but for some a weapon of WILL is enough to get the system rid of any ill.

Vinay Gudagatti

 

[kingfisher99]

The moment of truth for India on LTTE

LTTE’s hubris and being caught in a cleft stick gives India the opening for it
Subramanian Swamy Delhi

India’s policy towards the internationally proclaimed terrorist organisation, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) now requires to be sharply defined before it is too late. Now is the moment of truth for clarity and transparency. Otherwise one more neighbour will float into the US sphere of influence.

At present there is confusion in India’s approach to Sri Lanka because of a hidden compulsion of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Notice that May 21, the unfortunate anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination, passed by last week without a single Congress leader demanding the avenging of his death or the extradition of the prime culprit—LTTE supremo V Prabhakaran. Even the four LTTE-DK activists sentenced to death on May 12, 1999 by the Supreme Court have yet to be hanged for involvement in the dastardly act because of an inexplicable letter from Sonia Gandhi to the President of India pleading clemency for the four.
The confusion is manifested in the following contradiction: On the one hand, the Indian government has banned the LTTE ( by Narasimha Rao) as a terrorist organisation because of its murderous activities, including the killing of Rajiv Gandhi, yet on the other hand, despite the continuing assassinations by the LTTE of pro-Indian Sri Lankan politicians and its open interference within India by financing pro-LTTE politicians and training terrorist organisations, the Indian government supports the “peace process” of the Sri Lanka government with the LTTE, i.e., talks that could end up legitimising the same terrorist outfit and making the ban meaningless.

Although the LTTE has officially denied any involvement in the assassinations, such a denial cannot be taken seriously because the LTTE has always denied its involvement in any terrorist activity, including murder, arson, extortion and drug trafficking. The LTTE for example denied any part in Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination. However, the Supreme Court of India in its 400-page judgment delivered on May 12, 1999 and re-affirmed on review on October 5, 1999 has laid bare what a huge blatant lie that is.

However India cannot formulate a policy on LTTE with the Sri Lanka government as an active partner. If India is presently confused due to some mysterious compulsion, the Sri Lanka government suffers from delusion. For example, despite the murder of their Foreign Minister Kadirgamar and the attempted murder of their then President Chandrika by the LTTE, the Sri Lankan authorities are suffering from the “Stockholm Syndrome” of capitulating to their tormentors by agreeing to talk with them at a moment’s notice, and are thus unable to deal with the murderous LTTE. The Sri Lanka President’s first reaction after the murder of Foreign Minister Kadirgamar (a Tamil) was that the island government would not suspend the so-called peace talks with the killers, a further indication of the same tragic syndrome that seems to petrify them.

Sri Lanka thus seems a crumbling failed state that has lost its collective nerve to combat and confront terror of the LTTE.

If the Sinhala majority really wanted to rid the island of the LTTE, then they should force their government to unilaterally announce the adoption of a quasi-federal Constitution, much like India’s, to replace the present unitary one. Then India can without reservation help the Sri Lankans to combat the LTTE. But India cannot wait around for the Sinhalese to make up their minds.

Hence, Indians have to take stock now and decide what to do to remove the fault line in India’s policy towards the LTTE, and thus secure national interests in its geographical neighbourhood. There is no time to lose.

India has had a close call because the LTTE could have been legitimised by now by the Sri Lanka government aided by an inane Norwegian facilitation and the initiatives of the busy body Japanese. Both sought to placate the LTTE and got egg on their face. Such Chamberlainian surrender if it had come to pass, would have been a disaster not only for Sri Lanka’s integrity, but more importantly for India’s national security because of that outfit’s links with India’s terrorists such as Naxalites and ULFA, and with ISI of Pakistan and even Al Qaeda (which now has established camps in Chittagong, Bangladesh) as well as with separatist Indian political parties such as Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK), Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), Dalit Panther and Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), not mention 38 paramilitary terrorists outfits roaming the forest areas of Tamil Nadu.

But India has escaped that, because of the LTTE’s hubris and the consequent ire of the US. Hence, the EU has been now forced to issue a diktat to member-nations to ban the LTTE as a terrorist outfit and freeze their fund extortion activities in Europe. The LTTE is now in a Catch-22 situation—go to war and be eliminated by superior international force or climb down and be discredited. There is no third way. India has been gifted time to set her policy in consistent shape—which necessarily has to be anti-LTTE if for nothing else than for the unforgivable perfidy of killing India’s former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Even if Rajiv Gandhi’s widow and the Congress party (of which he was President) for some obscure compulsion show scant interest today in bringing to book the LTTE’s supremo Velupillai Pirabhakaran for this crime against the nation, patriotic Indians cannot forget Rajiv Gandhi’s martyrdom nor LTTE’s treachery. India has to fix Pirabhakaran someday by bringing him to justice or otherwise justice to him, for his lack of respect for India’s sovereignty that the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi represents.

Thus, India has a national security imperative and an unavoidable moral obligation to get involved to free the island of Sri Lanka of the LTTE’s brutal terror, if for nothing else but to secure her own environment and punish those seek to overawe India’s people with terror.
I thus see five specific reasons why India has this obligation:

First, India had trained the LTTE in 1980s and created the Frankenstein monster. Hence, India has to atone for it by actions to disband and unravel the LTTE.

Second, despite enjoying India’s hospitality for years, and after welcoming the Indo-Sri Lanka Agreement in 1987, the LTTE betrayed India by killing more than a thousand Indian army personnel of the India Peace-Keeping Force (IPKF) sent to the island to enforce the said agreement. The betrayal and loss of lives of India’s valiant jawans have to be avenged to keep up the morale of the Indian armed forces.

Third, as the Home Ministry 2005 Annual Report to Parliament states, LTTE has been targeting pro-Indian Sri Lanka politicians and assassinating them. For the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, an Indian trial court has declared accused number one Prabhakaran as a proclaimed offender, and the Interpol has issued a Red Corner Notice for apprehending him. India is thus obligated to search for Prabhakaran and to teach the LTTE a lesson in a language they will understand, and to immobilise them enough to deter them in the future from engaging in any murderous and terrorist activities against India and Indian interests.

