New Delhi: Indian Muslim organizations

and human rights bodies demonstrated

near Myanmar embassy in the capital on
9 April against the continuous violation
of human rights and violence against the
Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.
Indian Muslim organisations and
civil society under the banner of the
umbrella body, All India Muslim Majlis-
e Mushawarat (AIMMM), condemned
the Burmese government in strongest
terms for its inaction and collaboration
to stop violence against, and expulsion
of, its minority Rohingya population in
the Rakhine (Arakan) state.
The demonstration was planned
in front of the Myanmar Embassy in
the diplomatic enclave but Delhi police
stopped the protesters at Teen Moorti
Marg near Chankyapuri police station
and barricaded the road forcing the
protest to take place there in front of
the police station.
We wanted to hold a symbolic
protest outside the Myanmar
Embassy, but the Delhi Police which is
infamous for its goondaism and its
Special Cell which has earned global
notoriety for fake killings, encounters
and implication of innocents in terror
cases, has forced us to protest here,
said Dr. Zafarul-Islam Khan, president
of AIMMM. He condemned the Delhi
Police for not allowing the protesters
to demonstrate peacefully outside the
embassy, which is their democratic
right in free India.
We want to tell the world that
Muslims in India are not silent, they
know that Rohingya Muslims are the
most oppressed community of the
world today, their citizenship has been
snatched away through a strange law
found no where in the world, which
asks them to prove their citizenship by
proving that their ancestors were living
in Burma in 1832. I have written a let-
ter to the Myanmar Ambassador that if
this law is applied to all communities
in Myanmar, the entire country would
be empty, as hardly anyone would
prove their citizenship on this basis,
said Dr. Khan, who is also editor of The
Milli Gazette.
Roghinyas today are a stateless
community; they cant get education or
jobs or passports. Over five lakh
Rohingya Muslims have fled Burma and
live in the neighbouring countries includ-
ing our own. Buddhist monks are leading
killer mobs which target their towns and
villages since February last year, he said
while addressing the demonstrators.
This campaign of murder, destruction
and torching of thousands of houses and
community facilities and expulsion of
Rohingyas from their villages continues
with the connivance of the Burmese gov-
ernment, he said adding that The per-
secution of Rohingyas started in earnest
way back in the 1960s. In 1982, under a
strange law they were stripped of their
Burmese citizenship although
Rohingyas have lived in that part of
Burma continuously for around a thou-
sand years and have ruled that area for
centuries. As a result of this persecution
and maintaining curfew-like situation in
Rohingya areas, close to a 150,000
have been forced since to flee to the
neighbouring countries especially to
Bangladesh, India, Thailand and
Malaysia where they are living in pitiful
conditions. Many have died while
attempting to flee in small boats.
Jamaat-e Islami Hinds Secretary
Mohammad Ahmad said, We find it
highly disappointing that supporters of
the on-going democracy process in
Myanmar, led by the Nobel Laureate
Ang San SuuKyi, have refused to stand
for these hapless citizens of Burma.
Continued on page 5
Police leads the protest! p. 3,
AIMMM statement, p. 5,
Rohingyas in Andamans, p. 13
MG/Yusuf
24 pages ` 15 ISSN 0972-3366 Fortnightly Vol. 14 No. 8 Issue Serial # 318 facebook.com/milligazette www.milligazette.com 16-30 April 2013
Riot after riot 4
Prison diaries 9
Rohingyas 1,3,5,13
J&K 10 | Analysis 11 | Special Reports 3,13 | Issues 2,11,13
Books 21 | Speaking Out 11 | Newsmakers 12
Community News 14-15 | Islamic Perspectives 20
Our Publications 19 | Classifieds 22 | Letters 23
Inside
MG
Delhi Muslims protest for the Rohingyas
THE
MILLI
GAZETTE
INDIAN MUSLIMS LEADING ENGLISH NEWSPAPER SINCE 2000
PROF. ABDUL AZIS...13 PROF. AKHTARUL WASEY...13
Terror against Muslims
is not accidental
Indian police is biased against Muslims. This is a known fact and Muslims
have been for decades crying hoarse about it. Even an IPS officer, Vibhuti
Narain Das (now vice chancellor of a university), has authoritatively stated
this fact of daily Muslim life in India. Cases of Hashimpura & Maliana (22
May, 1987), Beemmapalli (17 May, 2009), Forbesganj (3 June, 2011),
Moradabad (6 July, 2011), Gopalgarh (14 September, 2011), Rudrapur (2
Oct., 2011) and more recently Dhule (6 January, 2013) are only some glar-
ing examples of police bias against Muslims. But apart from lip service,
nothing concrete has been done to stop and detoxify this menace of an utter-
ly communalized and biased force. Similarly, other agencies like Intelligence
Bureau, suffer from the same malaise. These forces have been over the
decades infiltrated by RSS elements who use their positions to enforce
Sangh agenda to make life miserable for minorities, especially for Muslims.
This bias was seen all along in the riots since early 1960s.
BJP-led NDAs jumping on the American terror bandwagon in the after-
math of the terror attacks of 9-11, although there was no such threat in India
at the time, allowed these biased forces to intensify their war on the Muslim
community using the terror plank. Ever since, thousands, may be upto
15000, Muslim youths have been arrested on fake terror charges. Most were
released after days or weeks of torture, but others were implicated in multi-
ple terror cases, at times 30 cases, and the only evidence in almost all cases
is a confessional statement obtained in custody using third degree torture
which is banned internationally and India is a signatory of the international
covenant banning torture. Doctored narco tests have also been widely used
against these youths.
Hundreds of Muslim youth have been acquitted by courts after spending
as much as 18 years in jail. Their lives and careers stand ruined but the gov-
ernment has no plans to compensate them or prosecute the police and IB
officers who implicated them by faking proofs. At present, a few thousand
Muslim boys still languish in jails undergoing a very slow judicial process.
More arrests are made every now and then on some pretext or the other.
In the meantime, Maharasthra Anti-Terror Squad, then headed by Hemant
Karkare, cracked the Malegaon blast case of 2008 under which many
Muslim youth were already in jails. It turned out to be the handiwork of
Hindutva terror outfits which had devised an ingenious plan, in cahoots with
elements in the Police and IB, that bombs would be exploded in Muslim local-
ities and places of worship, Muslims will get killed and injured by their
dozens but Muslim youth would be arrested for the same crime. It turned out
that umpteen Hindutva outfits like Bajrang Dal, Sanatan Sanstha, Abhinav
Bharat, were actively engaged in terror activities which were executed in
such a clever way that only Muslims would get arrested. Though over a
dozen low level Hindutva workers have been arrested, the real masterminds
and financiers are out although their names, like RSS top leader Indresh
Kumar and VHP top leader Parveen Togadia and many others including army
officers, appear in the chargesheets of the Malegaon 2008 and Ajmer blast
cases but they have not been even interrogated, let alone arrested. Places
like Bhonsala Military Schools at Nasik and Nagpur and Aakanksha Resort in
Pune, where Hindutva terrorists in their thousands were trained, have not
been touched. So much for secular India.
ZAFARUL-ISLAM KHAN
I have paid my debt to Gujarat...
Now, I want to pay my debt
to Mother India
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INDIAN MUSLIMS LEADING ENGLISH NEWSPAPER
THE MILLI GAZETTE
REGISTERED NEWSPAPER
CHIEF EDITOR: ZAFARUL-ISLAM KHAN
EDITORIAL TEAM: HABIBAAZIM,
NAANSARI, NADIM AHMAD, AALIYA KHAN
D-84 Abul Fazl Enclave-I, Jamia Nagar,
New Delhi 110025 India Tel.: 2694 7483, 26952825
Email: [email protected]
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Sindoor is a symbol
of human blood
Muslim woman must not follow this tradition
Maria Akram penned down a report about
Muslim women following Hindu ladies fashion
(sanskar). The report is titled Beneath burqa, a
mangalsutra and chuda (TOI, 2 Feb. 2013). The
report elaborates on how Hindu sanskars (fash-
ion) of manglasutra, sindoor and chooda are
adopted by Muslim women.
Young Muslim women in India and even
Pakistan can be increasingly seen sporting the
chooda, mangal sutra and often sindoor. For
adoring Hindu sanskar readymade arguments
like just married look, or doesnt make me
Hindu or a lesser Muslim are presented. But
Muslim women, and even Hindu ladies, dont
know what these sanskars mean and what are
the historical facts it stands? Many Aryans had
already arrived in India, many were on their way
and many were still preparing to come. For those
Aryans there was no clear-cut concept of dhar-
ma. They had no spiritual awareness or spiritual
urge. Each risi propounded his views different-
ly from others. Each clan used to live on a sep-
arate hill and the leader of that clan was respect-
ed as the patriarch (risi) of the clan. The affilia-
tion of the gotra people were indicated by the
name of that particular risi.
After patriarchal system was established, a
member of one gotra would forcibly kidnap
women from other gotras to their own gotra, their
own hill. Thus immediately after the marriage the
woman gotra would change because she was then
a member of a different gotra, a separate hill. The
women were forcibly carried away, their hands
locked by iron chains. Even to this day, women in
Bengal and some other areas wear iron bangles on
their wrists after marriage which is a symbol of
their ancient servitude. One should clearly under-
stand this. The male who would attack the neigh-
bouring hills would tie up the women and carry
them to their own hill. Even today during the mar-
riage ceremony in some parts of India, the brides
clothes are tied to the clothes of the bridegroom.