Fourth, the LTTE interferes in the internal affairs of India by financing stooge Indian political parties, in providing training to Indian militant and extremist organisations, and had extended insurgency infrastructure to bandits such as Veerappan and his forest gang. It also launders black money of Indian politicians through its illegal Eelam Bank in the Jaffna area. India cannot allow such erosion of law and order within its own borders.

Fifth, the LTTE is a part of the international terror network of Al Qaeda and is aided by ISI of Pakistan to smuggle narcotics into India, circulate fake currency notes to buy medicines and diesel, to smuggle antiques, and engage in passport fabrication, and hawala operations.
The question thus is: To discharge these obligations what should India do? Obviously it cannot depend on the Sri Lanka governments of today or near future to help bring the LTTE to book. Sri Lankan political parties are either capitulationist or chauvinist. President Rajapaksha agreement with JVP (Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna or People's Liberation Front) is that they will defend the present failed unitary constitution. This shows that the Tamils are squeezed between the devil (LTTE) and the deep sea (Sinhala chauvinists). Hence India has to initiate action to meet its own obligations, and can expect no worthwhile cooperation from the Sinhala parties.

The first move India should make is to initiate action and steps to revive the hunt for those of the LTTE who have to be booked and prosecuted under Indian law. This includes the LTTE supremo Prabhakaran and his sidekick Pottu Amman, and whoever else has tried to help them to escape the arm of India’s law enforcement.

In 1998, the Parliament had set up under the CBI a multidisciplinary monitoring agency (MDMA) to hunt for these wanted persons. But the National Democratic Alliance government waffled after it was set up and failed to pursue the matter. The present UPA government has been worse on this issue. It has been wobbling on the question of extradition of Prabhakaran. When Sri Lanka President Chandrika had come to India, India agreed to let the LTTE to be a party in the Tsunami relief work and have its share in the $3 billion international aid commitment. It was only after the US declined to provide the funds, if LTTE was involved, that Chandrika was stopped from disbursing the money through the LTTE.

Time is now at hand to energise the MDMA to get moving to apprehend the wanted criminals and bring them to book. For this India may have to dispatch a squad of commando force to Jaffna, a force that India has trained in Israel since 1994 in batches. Helicopter gunships covered and GPS-satellite guided, these commando squads can easily locate where Prabhakaran would be hiding and smoke him out. UN Resolutions empower India to do so—the right of hot pursuit of terrorists.


Second, India must assist and nurture the democratic elements in the Sri Lankan Tamil population, those that have demonstrated capacity to stand up to the LTTE such as SC Chandrahasan, and breakaway LTTE group that had opposed Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination, viz., the Karuna group, among others, to form a non-violent and democratic alternative to work out with the Sinhala majority the federal constitution that would serve the purpose of power-sharing.

Third, there are LTTE sleeper cells in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and other cities of Indian stooges of the LTTE in political parties, media and government, who have to be identified and imprisoned under a new anti-terrorist law. These cells work under anonymity to sabotage any patriotic effort made to nail the LTTE. At present, terrorists of various hues are active in 29 of the 35 states and union territories of India. The common link of all these terrorists is the LTTE-ISI nexus because Jaffna is close by and Pakistan and Bangladesh (and soon Nepal) are sanctuaries for all these terrorists. Hence one day all of sudden these terrorists and LTTE sleeper cells may coordinate and cause a huge bloody incident by which India’s recent international fame in reforms, fast growth, and IT development could all go up in smoke. We have guard against such contingencies by pre-emptive action.

Time is at hand for India to effectively contribute to the war against terrorism and in promotion of democracy by targeting the LTTE sincerely and effectively in the larger national interest of security and national integrity. There is today a window of opportunity due to international consensus against the LTTE, and we must seize it now. LTTE’s hubris and being caught in a cleft stick gives India the opening for it.
The author is a former Union Law Minister.

 

[kingfisher99]

. Elections no solution to Kashmir issue: Prof Ghani



LAHORE, October 28: HURRIYET conference Chairman Abdul Ghani Bhat has said if India and Pakistan cannot resolve Kashmir issue they should leave Kashmiris of their own who could safeguard their interests.

He was talking with media after his meeting with PML-N Chief Mian Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif at Chief Minister Secretariat here Tuesday. He was of the view that it was in the interest of both Pakistan and India to take Kashmir issue seriously and resolve it amicably.

Commenting of recently inaugurated Muzaffarabad-Srinagar bus service, Abdul Ghani Bhat said it was good for ‘Confidence Building Measure’ (CBM) but it would not help in resolving Kashmir issue.

Responding to another query, he said they had boycotted the elections in held Kashmir because they believed that the electoral process could not be fruitful for resolving Kashmir issue.

Kashmir is not an issue only between India and Pakistan. It is an international issue and it is also involving China, USA and other international powers.

He said the international forces knew that there could not be peace in South Asia region without resolving the Kashmir issue. Abdul Ghani Bhat was of the view that just solution of Kashmir issue would be more beneficial for India and Pakistan as that of Kashmir. Nevertheless, he was of the view that Kashmir issue was not simple as it was being considered. He claimed that it was the right of Kashmiris to rule Kashmir.

Talking about his meeting with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Chief Mian Nawaz Sharif, he said they are of the unanimous opinion that the just settlement of Kashmir issue would bring progress, prosperity and stability in Pakistan.

He said his discussion with PML-N Chief and other leaders was not restricted to Kashmir dispute but they had discussed wide range issues. He said he had not brought anything new suggestion on Kahsmir.

He said Mian Nawaz Sharif believed that Kashmir issue should be settled according to the wishes and aspiration of the people of Kashmir and assured his complete support in this regard.