The enslavement of the defeated gotra was a great
humiliation especially for women. Some time dur-
ing battle, the men strike the head of the women
with an axe causing blood to flow. In U.P. even now,
at the time of marriage women use vermillion mark
on their forehead - a symbol of blood. (Anand
Murti, Namah Shivaya Shantaya, pp. 14-15,
Ananda Marga Prachark Sangha Tiljala, Koklata -
39).
This Hindu fashion (Aryan Sanskar) like sin-
door, chooda, bichuwa, kada, knot tying has
some historical background which is a symbol
of servitude and hinsa (oppression and womens
slavery). Muslim women must not follow these
fashions. Even womens rights groups must
start agitation against women servitude.
S. HAQUE, Patna
OBAIDUR RAHMAN NADWI
India is a democratic country. Our constitution gives freedom of
religion to everyone. But it is extremely unfortunate that even
after 64 years of independence, parochialism and prejudice are
the lot of the countrys largest minority community. We often
observe that whenever any terrorist act takes place anywhere in
the country, intelligence agencies without making proper investi-
gations, target Muslim youths and implicate them falsely.
Consequently, a large number of innocent Muslim youths are lan-
guishing in various jails of the country.
As per the National Bureau of Crime Records, Muslim popu-
lation in India is thirteen percent while 21 percent of the jail pop-
ulation is Muslim. As per India Today, Muslim ratio in West
Bengal jails is 45, in Maharashtra 33, and in U.P 25 percent.
While the Muslim population in Gujarat is ten percent, Muslims
make 23 percent of the jail population in that state. They are six
percent in Madhya Pradesh but the Muslim ratio in the jail popu-
lation is 13 percent. In Ghaziabad jail there are 2200 inmates out
of whom Muslims are 720. This is the real picture of the Muslim
community in India, which has been ignored by the Muslim polit-
ical and social organizations.
On February 26, this issue was raised by various MPs in Lok
Sabha. It was said that there are many youths from the Muslim
community who were languishing in jails for 10-15 years. Some
of them were released as they were found innocent by courts.
While talking about the release of innocent Muslim youths, a
national party leader said that the practice of false implication in
terror charges should be stopped. He further said, There were a
number of cases in which Muslim youths were acquitted by
courts after they were proved innocent. The central government
should take note of these acquittals as a good number of Muslim
youths are still in jails on false charges.
In this context, the recent mammoth gathering held on
2 March at Rifa-e Aam ground in Lucknow assumes great signif-
icance. Mohammad Adeeb, MP, has rightly said, I have visited
prisons across the country. I have found there are thousands of
Muslim youths languishing in jails on terror charges. The govern-
ment should set up fast track courts to ensure immediate justice
to them. We also demand compensation for the youths acquitted
in terror cases, besides punishment to the police and intelligence
officials found guilty of framing false charges against Muslim
youths.
Addressing the gathering, Maulana Salman Nadwi cautioned
as to how long such relations could be maintained. He said that
he had given an agenda to Shivpal Yadav demanding the release
of youths, 18 percent reservation, Urdu-medium schools in UP,
and implementation of Sachar and Rangnath Misra reports. He
said Shivpal Yadav had promised that all these demands will be
fulfilled but nothing has been done so far. He said that there is a
need to change the situation. He told CM Akhilesh Yadav to stop
giving statements and told him, we give you three months time
to fulfill your promises. Salman Husaini said the political Nikah
(marriage) with Mayawati ended in talaq, now is the turn of
Mulayam. The question is whether he would like to keep the rela-
tionship or go for talaq?
Similar sentiments were expressed by AIMPLB Assistant
Secretary General Abdur Rahim Quraishi during the Boards exec-
utive committee meeting held on 4 Feb., at Darul-Uloom
Nadwatul-Ulama in Lucknow. He clearly said, A large number of
Muslim youths are languishing in jails for the past several years
on terror charges but no chargesheet has been filed against them
so far. He added that the government should pay compensation
to the youths who have been acquitted and initiate action against
the police officers who falsely implicated them.
In a democratic country like India such aberrations should
not take place. Indian history can never ignore the contributions,
achievements and sacrifices made by Muslims in the struggle for
the nations freedom.
It should be kept in mind that Muslims have love and regard
for their motherland like any other section of our society. We may
recall here the thought-provoking words of Maulana Muhammad
Ali Jauhar who candidly declared, Where God commands I am
a Muslim first and a Muslim second and a Muslim last, and noth-
ing but a Muslim, but where India is concerned, I am an Indian
first, and an Indian second and an Indian last, nothing but an
Indian (Khilafat To Partition, p. 76).
The writer teaches in Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow
Terror allegations are false
www.milligazette.com
SUMIT PAUL
A few months back, a reporter of a Karachi-
based eveninger mailed a funny incident to me.
An Urdu teacher in Lahore verbally divorced his
young wife when she inadvertently called him
tum instead of Aap! This is something
uncommon in this linguistically indifferent era.
But Urdu literature and culture is full of such
amusing anecdotes and idiosyncrasies. The
incidents of ultra-refined Nawabs of Lucknow
are now part of Urdu culture and folklore.
Josh Malihabadi, the great Urdu poet, who
migrated to Pakistan after independence, took
umbrage when the Nawab of Hyderabad used
tum for him. Ghalib wrote, Teri Mahfil mein
aakar bade beaabroo huay / Aap say tum aur
tum say tu huay (I got humiliated in your com-
pany / Aap got relegated to tum and finally to tu).
Ghalib himself frowned upon the use of tum
and called it a gaali (abuse). Its said that the
main reason of Ghalibs growing disillusionment
with his favourite city, Delhi, was the fast intru-
sion of tum and tu in the local lingo of the 19th
century Delhi. Ghalibs coeval Daagh Dehlawi
was so worried about this undesirable invasion
of tu-tum that he almost stopped talking to
strangers, lest they used tum for him! Abuse
me, but dont say tum to me, Daagh once rue-
fully remarked.
If one is lucky, one can still witness an argu-
ment between two elderly persons at old
Lucknow localities. Youll never hear a single
cuss word and tu, tum in their heated argument.
Arguing without abusing is something one can
learn from the older generation of Lucknow.
There have been instances of persons saying to
others in street-brawls that Aapne aagay ek lafz
bhee kaha to hum aapki ammijaan ki shaan mein
gustaakhi kar jaayenge! (if you utter a word fur-
ther, I may insult your mother!). Ive seen chil-
dren in Lucknow use only aap while talking to
one another.
Theres a famous and oft-quoted anecdote
in Urdu literature. The great Urdu poet Mir Taqi
Mir was once returning from Delhi to Lucknow.
One gentleman from Delhi offered to give him lift
in his tonga. That man incessantly kept talking
during the journey from Delhi to Lucknow. Mir
remained silent. When he reached Lucknow, he
profusely thanked that man for giving him a lift
and gifted whatever money he got from the
Mushaira in Delhi. That man asked him,Mir
Sahab why didnt you utter a single word during
the whole journey? Because I didnt want to
spoil my language by replying to your questions
couched in an inferior tongue, calmly replied
Mir Taqi Mir. The late Urdu poet and judge,
Justice Anand Narayan Mulla wrote of the leg-
endary Urdu poet Firaq Gorakhpuri, who never
ever used tum even for his pet dog! Once Mulla
went to meet Firaq at his home. Firaq himself
opened the door. His dog was sleeping on the
sofa. Seeing it asleep, Firaq mildly scolded the
dog, Mehmaan tashreef laaye hain aur aap so
rahay hain? Jaaiye andar jaakar laytiyay! (The
guest has arrived and youre still sleeping? Go
inside and sleep!) Firaqs dog calmly woke up
and went inside! Mulla wrote later that I was
flabbergasted to see a man like Firaq talk to his
dog in such a gentle manner and addressing it
Aap! Moreover, his dog also understood the
ultra-refined language of his master! Firaq once
said proudly, My dog star ts barking the
moment he gets to hear tum and he faints if
someone calls him tu! Just imagine, whose dog
was so used to hearing such superlative lan-
guage, how eloquent his master must have
been!
Tum or tu may be words of endearment for
many, some, still steeped in that pristine culture,
find them to be rank derogatory.
Sub-continental Urdu directly originated
from Mughal Persian, which was devoid of Aap
or tum. Its worthwhile to mention that Persian
has just shuma (aap) in its vocabulary. It was
Arabic, a language rich in expletives as well, that
influenced Persian and today one can find abus-
es, as well as tum or tu in modern Persian.
But in our linguistically loose times, this is
a rarity. Conversations start with tu and end with
fighting. So in this rather uncouth era, Lahores
Urdu teachers stress on polished language is
heart-warming and reassuring, but at the same
time, isnt divorce too harsh a punishment for a
simple bride, who may have said tum to show
love towards her husband? Remember the
immortal ghazal sung by Mehdi Hasan: Pyaar
jab had say badha saaray takalluf mit gayay/
Pahlay aap, phir tum huay, phir tum say tu wo ho
gayay (When love exceeded its limits, all for-
malities took the back seat, first it was aap, then
tum and finally tu).
Its worthwhile to state that in Urdu culture,
Allah is always addressed with tu. And the
rationale is: theres no formality between Allah
and banda (worshipper).
Delectability of Urdu Culture
Maulana Muhammad Ali
Jauhar who candidly
declared, Where God com-
mands I am a Muslim first
and a Muslim second and a
Muslim last, and nothing but
a Muslim, but where India is
concerned, I am an Indian
first, and an Indian second
and an Indian last, nothing
but an Indian
NATIONAL The Milli Gazette, 16-30 April 2013 3
Delhi Police leads
the protest!
Respond now if you care about your community
White Paper on Terrorism:
calling out readers & researchers
The most important and burning issue facing Indian Muslims at present is the continuing
arrests and widespread fake implication of our youth in trumped up terror cases master-
minded by saffron elements in the government, IB and Police. Now almost all Muslim
organisations are up in arms against this state terror. People are organising dharnas,
meetings, conference etc all over the country.
As a long-term solution and serious response to this problem thrust upon us, All India
Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat (AIMMM) has decided to bring out a white paper on the
Muslim-related terrorism in the country. This was discussed and passed during the
Working Committee meeting on 7 July. But since AIMMM does not have the required
funds and staff, I have undertaken the responsibility of preparing this white paper which
will be comprehensive in around 600+ large format pages covering the whole history
and genesis, communalism, vested interests in various fields, analysis of various laws
like TADA, POTA and UAPA, fake encounters, acquittals, IB & Police role, media attitude,
case studies, statewise studies, SIMI and so-called Indian Mujahidin, Hindutva terror,
individual tragedies of victims, Azamgarh, Bhatkal, Malegaon, Darbhanga modules,
some basic documents, etc.
The target is to bring it out during the next six months and release it in a big conven-
tion at Delhi as a combined effort of all Muslim organisations, and thereafter present the
white paper to politicians, media, human rights orgs, especially those abroad, in order to
enlighten public opinion as well as to build pressure on our blind and deaf government.
The estimated cost of this white paper is Rs 25 lakh divided as follows: Rs 10 lakh
cost of preparation and payments to contributors plus six months salaries to three per-
sons including an expert; Rs 10 lakh for designing and printing the document in a world-
class format; and Rs 5 lakh convention costs. The first two concern the undersigned
while the last (convention) concerns AIMMM.
To finance this effort which will be a watershed in this struggle against state terror-
ism in India, I need and solicit your full support. This may be either by direct contribution
for the effort or by buying copies in advance which could later be sent to you or to oth-
ers at your behalf. The estimated price of the white paper is Rs 2000 at least. Our well-
wishers can pay Rs 1000 only per copy as advance purchase (plus any actual postal or
courier charges which will be indicated and payable later). Payments for the copies may
be made to our publishing company (Pharos Media & Publishing Pvt Ltd, D-84 Abul Fazal
Enclave-I, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025 - Email: [email protected]).
Individuals and organisations ordering a minimum of 100 copies will be included as
sponsors of the White Paper. Contribution towards the organisation of the convention
may be sent to the All India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat, D-250 Abul Fazal Enclave, part
1, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025.
Experts who can contribute to this white paper may kindly write to me with some
detail about their past experience and work.
ZAFARUL-ISLAM KHAN, Editor, The Milli Gazette - [email protected]
www.milligazette.com
Hindutva roadmap
goes full steam
As was anticipated, the bugle for Nov. 2013 and
2014 elections has already been blown. The
RSS game plan to ensure BJPs triumph has
been launched. It is believed that RSS and its
myriad organisations would jump into the arena
with the beginning of the New Hindu Year on
11 April. A Hindu Sangam (conclave) under the
auspices of Vishwa Hindu Parishad to mark the
golden jubilee of its establishment was held on
31st March where Praveen Togadia presented
his roadmap for Indian politics. Not only the BJP
MPs but even Congress MPs as well as
Narendra Modi were invited although Togadia
and Modi have been at loggerheads but, thanks
to RSS, their differences have been patched up.
The Bhagwa brigade has pooled the services of
its vociferous sants and sadhvis for the cam-
paign. Though projected as religious sermons
these are meant to inspire and ignite the Hindu
psyche for political ambitions. Sadhvi
Ritumbhara will address a katha from 11 April
(Hindi New Year) to 19 April, Acharya
Dharmendra is to launch his anti-Shivraj cru-
sade (for the Bhojshala debacle) from 15 to 23
May. The firebrand sadhvi is being sponsored
by Kailash Vijayvargiyas trusted MLA Ramesh
Mendola. As usual, the katha shall be followed
by free meals. Acharya Dharmendra, who
accused Shivraj Chouhan of betraying the Hindu
cause, is being supported by Chaitanya Bharat.
Sunil Joshi murder due to
tussle over funds
The NIA, after arresting the key
convicts in sangh pracharak
Sunil Joshis murder, rely on
the clues gathered earlier and
corroborated by Mafatlal Mehul
Gohil of Vadodara who had
escaped from gurujiis ashram soon after the
murder. Mehul was recently arrested from
Vadodara. The motive behind the murder was
not the alleged misbehaviour with the sadhvi but
his ire on the misuse of funds. While the slain
pracharak used to live a simple and austere life;
his companions were fond of branded clothes,
mobiles and i-pods. An officer divulged the facts
about the life styles of three persons - Pragya
Thakur, Lokesh Shalwa and Dashrath. Even in
jail two of them demand branded clothes and
perfumes. Joshi spent little on himself and
wanted to save the funds for operations. He
had warned the three to remain spend thrift lest
they face dire action. It seems the three decid-
ed to silence the gugu
Has Kalsangra been
eliminated?
New Delhi: The charge sheet
prepared by the ATS in the
Malegaon blast case states the
possibility of Ramji Kalsangra,
a key suspect in several bomb
blasts, being eliminated by his
co-accused colleagues. Relying on Tehelkas
2008 repor t which features conversation
between Lt Col Purohit and Sadhvi Pragya, the
ATS feels that the duo had conspired to elimi-
nate him. The conversation script is as follows:
Pragya: I have asked Samieer Kulkarni (a
co-accused) to bring Ramji to my ashram. My
people will take him to Dayanand Pandeys
(another co-accused) and then dispose him off.
Purohit: I too want to ascertain what went
wrong in Malegaon.
Pragya: Come to Jabalpur if you want to see
him.
Purohit: Will it be proper to eliminate Ramji
in such a manner?
Pragya: Yes, we cannot take any risk.
(as reported in Patrika, Ujjain, 31 March 13)
Kausar Bi: German lab con-
firms human ash
Ahmedabad: The CBI
received report from a foren-
sic lab in Germany about the
contents of mud samples
collected from Illol village of
Gujarat where Kausar Bi, wife
of Sohrabuddin Shaikh was
killed in the 2005 fake encounter, is believed to
have been cremated after her mysterious
death. The German institute confirms the pres-
ence of human ash in the mud sample which
substantiates CBI claim that she was killed by
Gujarat police and her body was disposed by
cremating it at Illol, DG. Vanzaras native place.
A fresh FIR is likely to be lodged in the light of
the forensic report.
AG KHAN
Quote, Unquote
Congress was a choice ofcompulsion for minorities but regional parties liberated them
from such a bleak scenario. Muslims after independence voted for Congress out of com-
pulsion since there was no other choice. But now they have options.
SP leader RAM GOPAL YADAV The Times of India, 3 April 2013
Polices clean chit to Muslim
girl students organisation
Mumbai: Special Branch of Mumbai Police has not only expressed its regret over the leakage of its
confidential circular regarding Girls Islamic Organisation of India (GIO), an organisation of Jamaat-
e Islami Hind (JIH) for Muslim girl students, but has also given a clean chit to the organisation. When
a delegation of Jamaat-e Islami Hind met the Additional Commissioner of Police of the Special
Branch, Nawal Bajaj on 1 April in connection with this circular, he admitted his departments mistake
and expressed his regret and also apologised to the delegation members. Jamaat-e Islamis dele-
gation members also met an editorial staff member of the Marathi newspaper Samna as well as
the chairman of Maharashtra Minorities Commission in this connection.
The controversy arose when some newspapers published a few days earlier that a circular has
been issued to all police stations by Maharashtra Polices Special Branch wherein it was claimed
that Jamaat-e Islami Hind is preparing members of its girls students wing, Girls Islamic Organisation
(whose head office is located in Kerala) for Jihad on the pretext of imparting the Quran and Hadees
education to them in schools and colleges and that these students are hardcore and fanatically reli-
gious-minded and therefore, they should be kept under observation. News about this circular was
first published in Maharashtras Marathi newspaper Samna, mouthpiece of Shiv Sena. After the pub-
lication of this news, a delegation of Jamaat-e Islami including Taufiq Aslam Khan of JIH
(Maharashtra), Aslam Ghazi and others met Addl. Police Commissioner Naval Bajaj on 1 April to
protest against this circular. While apologising for this circular and without taking any responsibility
for it, Bajaj explained it away by saying that this was simply an alert meant for the police and not
for the public. He also told the delegation members that action will be taken against the person/s
who leaked this circular. He further said that this alert concerned not only Muslim Girls
Organisation but five other organisations and that it was issued by Joint Commissioner
(Administration) Sadanand Date to five additional commissioners and 13 deputy commissioners of
Police. Subsequently, while talking to media persons, Bajaj said that it is our constant effort that the
existing gulf between police and minorities should be bridged in all possible ways. He also clarified
that this alert was issued on the basis of information furnished by central agencies and said that we
have collected information about Girls Islamic Organisation and we are now satisfied that this organ-
isation is not involved in any activities which may be dangerous for the country.