 

[kingfisher99]

'I will accept if people vote for Pakistan' Yasin



JKLF chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik in an exclusive interview with GK senior correspondent Zulfikar Majid.

How do you view present situation in the state?
It is a people’s revolution. It is true that land controversy issue and economic blockade gave vent to the feeling of the people and they came on the streets. When I held my Safr-e-Azadi exhibition in Delhi on March 19, 2008 I had warned that Kashmiris are being pushed for 1990 like revolution. I had seen it during my Safr-e-Azadi march in about 8000 villages that if dialogue institution won’t deliver, Kashmiri people will be pushed for another revolution. It is unfortunate that the dialogue process started in Atal Behari Vajpayee’s tenure which continued in present prime minister Manomohan Singh’s period for initial years failed to deliver. The reason was non-inclusion of Kashmiris in the dialogue process. People of Jammu and Kashmir are not animal that their fate would be decided by India and Pakistan.
I collected 1.5 million signatures in support of inclusion of Kashmiris in the dialogue process and personally delivered them to prime minister of India and president of Pakistan.

That means you were predicting that people will come on streets en masse?
I had said it in both New Delhi and Islamabad, but nobody believed me at that time apart from few diplomats. But my judgment proved right just within two months and we saw people’s revolution in every nook and corner of the Valley.

What for lakhs of people were on streets?
Land transfer and economic blockade acted as a catalyst. But as you have seen it is clearly romance for freedom which has forced people to come on the streets.

Is Azadi or secession from India achievable?
I believe independent Kashmir is achievable. Before the birth of Pakistan and freedom of India in 1947, J&K was an independent and sovereign country. If India and Pakistan are serious to resolve the issue to bring peace and stability to South Asia, they need to recognize J&K as a sovereign entity. And in return Kashmiri people need to accommodate their genuine concerns of India and Pakistan.

Do you recognize that Pakistan is playing a role to resolve the K-issue?
As a party to dispute Pakistan is playing its role. They are supporting Kashmir movement and until now this is their public stand. Previous regime in Pakistan created genuine space to resolve the issue. But unfortunately till now dialogue process failed to deliver.

JKLF is for independent Kashmir. But Pakistan wants accession of Kashmir with it. How can both go together?
If we believe in democratic values, then we must respect democratic decisions. My belief is independent Kashmir. But if there is a referendum and people will choose India or Pakistan, I’ll accept it whole heartedly. But if people will choose independent Kashmir, both India and Pakistan must respect the democratic decision of the 9people of Kashmir.

But there is no mention of third option in UN resolutions on Kashmir.
When we say referendum, it is according to a UN charter and according to it, you don’t have bindings. You can’t put binding on Kashmiri people to choose only between two.

But some pro-freedom groups say that if plebiscite is held on Kashmir, third option in it would benefit India as anti-India vote will get divided.
I don’t think it will benefit India. Surveys have been done in Kashmir from 1990 till now by some credible international organizations which show that overwhelming majority is supporting independent Kashmir.

Are you ready to join united Hurriyat Conference?
If Hurriyat will be united according to 1993 constitution, we have no problems.

Do you think that united pro-freedom leadership can play role in settlement of the K-issue rather than a divided house?
United leadership can project it in better way, but if we have unity in thoughts, then it can help. If there is difference of thoughts, then it is futile. There are so many differences of thoughts among different Hurriyat constituents. For a united platform you need unity of thoughts and I pray to Almighty Allah that good sense prevail upon all of us so that we can have that kind of unity.

Greater autonomy, United States of Kashmir, four-point formula, achievable nationhood, integral part of India, jugular vein of Pakistan, independent Kashmir. Between all these options which is the realistic and practical solution?
The practicable and realistic solution is that India and Pakistan should accept J&K as a sovereign entity. And whatever are there genuine concerns, be it security concerns or national interests, we would all sit and discuss these. It is only through a tripartite dialogue that genuine solution can come out.

If New Delhi invites you for talks this time, what would be your response?
It will go to the executive council, working committee and the units abroad who will take a collective decision. I don’t think right now I should respond to rumors.

There are speculations that after Eid roundtable conference would be called by New Delhi?
Two roundtables conferences were held in Kashmir headed by Manmohan Singh and one in Islamabad headed by Parvez Musharaf. I was in Islamabad that time. But I boycotted all the three. It is our belief that only ideological and political forces will represent the Kashmir

Separatists frequently call for strikes which affect common masses. Would you defend the decision of strike calls?
I can understand that people have suffered, students have suffered. Students are our future. In this situation leadership and activists need to play a greater role than people. People have already suffered a lot. Usually in revolution people suffer. We have lost more than hundred thousand lives in the conflict. Leadership needs to formulate a strategy where people have to bear minimum problems.

Do you accept that frequent strikes are not justified?
Yes, I agree. We need to evolve a strategy which is sustainable and people don’t get exhausted.

Who is the real representative of the people of J&K? Separatists or mainstream parties.
Political ideological forces and militant leadership represents the Kashmir. I have said it three years back that if India state is in doubt let they conduct a referendum for leadership where people will only choose their leaders who will sit and discuss the problem with India and Pakistan.

Do you think that mainstream parties like NC and PDP have a role to play in resolution of K-issue?
Every Kashmiri citizen has a role to play, but it is to be played honestly. They (mainstreams) speak one language in Delhi and another in Srinagar. Any Kashmiri has a role to play provided he takes Kashmir-issue as a political belief, not for coming in power. Already three generations have been consumed by the conflict and if we have to save our future generations, everybody has to play a sincere role.

NC president Omar Abdullah recently in an interview with GK said that he has no problems in sharing any platform with the separatists. Do you hold the same view about the mainstream parties?
I can share table with any persons provided he is politically and ideologically sound. Omar said he has no problems in sharing the table, but it shouldn’t’t be for just for enjoyment. He said this, but his father (Dr Farooq Abdullah) recently said that even five percent voter turn out in elections is sufficient to form the government. They are for power.
If in Srinagar you say one thing and change your statement in Delhi and Islamabad what is the fun to sit with such people.

OK, compare Yasin Malik of early 90’s and now.
There is no difference. Yasin Malik was a romantic person and is so. Freedom is my romance. Romance is same, but means are different. In 1990, Yasin Malik was commander-in-chief with gun, today Yasin Malik has same kind of romance for freedom, but without gun. He is fighting through non-violent means, but is getting beaten every moment. In last one and half months, there were three attacks on my life.

What forced Yasin Malik and his colleagues to take up arms in late 80’s?
Kashmiris never believed in violence and by nature we are peace loving. From 1931 to 1947 and 1953-1988, Kashmiris used all means of non-violence to achieve their rights. But it was unfortunate that the state that accepts Mahatma Gandhi as father of the nation, didn’t provide us a little space for non-violent movement.”
In 1984, as students we started our political activities. Our group those days was called as ‘taleh party’. We formed map of independent Kashmir in 1985 for which my 11 colleagues and I were sent to jail. We were given third degree torture in interrogation center. After our release, in 1986, we formed Islamic Students League.
Soon afterwards Muslim United Front (MUF) came into existence and ISL became one of its constituents. I represented ISL in the MUF. In December 1986, MUF at its executive committee meeting decided to participate in the elections. MUF also decided that if voted to power, it would bring a resolution in the Assembly for right to self-determination for the people of J&K. We had cautioned MUF leadership that New Delhi would never allow them to win. However, we decided to help the MUF in elections. In Assembly elections held in March 1987, MUF could win only four seats out of 87. The elections were rigged and immediately after the announcement of results hundreds of MUF activists were arrested including myself, Ishfaq Majeed Wani, Sheikh Abdul Hameed and Javed Ahmad Mir.
We were booked under Public Safety Act and I was deliberately provided poisonous food in the jail due to which I lost one valve of heart. After our release in November ’87 on court orders, we decided that there is no space for non-violent movement in Kashmir. We contacted JKLF leadership in AJK and our first group crossed LoC in February 1988. Shaheed Sheikh Hameed was in the first group, while me, Javed and Ishfaq crossed over in June.

Do you think that gun played a role in highlighting Kashmir issue?
Gun played a very important role. Otherwise Kashmir issue was nowhere. People were busy with election politics. After 1975 (Indira-Sheikh) Accord, there was no K-issue. 1988 struggle gave rise to the biggest ever revolution in the history of Kashmir. It gave Kashmiri nation a new identity across the Globe. Wherever you go, everybody knows about Kashmir issue and it is only because of struggle which started in 1988.

Has gun any role to play now?
I think the more we adopt non-violent means, better it would be for the movement. We have seen the recent peaceful peoples revolution. Troops killed people, beat up them and ransacked their houses, but Kashmiris showed patience. And in this two month movement physically Kashmiris may have not achieved anything, but they have defeated Indian state morally, politically and spiritually.

That means gun should take back seat now.
There are people who have their own beliefs for struggle. My belief is that I’m committed with the non-violent movement. My other friends may have other beliefs.

When Army and other security agencies are involved in human rights violations, you highlight them. But some people say when militants are involved in such violations you keep mum.
I’ve led from the front on every human rights issue. Whenever there is any type of HR violation from any side, we condemn it. We condemned recent Delhi blasts and condemn wherever civilian causality takes place.

Many voices come from outside that Kashmiri Pandits were forced to leave Kashmir in 1990. As then commander-in-chief of JKLF, how would you defend it?
Governor Jagmohan came in January 1990 and he facilitated the exodus of KPs. Wherever minorities live, they suffer from sense of insecurity. It is everywhere in the world. In 1990 revolution, minorities were suffering from the same problem and Jagmohan exploited the situation and forced KPs migration to Jammu and other parts of India. Otherwise tell me till early part of 1990 when KPs left, how many of them were killed. In last 18-years of conflict, according to the police records, 209 KPs have been killed. Right now more than ten thousand KPs are peacefully living in Kashmir. People call Maisuma (locality where Malik lives) as Gaza strip, and three shops of KPs exist here. They are doing their business without any problem. I hope KPs who are living in migrant camps outside would come back and live here peacefully.

What is your message for the youth of Kashmir?
Alama Iqbal (RA) has said that if youth gets proper guidance, he can change the fortune of the nation. But if his direction is wrong, that nation has no future. Youth has to play an important role in nation building.
Present generation youth has idealism and romanticism but lacks direction. Present youth is better educated than past generations. He isn’t afraid of anything. My sole message is to remain non-violent as far as possible and don’t give any chance to India to use force.

Is your message to youth non-violence?
No violence and be concerned about the nation building process.

[Greater Kashmir]


Posted on 29 Oct 2008 by Webmaster
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[kingfisher99]

National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) - Terrorist Group of Assam

Formation

The National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) was formed on October 3, 1986. The outfit was originally established as the Bodo Security Force (BdSF) under the leadership of Ranjan Daimary. On November 25, 1994, the BdSF rechristened itself as the NDFB.

The outfit is currently observing a cease-fire agreement with the Government.

Objectives

The NDFB was formed with the purported objective of securing a ‘sovereign Bodoland’ in the areas north of the river Brahmaputra.

According to the ‘constitution’ of the outfit, which was adopted on March 10, 1998, nearly twelve years after its formation, the objectives of the outfit are the following.

*

Liberate Bodoland from the Indian expansionism and occupation;

*

Free the Bodo nation from the colonialist exploitation, oppression and domination;

*

Establish a Democratic Socialist Society to promote Liberty, Equality and Fraternity; and

*

Uphold the integrity and sovereignty of Bodoland.

Another significant demand of the NDFB concerns the script of the Bodo language. Currently, the Bodo language is written in Devnagri script; NDFB, whose members are mostly Christians and prefer to use the Roman script.