MG comment: Irrespective of Addl Commissioner of Police Nawal Bajajs defence that the cir-
cular was meant for police and not for the people, the fact remains that such a confidential
circular was certainly issued to keep an eye on members of a Muslim girls organisation. It is
alarming that the Police are concerned only about how the document was leaked and who
did it and not about how such a preposterous input was accepted and circulated to police
stations in Maharashtra which has seen most cases of Muslim youths implicated in fake ter-
ror cases. This circular may be resurrected any time and in future and it will mean that the
Police will open a new front against the Muslim community by arresting Muslim girls too.
Hitherto they have arrested only Muslim boys. If such a development takes place it will be a
new level of the war being waged against the Muslim community in the name of fighting
against terror. If this happens, the Muslim response will be much sharper as we all know what
goes on in our police stations and how police deal with women under custody. Another
important issue which should have been clarified is about the five other organisations
which, according to the context, are also related to the Muslim community.
A
day before the march, various depart-
ments of the Delhi Police bombarded the
organizers with calls about the demon-
stration, its routes and timing. Earlier the
Delhi Police had tried to pressurize the organizers
to shift the venue to Jantar Mantar which was
rejected and the police were told that the focus of
the protest is the Myanmar, hence the protesters
will go to its embassy and demonstrate peaceful-
ly.
In the morning of the protest day, Police per-
sonnel in their dozens reached the JIH HQ where
protesters were going to assemble before the
march. The Police forcibly mounted the bus
which was going to take the protesters and
forced the bus and other cars to follow their
patrol car which took them to the Chanakyapuri
Police Station near Motilal Nehru chowk on the
periphery of the diplomatic enclave but around a
kilometre away from the Mayanmar embassy.
There, the police quickly barricaded the road
ahead and told the organizers to do their protest
there on the road. The police told the organizers
that Section 144 is in place in the diplomatic area
which does not allow more than four persons to
assemble at any one place. When asked to show
these orders, police ducked the questions. One
of the inspectors (Sehgal) said this is it, you may
do whatever you want or go to court if you like
Interestingly, while the protest was mid-way in
front of the Chanakyapuri police station, a letter
from the deputy commissioner of police was
delivered at the office of AIMMM in Jamia Nagar.
It curtly said, permission to protest/demonstra-
tion at Myanmar Embassycannot be granted in
view of security/law & order reasons.
Communal riots in Rajasthan town
Jaipur: Communal riots erupted in Sanganer, a town near Jaipur
on Friday 5 April in which though no human lives were lost, some
hand made paper and cardboard making factories, vehicles and
shops etc were set on fire by rioting mobs. An argument over a
minor incident of parking a motor cycle between two persons
belonging to different religious communities turned into a major
conflagration. People from both communities started pelting
stones and glass bottles at each others houses and shops etc.
Three paper making factories, owned by Muslims were set on fire.
In addition to these, a madrasa inside a mosque in Sanganer was
also set on fire.
The origin of the riots in fact started on 4 April and by evening
the situation was somewhat brought under control. Section 144
was promulgated but next day i.e. 5 April riots broke out again.
Police Commissioner B George Joseph, Sanaganers ACP Rajesh
and about two dozen people and policemen were injured in stone
and bottle pelting. According to some newspapers, 7 paper and
cardboard making factories and dozens of two wheelers and four
wheelers were set on fire or damaged by the rioting mobs.
Though subsequently curfew was also clamped, it appeared to
have little effect because even when curfew was in force, cases
of violence and arson were taking place. About a dozen persons
were arrested.
A few days earlier, communal riots had erupted in Makrana,
another city of Rajasthan. In the past one year 4 major communal
riots have taken place in Rajasthan and in about 4 years of the
present Congress government about 46 communal riots have
taken place in this state in which, needless to say, the biggest suf-
ferers were Muslims but neither were the riot-affected people
given any compensation nor was any action taken against the riot-
ers.
Holi and communal riots
Lucknow: A number of communal riots related to Holi were
reported from many places, particularly from U.P. Communal ten-
sion and riots took place in Balrampurs villages in Ganstry
because of mischievous acts of Holy revellers. These unsocial
and mischievous elements deliberately threw colours, coloured
and dirty waters on mosques and houses and shops of Muslims
simply to provoke them into riots and clashes. After taking intox-
icants like liquor and bhang etc they indulged in mischievous and
vulgar acts. On 27 March these mischievous elements threw
coloured water on a mosque in Rajadrava village of Balrampur
district thereby tainting it which provoked Muslims. When some
people protested against this, the crowd resorted to abusing and
stone pelting, leading to retaliatory stone pelting by Muslims too
resulting in riots in which many people were injured. Police per-
sonnel who were deployed in large numbers at different places in
the state (UP) as a precautionary measure, instead of preventing
these unsocial elements, acted as silent spectators. In the ensu-
ing riots many persons were injured and admitted to different hos-
pitals. According to reports, Thana Incharge of Ganstry got the
mosque walls washed and asked Muslims to go to their homes
and not come out till the revellers were playing holi. Police how-
ever, registered cases against many unknown persons.
Next day, because of clashes and stoning of the previous day
and night police arrested 5 innocent Muslims. Because of this one
sided action by police, Muslims were frightened and perforce had
to hide in fields and forests or move to other neighbouring villages
whereas the rioters and mischievous elements were allowed to
roam freely. According to reports even three days after the riots
on 27 March, the affected village (Rajadrava) looked like a police
cantt. It is also reported that no Muslim leader or Samajwadi party
leader came forward in their support.
In Bihar also clashes broke out in Patna, Gaya, Saharsa,
Aurangabad, Nalanda, Sitamarhi etc because of throwing
coloured water and also because of singing dirty, indecent and
vulgar Bhojpuri songs. When some people objected to playing
such vulgar and immoral songs, they were attacked and even shot
dead. This happened in a village of Sheikhpura district. At least
two persons were shot dead when they objected to vulgar
Bhojpuri songs being sung and played on instruments. In all, at
least two dozen persons were injured in clashes in Bihar.
According to a Hindi newspaper (Dainik Jagran) as many as
50 persons were killed in riots because of Holi and in road acci-
dents because of reckless driving as the drivers were inebriated
with liquor, toddy, bhang etc. According to the same paper, as
many as 500 persons were injured and admitted in different hos-
pitals in Lucknow, Kanpur, Banaras etc. Many houses, shops and
vehicles were also burnt when rumours were floated that Muslims
were neither playing nor allowing others to play Holi.
Riots in Udgir town of Maharashtra
Udgir / Mumbai: Communal riots erupted in this town of Latur dis-
trict of Maharashtra on 16 March allegedly because of a rumour
that a green flag was hoisted on a temple inside Udgir Fort.
According to available news, as the rumour about the green flag
on the temple spread a crowd mainly consisting of Shiv Sena,
VHP, Bajrang Dal etc. activists with saffron flags and shouting
provocative slogans began making rounds in some parts of the
town and compelling shopkeepers to down their shutters. First of
all a hotel, Gulzar Hotel owned by the Hashmi family, even though
it was closed from the outside, was attacked with lathis and
stones, resulting in injuries to at least six persons of the hotel who
had to be admitted to hospital. Syed Mujahid Hashmi, who was
inured in the attack said that the police was present but it did not
act to prevent the crowd from attacking the hotel. In addition to
this, many other shops were also destroyed. According to the
police, a green flag was seen on 14 March (evening) which pro-
voked the Shiv Sainiks and other groups and workers to take out
a protest demonstration.
According to the president of Jamiatul Ulama of Marathvada,
Maulana Habibur Rahman, an ijtama (religious gathering) in Udgir
was held on 15 March which passed off quite satisfactorily and
the local people went back to their houses but those who had
come from other cities had to stay over night and were to leave
next morning but because of the outbreak of riots they were com-
pelled to stay back but some how they were sent to their respec-
tive destination in the evening. They described the police version,
that a green flag was hoisted on the temple as wrong because no
eye witness to this was found. He described the riots as pre-
planed and the green flag was only an excuse.
Though curfew was imposed in the affected areas, section
144 was promulgated in the whole town. People complained that
police, instead of taking action against those who were com-
pelling shopkeepers to close their shops, targeted those people
(Muslims) who were trying to protect their shops. Again, in a one-
sided action police arrested Muslim youth only and about 50 per-
sons were arrested. According to Latur S.P., Prakash Gaikar how-
ever, 57 persons of both communities were arrested. Since
school examinations are also going on, police made arrange-
ments to drop students to schools in their own vehicles and cur-
few also had to be relaxed for a longer period. Chairman of
Maharashtra Minorities Commission Munaf Hakeem toured the
riot affected areas escorted by police. He urged the police to set
up peace committees in different mohallas and also include doc-
tors, engineers and other educated and influential people of both
communities in the peace committees. According to late news,
local Shiv Sena leader Manoj Shukle was also arrested for spread-
ing communal hatred. Police is still trying to enquire if the green
flag was actually hoisted or not and if yes, who was responsible
for this? According to available news, no new incident had taken
place on 18 March but the situation was however tense.
Thereafter conditions started becoming normal. No death was
reported.