Leadership

The NDFB is headed by its 'chairman', Ranjan Daimary alias D R Nabla. However, in recent times, most of the outfit’s top leadership have either been arrested or have surrendered.

The 'vice president' Dhiren Boro was arrested in Gangtok, Sikkim's capital, on January 1, 2003. Its 'general secretary', B Swmkhwr alias Govinda Basumatary was arrested earlier, on November 25, 2002.

On June 5, 2004, Bhutan handed over the head of the NDFB’s ‘central headquarters’, Lt. B Udang alias Udang K R Brahma to the Indian authorities.

Finance secretary, Nileswar Basumatary alias B J Jabda surrendered to the Assam Police authorities in Guwahati on March 17, 2004.

NDFB’s ‘deputy commander-in-chief’, Bijoy Boro, was arrested in Bangkok during July 2004 and was subsequently deported to India. At present he is under the custody of the Assam Police.

The ‘publicity secretary', ‘Lieutenant’ B Irakdao is reported to be missing following the Bhutanese military operations in December 2003.

Areas of Operation

The areas in the north and north-west of the river Brahmaputra in Assam form the main expanse of operation of the outfit. The NDFB is traditionally active in the Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, Darrang, Barpeta, Dhubri, Nalbari and Sonitpur districts. It is also known to be active in the Garo hills region of Meghalaya, close to the Assam-Meghalaya border.

In the year 2004, the outfit’s activities have been reported from Nalbari, Barpeta, Dhubri, Sonitpur, Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Chirang and Karbi Anglong districts.

Cadre Strength

Prior to the Bhutan operations, the strength of Bodoland Army, the armed wing of the NDFB, was estimated to be around 3500. Most of its cadres were based in the 12 camps located in southern Bhutan. However, a large number of cadres either surrendered or were arrested during and after the operations. The strength of the outfit, at present according to sources, is not expected to be more than 2000. Most of these cadres are based in the outfit’s camps in Myanmar and Bangladesh. Additionally, there are several temporary camps in different locations of Arunachal Pradesh and in the Garo hills region of Meghalaya.

Arms and Ammunition

The NDFB cadres have access to sophisticated arms and ammunition. They have been found to be using AK Series rifles, light machine guns, M-16 rifles, rocket propelled grenades, mortars and Chinese-make grenades. Cadres are trained in making and planting improvised explosive devices.

Linkages

The NDFB acts in collaboration with the ULFA. In addition, the NDFB shares a close relationship with the other outfits like the Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO), the Achik National Volunteers Council (ANVC) and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K). Unconfirmed reports also suggest linkages between the Maoists of Nepal and the NDFB.

According to a list submitted by the Indian authorities to their counterparts in Bangladesh, the NDFB maintains at least two camps in the Khagrachari and Tangail districts of that country.

Prior to its dislodgment from Bhutan, the outfit was reported to have established working relationship with certain elements in Bhutan. Several Bhutanese officials were reported to have visited the training camps located inside Bhutan and have been alleged to openly aiding the NDFB cadres.

NDFB, along with the ULFA, on various occasions was found to be allegedly channelling its funds through the "Bhutanese diplomatic bag" to their leaders based in Southeast Asian capitals.

The Chin National Liberation Army (CNLA), a militant outfit of Myanmar, has also supplied arms and ammunition to the NDFB in the past.

Negotiations for Peace

The NDFB, on October 8, 2004, announced a six-month long unilateral cease-fire with effect from October 15. The move was not reciprocated by the Government and security force operations continued against the outfit, amidst threats of a pull out by the outfit. At the end of the cease-fire period, the outfit further extended the truce on April 15. Meanwhile, the Assam Government released Govinda Basumatary, the arrested general secretary, to open a channel of communication with the outfit's top leadership reportedly based in Bangladesh. Several parleys between the outfit's leadership and representatives of the Union Government and Government of Assam were held in different parts of the State and New Delhi. It resulted in the signing of a tripartite cease-fire agreement on May 25, 2005, at New Delhi.

 

[kingfisher99]

Report on the 2nd Pressure building team organized by FJPK to respond to the attack on Dalit and Tribal Christians in Kandhamal in Orissa.

(This Report is from Mr. Vincent Manoharan, Secretary, International Advocacy, NCDHR who was part of a team of a FF Team on "the carnage in Kandhamal.”)







The team consists of the following persons



* Ms. Seema Mustafa, renowned Journalist, Delhi
* Ms. Sagari Chaabra, Film Maker and Journalist, Delhi
* Dr. Kamal Mitra Chenoy, Professor, JNU, Delhi
* Dr, Manoranjan Mohanty, Professor, DU, Delhi
* Mr. Biju Lal, ISI, Delhi,
* Dr. Prasad, NCDHR – NDMJ, Delhi
* Mr. Vincent Manoharan, NCDHR, Delhi
* Dr. Prakash Louis, BSI, Patna
* Mr. Prafulla Samantray Bhubaneswar.



This Team met on the 14th in Bhubaneswar and had a planning meeting for two hours in the evening. The members were divided into 2 Teams and led by Mr. Vincent and Dr. Prakash respectively. On the 15th Sept, these two teams visited the relief Camps, damaged and burnt houses, places of worship, institutions, NGO offices in the following places:



Kalinga, Tikabali, Nuogan, Baliguda, Mereka, Paburia,m Tiangia, Malikapada, Sarang guda, Pabingia, Kasipadar, Dimligud, Kasingpada, G.Udayagiri, Mandakia, Boruigia, Raikia and Phulbani.



The Team spoke to the Victims, Officials both Revenue Administration, Health and Police departments and also the Villagers.



The team headed by Dr. Prakash faced a threat by the Hindu Women who rushed with bamboo sticks, rods and stones and dared to face the consequences as FF teams always help only the Dalit and Tribal Christians. The men blocked the road with huge stones. Some how the team managed to escape by telling that they are Human Rights Activists from Delhi and they are on a mission on unbiased Fact Finding. The mob joined by the men threatened them that they should not support only the Dalit Christians.



The teams returned to Bhubaneswar and drafted a press note as a preliminary finding and recommendations which is enclosed here. The Team met the press and shared their views and demands. Also met the State President of the Congress Party which is the main opposition in the state, the State Secretaries of CPI, CPM and their senior colleague and some Civil Society Leaders.



The team finalized to come out with a good document within a week time, to organize a press meet in Delhi and also to meet the Central Government Leadership to mount pressure to protect and compensate the victims and to arrest and punish the perpetrators, besides strategizing for a long term plan of action to stop further violence and to establish justice and peace in Kandhamal.



The background, my own personal observations and recommendations:



The background



* Orissa is a state with 30 districts having a population of 40 million in which 17% are Dalits and 23% are Tribals.
* Its known for its mines and mineral resources, forests and flowing of rivers. But the people are poor and the basic amenities are yet to be provided for the people to lead a decent life.
* This state constitute around 9 lakh (0.9 Million) Christians mostly the from the Dalit and Tribal communities.
* Ruled by the Coalition of BJD and BJP who count 61 and 33 MLAs to their alliance out of the total 147 Assembly constituencies. Congress owns 40 MLAs and CPI and CPM have got one each to their credit, JMM 4 and the rest are independents.
* Kandhamal District having Phulbani as its Head Quarters owns 6.48 lakh population in which Dalits Constitute 18% and Tribals 52 %. – Out of this the Dalit and Tribal Christians constitute around 1.20 lakh.
* Kandhamal has got 12 Blocks and 153 Panchayats.
* Panos and Khands are the major sub sects among Dalits and Tribals respectively
* Christianity claimed to have its presence for the last 200 years and this district has got the major percentage of Christians.
* Catholic Church and its institutions are more in number while protestants are very minimal.
* The Dalit and Tribals who embraced Christianity have become literate, owned government jobs and have become traders involving in petty business gradually enhancing their economic power.
* This economic improvement gave them social assertion and they object to the caste based subjugation and reject the oppression and subjugation of the Dominant caste.
* Since their literacy rate is improved, they are able to analyze the political situation and understand the ideology and designs of Hindutva forces and parties.
* Land and business owning non Dalits are behind the Hindutva forces and they played a major role in the politics of this district, now began to feel that their socio, economic and political interests and dominance are at stake owing to the empowerment of Christian Dalits and Tribals who were benefited by Christianity.
* The Non Dalit Hindu Land owners do not get adequate labour force to work in their field and also to carry all the ****** jobs since many have turned into literates and economically empowered owing to the involvement of Christianity.
* Therefore, they started supported the Hindu Fundamentalist forces organizing the Hindus especially the Hindu Dalits and Tribals against the Christian Dalits and Tribals.
* VHP began to develop its cadres from 1960s onwards and Lakmananda slowly emerged as its leader in this district and also the state.
* The VHP is said to have more than 1 lakh of its cadres who are trained with the ideology of RSS and its strategic designs.
* This state faced the cruel killing of Graham Staines, a Christian Missionary in 1999 and later Priest Aruldoss in 2005. The Christian Institutions were targeted and terrorized the Christian clergy, its workers and the Christian population.
* The Hindu Dalits and Tribals who are visibly far behind the Socio, economic empowerment of Christian Dalits and Tribals and therefore it was easy for the Brahmanical forces to drag them into the Hindu communal fold.
* Hate speech was systematically promoted and the communal feeling on the religious lines were incensed into the minds of the Non Dalits especially into the Hindu Dalits and Tribals.
* Land is another prime issue which divided the Christian and Hindu Dalits and Tribals. While Hindu Dalits and Tribals at least able to get lands as they come under SC category of the Government, the Christian Dalits and Tribals are not able to get that much ownership of land from the Government as they are treated as OBCs and not as SCs. Now the Christian Dalits and Tribals also demand to come under SC status which has been seen as an encroachment of their area of interests of Hindu Dalits and Tribals.
* VHP, Bajrang Dal and RSS masterminded their strategy to make use of this situation and slowly have sown the communal feeling in the minds of the Hindu Dalits and Tribals and also the Non Dalits.
* Christmas celebration organized by Dalit Christians in December 2007 in the name of Ambedkar Traders Association was seen as an act of assertion of Christian Dalits and this attempt was thwarted by the Hindu Fundamentalists.
* Especially Lakmananda Saraswathy the Hindu VHP leader played a major role in spreading violence on the churches, institutions, humiliating priests, nuns, damaging, razing, looting and burning the houses of all Chrisitians and the institutions.
* The State Government was conspicuously inactive to proceed against the offenders and protect the victims but owing to the pressure mounted by various CS organizations and intervention made in the Legal Forums, the State Government ordered for a Judicial Enquiry headed by Justice Panigre and tried to bring back normalcy after 8 months of the well designed attack of VHP on the Christians and Christian Institutions.
* In the mean time, Swami Lakhamanada was claimed to have been killed by Maoists ( which is to be probed and confirmed ) on the 23rd August and the VHP took up his murder as a chance to terrorize once again the Christians and their institutions, their homes and other livelihood, on the pretext that Christians were behind the killing of Swami Lakhamananda. They carried the dead body of Lakhmananda for 150 kms and at every village they kept the body and attacked the Christians and their properties. Large scale Terror was unleashed.
* This time still more organized attack was unleashed on the Churches, Institutions, homes and livelihood of the Christian Dalits and Tribals. Burning, looting, ransacking are designs of vandalism besides beating and humiliating the Priests and Nuns were reported.
* Again the Christian Dalits and Tribals ran into forests for lives leaving their properties to be razed down and torched by the Hindu Fundamentalists.
* Those who were caught by the mob were forced to accept to get back to Hinduism on dagger point and forced to follow Hindu rituals on putting weapons on their head.
* Persons resisted were either killed or maimed.
* The State Government which could easily expect such planned attacks on Christian Institutions and Christians could have taken proper measures to prevent such carnage by arresting the VHP leaders and cadres and also providing security to the Institutions and habitations. But since the State Government is ruled with the support of the Communal Party – BJP, it did not take any measure to stop this violence or to protect the people. Instead it gave protection and permission to the National VHP leader to roam the entire district to inflame the tension and the attacks.
* The Central Government on its part also miserably failed to take cognizance of this massive violence although reports were on papers and on air and also the pressure came from the National Christian Leaders and the Human Rights Defenders.
* The state CM, visited the Ashram where Lakhmananda lived and paid homage to the departed Swamiji and also visited one or two camps were the victims were housed.
* The Central Government sent its Minister of State for Home to visit this district who was sent back by the State Government as the area is still in tense.
* Later the Central Minister for Home Affairs visited the State and accelerated the police protection by providing Central Reserve Police Force on the request of the State Government.
* Later the CRPF head passed allegations that the State Police does not give proper support to maintain law and order.
* The High Court was approached by the Church and a Local Movement which issued direction to the State Government to ensure safety of the people.
* Supreme Court was also approached when VHP announced that it would organize meetings in entire state for the death of Swami Lakhmananda and also to carry his Ashes as a rally. The SC pulled the State Government and in turn the State assured that it will not allow any such activity by the VHP and other Hindutva Forces. Also it had informed the Court that it had taken 421 persons into custody for perpetrating violence. But who are they is a question.