Riots in Bareilly
Bareilly / New Delhi: Riots, not communal but sectarian, broke out
in Bhagwanta Pur, Faridpur, about 30 kilometres from Bareilly on
24 March for minor reasons. It is reported that one Shaan
Muhammad was washing his cycle. At that time another youth
Zeeshan Muhammad happened to pass from there whose clothes
were slightly soiled. This led to an exchange of some hot words
between the two which turned into a major conflict. The two
belonged to the Bareilvi and Devbandi sects and the already pre-
vailing strained relations between the people of these two sects in
Bareilli where the majority of Muslims are followers of Bareilvi
sect propounded by Imam Raza Khan Bareilvi. In this sectarian
conflict a large number of people of both sects confronted each
other and started pelting stones against each other. It is reported
that firing was also resorted to. When the police came to know
about this conflict, it arrested about 25 people from both sides.
About half a dozen people who were injured in the stone pelting
had to be admitted in hospitals. Though many people had closed
their shops because of the conflict, the situation was apparently
brought under control somehow but mutual differences and dis-
trust continued. Police and PAC were posted at the affected
places. Religious leaders started issuing fatwas against each
other. It is reported that many marriages which were fixed earlier
were broken up while other matrimonial relations were faced with
the danger of being broken up.
Next day i.e. on 25 March a school belonging to the people of
one sect was set on fire early in the morning because of which all
properties of this school were destroyed. Meanwhile, people of
the other sect also claimed that one of their schools was also set
on fire resulting in huge losses. When representatives of the two
sects went to the police station to lodge complaints against each
other, not only were the complaints not registered but the police
drove them away, rebuking them that they were always fighting
among themselves and doing all this mischief and setting fire to
each others houses. One group met the ADM and complained
that they were only 20% and people of other sect were about 75%
because of which they always have the upper hand but even then,
on an earlier occasion FIR had been registered against 45 of their
people but only against 23 people of the other sect even though
they were in much larger numbers. They also complained that
people of other sect had distributed pamphlets against their peo-
ple after which marriages of their girls were facing difficulties.
ADM however assured them that impartial enquiries will be made
and action taken against the guilty persons. Some people even
came to Delhi and met Jamiatul Ulama leader Maulana Mahmood
Madni who assured them that he would talk to leaders of the
Bareilvi group in that city and try to bring about peace and under-
standing between the people of two sects because it was very sad
and shameful to have differences on such matters. In Bareilli
Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan also expressed his displeasure on
sectarian differences and strife and said that they should confine
their beliefs to Masjids and Madrasas and live peacefully in soci-
ety.
Kairana mosque set on fire on Holi eve
Kairana: Badi Masjid in Kairanas Bocha Khedi village was set on
fire on 26 March by mischief mongers. The rioters forced their
entry in this mosque, made murderous attack on Masjid Imam
Hafiz Amjad and the Muazzin also, beat them up mercilessly after
which they are reportedly missing and there was great tension in
the area. Riots originated when pieces of wood and other materi-
als were stored at the main chowk of the village in preparation of
holka burning around midnight but some mischievous persons
set the stored wood etc on fire around sunset. Thinking that
Muslims must have done this mischief, a large number of people
attacked the mosque and beat up people who were offering
namaz, destroyed some parts of the mosque, burnt prayer mats
and carpets and attacked the Imam and Muazzin also. This creat-
ed great communal tension. Police in large number was deployed
in all neighbouring areas. Muslims in protest blocked the main
highway resulting in a big traffic jam. On 27 March on a complaint
lodged by one Muhammad Asif, police acted quickly and filed
cases against some 40-45 persons for rioting, setting the mosque
and other things on fire, beating Imam etc but arrested 15 persons
only all belonging to the majority community, and sent them to jail.
Muhammad Asif and some others (Muslims) said in the written
complaint that around 7 in the evening the previous day
announcements were being made on loudspeakers asking the
people to break the mosque and kill Muslims. Shortly thereafter a
large number of people belonging to the majority community
demolished the mosques wall and entered the mosque, merci-
lessly beat up the Imam who became unconscious. Thereafter the
crowd set fire to prayer mats and carpets, religious books includ-
ing Qurans, funeral cot, Imams bicycle, inverter, battery, fans,
utensils etc and also looted cash amounting to about Rs. 28,000
which was kept in the mosque. These acts of hooliganism contin-
ued for about an hour.
Next day early morning when the police was informed on tele-
phone about all this, police came from Kairana, a distance of
about 4 kms from the village but by that time every thing was
burnt. It was then that Muslims blocked the highway, raised slo-
gans against the police and demanded the arrest of rioters at the
earliest. Police officers and personnel led by SP, Abdul Hameed
kept a strict vigil in the village and town (Kairana). People said that
about 40 years ago another mosque was burnt at the same place
and the place was illegally occupied. People approached the court
against this illegal occupation and they won the case too but the
police did not get the occupied land vacated to hand it over to
them, with the result that illegal occupation still continues.
Police patrol led by SP, Abdul Hameed and other offices con-
tinues. Additional police forces, fire brigade etc also were sta-
tioned there as a precautionary measure. Muslim leaders also
held a meeting and urged Muslims to maintain peace and the sit-
uation is normal though the police is still posted there.
Compiled by NA ANSARI
RIOT AFTER RIOT
Time for blood Holi as elections are approaching
4 The Milli Gazette, 16-30 April 2013 NATIONAL www.milligazette.com
Riot strategy for harassing
Muslims in Gujarat
New Delhi: Having firmly settled in Gujarat and now aspiring to
the top post in New Delhi on the grounds of providing inclusive
development, Narendra Modi can befool a few like Lord Patel and
his lackey Sareshwala. The situation in Gujarat is not as rosy as
being claimed. At least 10 Gujarat businessmen have been
harassed to such an extent that they have reported their plight to
the National Commission for Minorities. They were compelled to
wind up their businesses in Gujarat due to harassment.
Mustafa Patel, a hotelier of Viramgam, shut down his Jyoti
Hotel after receiving threats. Police did not provide him security
nor was his complaint entertained. A similar fate is reported from
Chota Udaipur where nine traders saw their businesses ruined.
Though described as minority-versus-adivasi incidents, riots are
engineered, Muslim establishments are attacked and set afire.
Inspite of FIRs, miscreants go scot-free. If one fire is not enough
to dissuade a trader a second attack on the shop/godown follows
to ensure that the harassed businessman finds no option but to
wind up his business.
For centuries, Muslims have been living with the adivasis.
However, the 2002 carnage emboldened the adivasis to attack
Muslims as they are shielded by political dons.
NCM chairman confirmed a report that complaints were
received. Reacting strongly to the NCM, Gujarat government
spokesperson and finance minister Nitin Patel refuted all such
claims saying, There are thousands of minority traders and mer-
chants prospering in Gujarat. He dismissed the claims by
accusing people of maligning Gujarats image.
In addition to Mustafa Patel of Viramgam, the victims from
Chota Udaipur are: Kasim Ahmad, Ahmad Arif, Farooq Bhai,
Yakub Muhammad, Saifuddin Ali, Ahmad Khoka, Shabir Bhai,
Majid Khan and Harun Abdul Malajher.
Police claim of having arrested 22 persons for riots point out
to a one-sided attack. The fact is that the Muslims did not retali-
ate.
One wonders as to what kind of Gujarat the brand ambassa-
dor Amitabh Bachan is inviting the world to visit to enjoy its hos-
pitality and prosperity. (AG Khan)
NATIONAL The Milli Gazette, 16-30 April 2013 5 www.milligazette.com
A
ll India Educational Movement (AIEM) has been active for
the promotion of education among Indian Muslims for over
two decades. AIEM has been organizing annul conferences
for the last four years. The first All India Muslim Educational
Conference was held in New Delhi on February, 27-28, 2010 under
the chairmanship of AIEMs founder-President Saiyid Hamid. The
second conference was held at Shibli Academy, Azamgarh during
March, 6-7, 2011, the third was held at Kolkata during March, 17-
18, 2012 while the fourth was organized in collaboration with the
Muslim Educational Trust during 16-17 March this year at Cuttack,
Odisha.
This conference was preceded by two simultaneous caravans.
The first started from Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, on 8 March and
passed through various cities of UP, Bihar and West Bengal. It was
led by Amanullah Khan, President of AIEM. The second caravan,
exclusive for West Bengal, started from Malda on 10 March. It was
joined by Delhi caravan on 13 March in Bashirhat (Dist. 24
Parganas). Touching several places the two caravans arrived in
Cuttack on 16 March to attend the AIEM conference there during
16-17 March. After deliberating on various educational issues and
problems, the conference adopted the following resolutions:
1. This conference expresses satisfaction with the increased incli-
nation of Muslims towards education. Large numbers of boys and girls
are now enrolled. However, the target of 100 percent enrolment is yet to
be achieved. The dropout rate is still at disturbing rates. Therefore, rep-
resentation of Muslims in higher education remains very low. Secondly,
the quality of education is below the satisfactory standards. This con-
ference, therefore, exhorts the NGOs, activists and institutions working
in the field to give special attention on these issues. Improving the qual-
ity of education is of paramount importance.
Quality Education means overall development of a students per-
sonality. It comprises recognition of their Creator, relation with Him and
His creatures, self-recognition and un-biased intellectual growth with
strong moral character, good habits and decent behaviour.
The aim of Quality Education is to prepare the new generations to
face challenges before the nation and the community with full confi-
dence and to prepare them as leaders of Khair Ummat (best people).
In the Indian context, it also comprises inculcating qualities of respon-
sible citizenship, promoting communal harmony and tolerance to
ensure inclusive development.