My observation:



My observation is based on my two visits – the first one on the 1st September where NCDHR and FJPK organized a Preliminary Pressure building team in the name of Concerned Citizens of India, with the presence of Swami Agnivesh, Justice Suresh, Ms. Shabnam, Ms. Meenakshi Ganguly, Dr. Prakash Louis, Dr. Prakash and Mr. Manas Jena – and the second visit now along with the team which is mentioned above.



* It is a well planned attack on the Church, its Institutions and Dalit and Tribal Christians by the Hindu Fundamentalist forces, especially the VHP.
* They instigated the Hindu Dalits and Hindu Tribals to attack Christian Dalits and Christian Tribals besides the Hindu Non Dalits.
* It appears to be a Communal violence based on religious dimension, but the serious “under current” is a Caste conflict. The Hindu Non Dalits were not able to digest the socio, economic growth of Dalits and Adivasis, who may tilt the political overtures as well.
* The clear lists were drawn for the attacks. Outsiders were also brought in to this district to inflict violence along with the local perpetrators.
* The Hindu Non Dalit business community supplied the Fuel – Kerosene and Diesel and petrol for burning the properties.
* Local weapons were supplied to the mob.
* National VHP leadership was leading and monitoring the attack.
* Large scale looting was masterminded and all properties were either damaged or emptied by the mob
* Those we remained in the houses especially the women and children and the otherwise abled were the worst affected with physical violence.
* Those who objected to this violence were either killed or mutilated.
* There were instances that persons were cut into three pieces, lynched with heavy stones, and buried alive.
* The Priest and Nun were striped naked and humiliated with untold manners. They were beaten up and kerosene was sprinkled on them. The mob took the nun inside a hall in a nearby temple and it was reported that she was raped.
* Many have run into forest to save their lives. The whole family was shattered as they do not know who runs where and which directions.
* Those who gave shelter to Christian Dalits and Tribals were also attacked by the mob.
* The police remained as spectators. When they were approached they told that they do not have any orders and persuaded them to run away for life.
* The State Administration did not take any preliminary measure to safe guard the live and properties of Dalit and Tribal Christians.
* Even now after 3 weeks, no protection whatsoever is provided to the churches, and properties of the Dalit and Tribal Christians. They were allowed to be attacked by the Hindu Fundamentalist Forces.
* The Civil society organizations and NGOs who were active after the last Christmas violence were identified, their offices and the houses were damaged and burnt all documents, materials and articles were looted and ransacked. Many flee to forest to save their lives.
* Vehicles of all sorts – 4 wheelers and two wheelers and cycles were burnt down.
* The statue of Jesus and other religious leaders were denigrated and broken into pieces. Bibles were burnt. Crosses broken.
* Not adequate arrests were made. And Police refused to receive the complaint from the local people who witness the violence. Either they were chased or threatened with false cases.
* The State Administration prevented the outsiders to enter in to this district with the excuse that tension is prevailed there. However, it allowed VHP National leaders to roam the district with full protection and escort.
* The Chief Minister visited the Ashram and paid homage to the Swamiji who was killed. He also made use of this opportunity to visit one or two relief camps.
* Even the Minister of State for Home from the Central Government was also not allowed citing the unsafe situation.
* Relief camps were established in 18 places to house more than 26,000 Dalit and Tribal Christian victims.
* Tents were pitched in close ranges and no proper sanitation arrangements were made.
* Due to rain, leakage and seepage takes place in all tents and the people were not able to even sit there. No blanket or spreads were provided to them.
* Medical team is insufficient and Malaria and Diarrhea broke out.
* Children and women are worst affected as no milk was supplied and the pregnant mothers do not get adequate attention.
* Drinking water was insufficient and it was kept in an unhygienic manner.
* Toilets are not properly set in and managed.
* Only rice and dhal were supplied all the time. People rush for getting food.
* Relief camps were protected by the Police who stay in School and terraced buildings but the people were asked to stay in tents which are pitched in the grounds.
* People who went to see the situation in their villages were forced by the Hindu forces to reconvert themselves by applying tilak (dot) in their fore head and asked to drink the cow dung mixed water to purify themselves once they relinquish the foreign religion. They were then asked to demolish the same church in which they worshiped or to place the Hindu idols. Any rejection or denial is met with murder or severe attack. The same thing was meted out to those who came out from forests.
* Since the condition of the Relief camps are not conducive for a safe living, slowly people leave and try to go to the nearby towns or to the homes of their relatives. But government claims that people return to villages as normalcy returns.
* Government claims that from 26,000 inmates now it has been reduced to 17,000 in all the 18 camps. But the reality is that people do not go to the villages as they do not have their homes and also under threat by the mob.
* Still smoke erupts out of burning of properties every day and police do not prevent or arrest the perpetrators. They have a free movement .
* The victims do not have any confidence on the government and afraid of going back to the places where they lived.
* School going children and college students both boys and girls are in desperation as they are in camps or in forests and their books were totally burnt.
* All documents like ration cards and other certificates that they received from the government were fully burnt.
* Many remain in trauma and they lost confidence and hope to talk to any one.
* Tears gush from their eyes when they began to talk to us. They were bewildered to see that their own neighbors turned to be killers and abettors.
* The young girls and their parent live in full fear as at any point of time anything may happen to them. It was a pathetic sight to see them in despair.
* Media is fully biased and communalized. It does not play its genuine role to be secular, transparent and unbiased.
* The Ruling party BJD needs the support of BJP to remain in power. Therefore it does not bother about the pains and sufferings of people.
* The opposition party , the Congress, does not play its crucial role to mount pressure on the Government.
* CPI and CPM issued statements condemning the violence and also organized rallies. Their presence is not felt much in this state.
* Central Government also failed to play its constitutional role to restore peace and to render justice to the victims.
* The Governor is receptive to meet the Civil Society but he is also not adequately active in terms of visiting the violence hit area or to send a report to the centre as the constitutional authority of the state.
* Perpetrators were not properly booked, arrested and proceeded against.
* No compensation was given to those who lost their family members or their properties are damaged, burnt and looted.
* No rehabilitation package is announced to restore peace and to resume the normal life.
* Civil Society is satisfied with organizing rallies and issuing statements.
* Peace committees were said to have been formed but nothing is functioning.
* In many villages the Panchayat presidents have led the attack against their own people – The Dalit and Tribal Christians. They did not protect the victims and give shelter to them, instead they became attackers.
* NHRC did not act based on its suomotto jurisdiction. When approached, it asked for a report from the State Government, following the usual and casual procedures.
* National Minority Commission is also not very much effective or vocal in condemning this and to call for the action of the State and Central Governments exercise its authority.
* High court and Supreme court, when approached passed orders to direct the State Government to maintain law and order and to protect the victims and to proceed with the accused.