2.This conference feels that modern methods of teaching are
imperative to raise standards of education. Simultaneously, we need to
create an atmosphere conducive for study in and around our homes
and give due importance to studies and other educational activities of
our children. In every locality, there should be some vigilant elderly peo-
ple to stimulate and guide the students. Facilities should also be creat-
ed for sports and games to instil the sprit of competition and good
health in the students.
3. The conference feels that until teachers are well-trained and
motivated in discharging their duties with missionary zeal, the dream of
quality education may not be fulfilled. This requires inspiration, satisfac-
tion and sense of security among staff members, congenial relations
between management, parents and teachers alongwith attention on
their training.
This conference draws the attention of concerned people to
arrange full time training courses and part-time refresher courses for
teachers to acquaint them with the ever-changing curricula and modern
technologies. We appeal to the resourceful NGOs and persons to estab-
lish full-time teachers training institutions and extend helping hand for
part-time refresher courses.
4. Based on study, observations and reports, AIEM is of the view
that Madarsa education system under various state madarsa boards is
all-round failure. It is equally disturbing that barring a few, traditional
Arabic madarsas also present a gloomy picture. They seem to be direc-
tionless and stagnant in vision and approach. Thousands of Arabic
madarsas are beyond public scrutiny and are wrapped as personal
property intended to earn livelihood instead of imparting quality educa-
tion and character building. This conference, therefore, appeals to the
madarsa organizations to do self-introspection, to introduce modern
teaching methodology, reform their curricula and stand up to prepare
young generations as the leaders of the community with understanding
of the challenges faced by the Ummah and a vision to solve them.
5. This conference feels that the benefit of Governments Minority
Educational Schemes (GMES) is not reaching the target classes
because of ill-intentioned parameters and conditions created by
state/local administrations. Deserving students either fail to meet the
tough formalities or have to face great difficulties and waste of money.
This conference appeals to the Govt. to remove all irritants for the
smooth implementation of the scholarships and madarsa modernization
schemes. The conference also advises the local NGOs to make efforts
for the removal of these impediments at local and state levels and also
to send feedback to AIEM.
6. This conference notes that obstacles are being created deliber-
ately in the recognition of minority educational institutions by boards
and in granting them minority status certificates by state authorities.
Some states demand huge fee which is illogical. Therefore, the confer-
ence asks the concerned states to check such practices. The confer-
ence advises the NGOs and well-wishers of the cause to create aware-
ness among masses on these issues so that public opinion may help
draw the attention of respective Govt.
7. This conference appeals to resourceful persons/NGOs to set up
information centres in their localities to disseminate information about
Govt. schemes and assist students and institutions in availing the same.
8. This conference calls upon the Central Govt. to take immediate
steps for the implementation of the recommendations of Sachar
Committee and Ranganath Misra Commission reports.
9. This conference agrees with the apprehensions expressed by the
milli organizations and scholars about the Central Madarsa Board. But,
simultaneously, it appeals to the madarsas of all schools of thought
(masalik) to set up their own madarsa boards for bringing uniformity in
their syllabus and transparency in their systems and get them registered
to avail the benefits of Govt. schemes to the maximum possible extent.
The conference also appeals to them to introduce modern subjects and
systems.
10. This conference appeals to the Govt. to grant recognition to the
madarsa certificates for entering the mainstream educational system.
For this purpose, AIEM proposes that bridge courses should be intro-
duced under UGC to impart additional qualifications and make madrasa
graduates eligible to enter formal educational institutions. This system
is widely in practice in several developed countries. This conference
reiterates that AMU, Aligarh, and Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, should
introduce such bridge courses which may enable the Madarsa gradu-
ates to acquire additional knowledge for joining modern courses in uni-
versities.
11.This conference notes with dismay that even the degrees of
Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) are not being recog-
nized in certain states, although it is a central university. This requires
the immediate attention of the concerned state governments.
12. This conference feels that in the name of high standards, such
parameters have been included in the Right to Education Act (RTE)
which have made the recognition of private primary and upper primary
schools quite difficult and establishment of new schools by local NGOs
and individuals almost impossible. This will lead to the monopoly of the
corporate sector over primary education and raise the costs of educa-
tion beyond the reach of general masses. This conference, therefore,
appeals to the Govt. to suitably amend the RTE Act so that quality edu-
cation reaches the poorest of the poor at minimal costs and that private
participation and promotion of education does not become a trade
instead of a mission.
13. This conference lodges it strong protest against the introduc-
tion of rituals like Surya Namaskar and Saraswati Puja etc in schools in
certain states and demands the concerned states to desist from the saf-
fronization of education and stop immediately such practices so that the
constitutional guarantees of protection of religious, cultural and social
values of minorities are not violated.
14. This conference reiterates its resolve for setting up an educa-
tion fund for the promotion of education and assisting the deserving
students in continuing their education.
15. This conference appeals to the Muslim Ummah to establish
maktabs and evening schools in their mosques and localities for the
moral instruction and religious education of their children who are
studying in modern schools.
16. This conference expresses satisfaction that the trend of female
education is gaining momentum with the note that results of girl stu-
dents are far better than boys. We need to pay more attention to their
studies but at the same time urgent attention is required to address cer-
tain social problems arising out of this situation.
a) This conference draws the attention of the community to the
need for establishing educational institutions exclusively for girl stu-
dents at least from 9th to 12th classes and advises the parents to pay
special attention to inculcate in them Islamic values and temperament.
b) Along with quality education, expertise in domestic affairs is also
inevitable for our daughters. There should be a balance between the
two. Whereas it will be, ideal not to disturb them for home chores at the
time of their studies, they should be extensively trained for household
work during vacations. Parents should inculcate service motto in them
so that their future life becomes happy and they earn love, respect and
trust and get comfort and satisfaction in marital life.
c) This conference exhorts the Muslim Ummah to protect rights
and extend respect to women as per the teachings of Qur'an and the
Prophet (pbuh).
d) Deviation and digression from these teachings is the main rea-
son for the degradation and disturbed family and social life. The trend
of depriving our women of their rights in inheritance should be checked
and due attention should be paid to their empowerment.
(Compiled by Syed Mansoor Agha and translated by Abdul
Rashid, Vice Presidents of AIEM)
All India Educational Movements caravans and conf.
Statement on the
persecution and
expulsion of the
Burmese Royingyas
Issued during the protest march
against the Burma Embassy
New Delhi, 9 April 2013
Leaders of the Indian Muslim organisations and
civil society condemn the Burmese government
in the strongest terms for its inaction and collab-
oration to stop violence against, and expulsion
of, its Rohingya population in the Rakhine
[Arakan] state. The persecution of Rohingyas
started way back in the 1960s. In 1982, under a
strange law they were stripped of their
Burmese citizenship unless they proved that their
ancestors live in Burma way back in 1832. No
such law exists anywhere in the world and most
Burmese will lose their citizenship if it is applied
to all in Burma. Rohingyas have lived in that part
of Burma continuously for around a thousand
years and have ruled the area for centuries. As a
result of this persecution and maintaining cur-
few-like situation in Rohingya towns and villages,
close to a million have been forced since to flee
to the neighbouring countries, especially
Bangladesh. The current wave of persecution
and ethnic cleansing spearheaded by Buddhist
monks started in February last year when mur-
der, destruction and torching of thousands of
houses and community facilities and expulsion
of Rohingyas from their villages started with the
connivance of the Burmese government.
Hundreds have been killed in recent months and
an estimated 150,000 Rohingyas have since fled
their country taking refuge in Bangladesh, India,
Thailand and Malaysia etc where they are living
in pitiful conditions. Many have died while
attempting to flee in small boats. According to
UN estimates, about 120,000 Rohingyas are
now internally displaced due to violence and per-
secution.
We find it highly disappointing that support-
ers of the on-going democracy process in
Myanmar, led by the Nobel Laureate Ang San
SuuKyi, have refused to stand for these hapless
citizens of Burma.
We condemn the inaction by the Myanmar
government and ask upon our own government
as well as the international organisations and
governments of all freedom-loving nations to
stand by the Rohingya people in their hour of
need and pressurise the Mayanmar junta to
mend its ways and apply to the Rohingyas same
principles which are applicable to other citizens
of Burma and hasten to repatriate the Rohingya
refugees who have fled their villages and towns
and compensate them adequately to enable them
to start their lives once again with honour and
dignity and punish the Buddhisht supremacists
whose intolerance is turning Burma into a pariah
state in the world.
Dr. Zafarul-Islam Khan
President, All India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat
Muhammad Ahmad
Political Secretary, Jamaat-e Islami Hind
Mohammad Adeeb, MP (Rajya Sabha)
Mohammad Sulaiman
President, Indian National League
Kamal Farooqui
General Secretary, Samajwadi Party
Amaresh Misra, historian and Congress leader
Birju Naik, Secretary, Lok Raj Sangthan
Dr Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas
Member, Muslim Personal Law Board
Ashfaq Sharif
President, SIO
Maulana Jalal Haidar Naqvi
Secretary of the All India Majlis-e Ulama
Syed Akhlak Ahmad
Secretary, Assoc. for Protection of Civil Rights
Continued from page 1
We condemn the inaction by the Myanmar gov-
ernment and ask upon our own government as
well as the international organisations and gov-
ernments of all freedom-loving nations to stand
by the Rohingya people in their hour of need.