Recommendations:



* The State Government should take all necessary immediate steps to bring normalcy in the District of Kandhamal and also in other parts of the state.
* The perpetrators should be brought to book and arrested and speedy trial should be initiated to punish them
* The Government officials should be booked for the dereliction of their duty and the willful negligence in protecting the victims and stop the violence.
* The impunity being enjoyed by both the Hindu Fundamentalist forces and the Government offices should be cracked by proceeding legally against them.
* State Government must be impeached for not taking adequate legal and protective measures as soon as the news came that Swami Lakhmananda has been killed.
* State Government should allow the free entry of CS and Human Right organizations into Kandhamal district to have their assessment and also to help the victims.
* The complaints given by the local people should be admitted and FIR should be registered on those who have been given as perpetrators.
* The State Govt should provide police protection to Churches and Institutions and also the areas where Dalit and Tribal Christians live.
* State Govt should retrieve all goods looted by the perpetrators and retuned to the victims.
* State Govt should send officials into forests to bring back those who still hide there for lives.
* Relief and Rehabilitation measures should be geared up for restoring normalcy.
* The Relief camps should be kept in tact in terms of providing adequate and nutritious meal to those who are housed there.
* Sanitation and medical facilities should be improved in the camps. Free medical treatment should be provided to those who got injured during the attacks.
* School going children should be given protection to go to schools and books and notes should be provided to them. Special classes should be conducted to such children.
* Pregnant mothers and children in the camps should be given extra care in the camps
* Confidence building measures should be chalked out up by the government for the victims to go to their places.
* Govt should provide police protection for those who are prepared to go to their places.
* The damaged and burnt houses should be rebuilt by the government enabling the victims to go there.
* Such amount spent on rehabilitation should be recovered from the perpetrators and the outfits to which they belong to.
* Extensive and proper damage assessment should be done by the government with the help of CS organizations and govt should ensure full compensation .
* The buildings, churches and houses should rebuilt by the government
* The movables burnt should be replaced from the Govt exchequer.
* The Central Government should issue direction to the State Government under Article 256 and 257 for the enforcement of law to protect the victims
* Central Government should declare the entire Kandhamal district as a disturbed area and issue directions to the State Government under article 355 for immediate action of the State Government for curbing this internal disturbance.
* VHP, Bajrang Dal and RSS should banned for terrorizing the people
* No more activities of these Hindu Fundamentalist forces in this area should be allowed and all events to pay homage to Lakhmananda should be banned.
* Govt should watch over of issuing of pamphlets instigating violence in the name of Religion.
* CBI enquiry should be ordered to enquire and investigate the killing of S Lakhmananda and the violence perpetrated after that.
* Media who played a biased role should be referred to Press council for its enquiry.
* Govt should seriously follow the directions given by the Orissa High Court and Supreme court of India.
* Govt should ban the entry of trouble creators from VHP, BD and RSS into Kandhamal district.
* Praveen Togodia, and Ashok Singhal should not be allowed to enter into Kandhamal district to stop further violence on Dalit Christians and Tribals.
* An all party meeting should be organized to have the Peace Committee formed for the State, District, Block and Village levels where CS organizations should also be included as committee members.
* The Panchayat Presidents who involved in inflicting violence should not allow to function as Presidents and they should be brought under law.
* The traders who supplied weapons, diesel, kerosene and petrol should be booked as abettors and punished under the law.
* A long term strategy should be worked out to render justice to the victims and to promote peace in Kandhamal.
* All necessary steps should be worked out to promote harmony and peace in the whole state of Orissa.



J. Vincent Manoharan

NCDHR

19.09.08