They should pressurise the Mayanmar junta to
mend its ways and apply to the Rohingyas same
principles which are applicable to other citizens
of Burma and hasten to repatriate the Rohingya
refugees who have fled their villages and towns
and compensate them adequately to enable
them to start their lives once again with honour
and dignity and punish the Buddhisht suprema-
cists whose intolerance is turning Burma into a
pariah state in the world.
Addressing the gathering, SQR Ilyas,
General Secretary of Welfare Party of India, said
Myanmar is becoming a Palestine for Rohingya
Muslims. As Palestinians have been forced to
flee from their homes, Rohingya Muslims are
also being uprooted. They are being killed and
their homes burnt and demolished, said Dr.
Ilyas.
He expressed sorrow at the silence of
Muslim nations over the plight of Rohingya
Muslims. It is really sad that 58 Muslim coun-
tries are not speaking on the issue, they are not
pressing the United Nations to pass even resolu-
tions. He asked the Indian Government to
respond to the tragedy. India should press
Myanmar government to stop atrocities against
Rohingya Muslims, demanded Dr. Ilyas.
National Coordinator of Association for
Protection of Civil Rights, Akhlak Ahmad termed
the violence in Myanmar as the worst case of
human rights violation. He criticized world
human rights bodies for remaining tightlipped
over the plight of Rohingya Muslims. He
expressed anguish over the silence of
Myanmars democratic activist Aung San
SuuKyi on this issue.
RAM PUNIYANI
[email protected]
While defining religion is a
theological exercise, many a
time tribunals and judges
are pontificating on the
nature of Hindusim on the
basis of common sense and
their own perceptions of it.
Many of these perceptions are dictated by con-
temporary politics which wants to present
Hinduism in a different light. It was a great sur-
prise that a recent Income Tax Tribunal held that
Hinduism is not a religion and stated that Shiva,
Hanuman or Goddess Durga are superpowers
of the universe and do not represent a particu-
lar religion (March 2013). The Income Tax
Appellate Tribunal, Nagpur, in a recent order, said
the expenses on worshipping Hindu deities and
maintenance of temples could not be considered
as religious activity.
They went on to declare that Technically,
Hinduism is neither a religion nor Hindus form a
religious community.
Shiv Mandir Devsthan Panch Committee
Sanstan had argued that the temple run by it
was open to everyone, irrespective of caste and
creed and so the temple does not belong to a
particular religion and that installing idols is not
a religious activity.
This is fairly hilarious. Idol worship is a
major part of Hinduism, while religions like Islam
and Christianity dont worship idols. It is a Hindu
religious activity, thats how the whole Ram
Temple issue was built up and Babri mosque
was demolished on the pretext of fulfilling a reli-
gious obligation of restoring Ram Temple where
the idols of Ram Lalla could be installed. Then,
what is this new definition of superpowers in
the form of Shiva, Hanuman and Durga?
Contemporary times mired in the world of
politics regard the United States of America as
the global superpower. In the tribunals verdict
we are being told about the Universal superpow-
ers, Durga, Hanuman and Shiva amongst others.
The learned tribunal needed to know that in
Hinduism the concept of supernatural power
goes through different stages. It begins with
polytheism with gods and goddesses looking
after one faction of the power. So you have gods
and goddesses taking care of rains (Indra), air
(Marut), power (Durga), knowledge (Sarswati)
and even sex (Kam Devata) and wine (Som
Devata). From here, one goes to trithiesm where
one God creates (Brahma), one maintains
(Vishnu) and one destroys (Shiva). From here,
one goes to the concept of monotheism
(Ishwar). As such Hanuman is a mythological
character, servant of Lord Ram and also referred
to as God.
All this is a part of Hindu religion. To think
that this is universal, applicable to all religious
beliefs is a travesty of the truth. Different sects
of Hinduism worship different gods. Some of
these gods are a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu
like Ram and Krishna. In Greek mythology, one
does see a parallel to polytheism. In Christian
tradition, we find tri-thiesm of Father, Son and
the Holy Spirit. These are religion-specific beliefs
which dont apply to other religions. In contrast
to the verdict of the tribunal, one knows that
some religions like Jainism and Budhhidm dont
have faith in supernatural power. Some tradi-
tions, which developed in this part of the world,
like Charvak, also did not have faith in supernat-
ural power.
Coming to the conclusion of the tribunal that
Hinduism is not a religion because there are
diverse trends, this can be rejected right away.
True, Hinduism has diverse trends but that is
because this religion is not based on the teach-
ings of a single Prophet. It has evolved, has been
constructed over a period of time. So the diver-
sity is very much there, still all this does fit into
the criterion laid down for understanding a reli-
gion.
Defining Hinduism as such is a difficult task
for sure. The reasons for this are multiple. One,
Hinduism is not a prophet-based religion, it has
no single founder and two, religions developing
in this part of the world have been lumped
together as Hinduism and three, there are so
many diversities in the practices of Hinduism
that all streams cannot be painted with a single
brush. To this one may add the practices and
beliefs originating at different times, which con-
tinue to exist side by side. Lord Satyanarayn and
Santoshi Maa do exist along with the concept of
Ishwar (God) and a Nirankar Nirguna Ishwar
(God beyond the attributes of qualities and form)
at the same time.
The major point of departure for Hinduism is
the imprint of caste system on the major aspects
of Hinduism, the religious sanctity for social
inequality, caste system being the soul of its
scriptures and practices. The conditions under
which the terms came into being also tell a lot
about the real meaning of those terms. Aryans
who came in a series of migrations were pas-
torals and were polytheists. During the early
period we see the coming into being of Vedas,
which give the glimpse of value system of that
period and also the number of gods with diverse
portfolios, the prevalence of polytheism. Laws
of Manu were the guiding principles of that soci-
ety. This Vedic phase merged into Brahminic
phase. During this phase, the elite of the society
remained insulated from the common people. At
this point of time, caste system provided a per-
fect mechanism for this insulation of the elite.
Buddhisms challenge to the caste system
forced Brahmanism to come up with a new
phase, which can be called Hinduism. During
this, the cultic practices were broadened and
public ceremonies and rituals were devised to
influence the broad masses and wean them
away from Buddhism.
It is interesting to note that till 8th century,
the so-called Hindu texts do not have the word
Hindu itself. This word came into being with the
Arabs and Middle East Muslims coming to this
part of the world. They called the people living
on this side of Sindhu as Hindus. The word
Hindu began as a geographical term. It was later
that religions developing in this part started
being called as Hindu religions. Due to the caste
system there was no question of prosetylization.
On the contrary, the victims of the caste system
made all the efforts to convert to other religions,
Buddhism, Islam and partly Christianity and later
to Sikhism.
Within the Hindu religion, two streams ran
parallel, Brahmanism and Shramanism.
Shramans defied the Brahminical control and
rejected the caste system. While Brahminism
remained dominant, other streams of Hinduism
also prevailed like Tantra, Bhakti, Shaiva,
Siddhanta etc. Shramans did not conform to the
Vedic norms and values. Brahminism catego-
rized religious practices by caste while
Shramanism rejected caste distinctions.
Brahminical Hinduism was the most dominant
tendency as it was associated with rulers.
Sidetracking the Hindu traditions of lower
castes, Brahminism came to be recognised as
Hinduism in due course of time. This phenom-
enon began with Magadh-Mauryan Empire after
subjugating Budhhism and Jainism in particular.
Later, with the arrival of the British who were try-
ing to understand Indian society, Hindu identity,
based on Brahminical norms, was constructed
for all non-Muslims and non-Christians. Vedas
and other Brahminical texts were projected as
Hindu texts. Thus the diversity of Hinduism was
put under the carpet and Brahminism came to be
recognised as Hinduism. So Hinduism now, as
a religion, is based on Brahminical rituals, texts
and authority of Brahmins.
Hinduism as prevails today is a religion in all
sense of the sociological characteristics. That it
is dominated by Brahminism is another matter.
To say that Hindus are not a religious communi-
ty is a wrong formulation to say the least..(Issues
in Secular Politics)
Re-defining Hinduism
6 The Milli Gazette, 16-30 April 2013 NATIONAL www.milligazette.com
MOHAMMAD SHAHID
L
ucknow: Another election is in sight.
Political parties are busy devising their
strategies to attract, rather befool the vot-
ers. Soon they will come up with dream
plans that will end all the sufferings of the peo-
ple and the country. Communal parties would try
to polarize the voters on communal lines while
Muslims will be the main target of the so-called
secular parties which will lure the community
with hyperbolic promises that would be forgot-
ten as soon as the elections are over. This same
story has been repeated over and over again
since Independence. Their lives and properties
are destroyed in thousands of riots, their
mosques demolished; their youths implicated in
false terror cases and are jailed for years without
trial. All this has been done during the rule of
these very secular parties whose criminal inac-
tion has relegated the largest minority to the sta-
tus of second rate citizens in the Indian State.
Small wonder then that Muslims in the
country are restive. If a series of conferences
organized by Muslim outfits in UP and Delhi
demanding justice for the community is any indi-
cation, Muslims are unhappy with the step-
motherly treatment meted out to them by those
who ruled on the power of their votes. Jamiat
Ulama-e Hind (Mahmood) conference in Kanpur
in the last week of February, a Muslim confer-
ence jointly organized by Mohammad Adeeb,
MP, and Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahli
and another conference of Jamiat Ulama-e Hind
(Arshad), both at Refahe Aam Club in Lucknow,
last month had almost similar agenda release
of innocent Muslim youths falsely implicated in
terror cases, implementation of Sachar report,
including reservation for the community and ful-
fillment of other promises made by political par-
ties at the time of elections. The general mood at
all these meetings was that of anger against the
so-called secular parties who over a period of
time meted out step-motherly treatment to the
community despite enjoying power with their
votes. There is also frustration and dejection in
the community with its own leaders who have
failed to devise a serious and sincere strategy in
the post-Independence era to ameliorate the suf-
ferings of the community.
Their anger and frustration is not unfounded.
Its an irony that the first party the community
supported wholeheartedly after Independence
harmed it the most. From denying Muslims the
benefit of Article 341 to the thousands of riots,
murdering Urdu and pushing a flourishing com-
munity to the status of the most backward com-
munity are a few instances of the Congress
biased attitude towards the community. In recent
times, the change in foreign policy and the
Congress governments close relations with the
US and Israel has resulted in Muslims being
branded as terrorists, their innocent youths
being thrown in jails or killed in fake encounters
and their nationalism questioned. Who can for-
get the Babri Masjid demolition, Bombay riots,
Batla House encounter and hanging of Afzal
Guru clandestinely in a hush hush manner?
Thousands of Muslims were killed and their
property worth crores destroyed in Bombay
riots. There were irrefutable proofs against the
involvement of police and Shiv Sena leaders in
the riots. Sri Krishna Commission indicted some
individuals and police officers but no action was
taken against the culprits. However, the
Maharashtra Government was prompt to perse-
cute the accused in the blast case, which was in
retaliation of the riots but showed no interest in
prosecuting the perpetrators of the riots. Afzal
Guru, an accused in the attack on Parliament,
was hanged although he was not present at the
site when the crime was committed, but the cul-
prits behind the biggest-ever terror attack on
Indian soil, the demolition of Babri Masjid in
1992, are enjoying freedom. It is clear as the
light of the day that Advani, Uma Bharti and their
ilk engineered the demolition of the mosque and
were present at the scene at the time of crime
but in the post-demolition era these law-break-
ers of the highest order became law-makers,
law-protectors and ministers. All this happened
during the Congress regime and now the
Messiah of Muslims, the Samajwadi Party chief
Mulayam Singh Yadav, pays tributes to the man
whose rath yatra heralded the demolition of the
historic mosque and murder of thousands of
Muslims in the process, by labeling him as an
honest man who speaks the truth.
Muslims ensured the victory of the
Samajwadi Party in the last Assembly elections
and entertained high expectations from its gov-
ernment but a series of unprecedented riots,
announcements about some doles and vague
assurances by the party that promises made in
the election manifesto will be fulfilled is all they
have got so far. Muslim youths are still languish-
ing in jails, reservation remains a long pending
demand of the community and nothing has so
far been done to give Urdu its due in its birth-
place. UP Urdu Academy and Fakhruddin Ali
Ahmad Committee are still waiting for their
chairmen. Steps like fencing of graveyards and
giving some cash to Muslim girls while their
lives and properties are at the mercy of rioters
and their youths live in fear of being arrested on
fake charges will not improve their lot.
As Maulana Arshad Madni said at the Jamiat
convention in Lucknow last month, Muslims do
not want alms from the government but right to
live with honour. But who will give them that
right -- Congress, SP, BSP, RJD or other such the
so-called secular outfits who have exploited the
community by raising the spectre of communal
BJP to serve their own political interests?
Mulayams praise of Advani may have hurt
Muslims who have supported him but they
should not forget that for a politician, his own
self-interest and that of his party is above every-
thing else and Muslims are important to him only
till they serve his interests.
God helps those who help themselves,
said the Union Minister Salman Khursheed.
Though not a very popular figure among
Muslims, he said at a convention in Lucknow
Muslims must unite and not fall prey to parties
which claim to be their well-wishers. Although
his statement was directed at the SP, it applies to
all parties, including the Congress. Muslims will
have to introspect themselves before blaming
others for the communitys ills. Instead of rely-
ing on others for their progress, Muslim leaders
should rise above their narrow interests and
forge a united front to fight for their rights. The
community should pool its own resources and
make long-term plan to educate its youths into
engineers, doctors and other professionals but
before that inculcate the spirit of Islam into them
for without that spirit nothing would work. The
task is difficult, the path is long and arduous and
needs patience and determination but then there
is no short cut to success.
However for the time being, as the parlia-
mentary elections 2014 set in Muslims are
caught between the devil and the deep sea.
Mulayams par ty image though has got some-
what damaged due to mishandling of issues
by its government, the Congress too has
failed to improve its image. But parliamentary
elections are different from Assembly polls.
Mulayams is a state par ty that cannot stop
the tide of BJP at the national stage unless he
succeeds in forming a viable third front. That
is the only factor that the Congress may cash
in UP.
Muslims caught between devil and the deep sea
Hinduism has diverse trends but that is because this religion is
not based on the teachings of a single Prophet. It has evolved,
has been constructed over a period of time. So the diversity is
very much there, still all this does fit into the criterion laid down
for understanding a religion.
Muslims ensured the victory of the Samajwadi Party in the last
Assembly elections and entertained high expectations from its
government but a series of unprecedented riots, announce-
ments about some doles and vague assurances by the party
that promises made in the election manifesto will be fulfilled is
all they have got so far. Muslim youths are still languishing in
jails, reservation remains a long pending demand of the com-
munity and nothing has so far been done to give Urdu its due in
its birthplace...
NATIONAL The Milli Gazette, 16-30 April 2013 7 www.milligazette.com
New Delhi, April 8: Jamaat-e-Islami
Hind has demanded the Union
Government to make access to
food and healthcare a right of every
citizen of the country without any
discrimination. Welcoming the
National Food Security Bill 2013 in
principle, JIH demanded the gov-
ernment to remove the shortcom-
ings to make the law effective. JIH
also demanded that this law should
not be left at the mercy of states to
implement; rather the central gov-
ernment should take the responsi-
bility to implement it across the
country. Jamaat demanded that the
bill should be passed in the current
Budget session.
A day after the conclusion of
the four-day session of the Central
Council of Representatives (CCR)
of JIH, Ameer (National President)
of JIH Maulana Syed Jalaluddin
Umari on 8 April briefed pressmen
at the Jamaat headquarters about
the resolutions adopted at CCR. He
was accompanied by top leaders of
the Jamaat including General Secretary Nusrat Ali, National
Secretaries Ejaz Ahmed Aslam, Mohammad Salim Engineer,
Mohammad Ahmed and Rafeeque Qasmi. Some 148 members of
CCR including 19 women from across the country attended the
session held during 4-7 April.
CCR took up several issues concerning the community and
the country. These issues included the food security bill, arrest of
Muslim youths in terror cases, communal violence bill and vio-
lence in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
In a country where, on the one hand, there is a considerable
increase in production of food grains but, on the other hand, a big
chunk of the population is victim of starvation, such a law is an
inevitable need, said CCR in its resolution on Food Security Bill
which it termed as below the expectations of the people in its
present form.
The resolution added that the Government has not accepted
all citizens right to food as yet and even after the enactment of
this law a big chunk of the population would remain deprived of
the fundamental right to food.
The Government is evading the issue of determining the
Below Poverty Line (BPL) and its proper standards. Even in the
latest draft, citizens of the country have been divided into privi-
leged and general categories. According to it, a total of 35 kilo-
grams of food grains will be given to only 2.5 crore (25 million)
viz., 10 percent of the BPL families. This is a very small part of the
poor population of the country. Besides, 57 percent population
has been ensured five kgs food grains each - which is not suffi-
cient from any angle. According to acknowledged standards, an
adult requires 14 kgs of food grains and a child seven kgs every
month. The present offer of five kgs food grains to each person is
not enough to meet the needs even of a child. A staggering 33 per-
cent population of the country has been kept out of the purview of
this law. It is feared that a large number of the poor will remain
deprived of the benefits of this law as long as all the citizens are
not ensured 35 kgs of food grains every month.
JIH leaders also briefed the media about other resolutions of
the CCR which are as follows:
Arrests of Innocent Muslims in terror cases:
The CCR of JIH expressed its grave concern that the chain of
arrest of Muslim youths in false terror cases is continuing
despite promises from the government to put a check on it.
The CCR welcomed the statement of Union Home Minister
about setting up fast track cour ts for cases related to terror-
ism. But it warned the Government against this promise even-
tually remaining a mere poll gimmick. The CCR opposed
National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) which had been
strongly opposed by human rights organisations and some
state governments.
CCR also demanded the repeal of UAPA, compensation to
persons acquitted by courts in terror cases, action on Nimesh
Commission Report and withdrawal of false
cases levelled against Khalid Mujahid and
Tariq Qasmi and establishment of a Judicial
Commission for high level enquiry into all
big cases of terrorism.
Prevention of Communal Violence Bill:
CCR demanded the Union Government to
get the Bill passed in the current Budget
Session of Parliament after correcting the
objectionable portions in accordance with
the amendments suggested by Muslim and
human rights organisations. It also demand-
ed the Government to keep its long overdue
promise of launching Anti-Riot Force with
full representation of minorities and weaker
and oppressed sections so that the biased
attitude of the police and secret agencies
could be checked.
Scenario in Bangladesh:
CCR expressed concern over the conviction
of Jamaat Islami Bangladesh leaders for
alleged 1971 war crimes without giving
them full opportunity to defend themselves
and despite the fact that Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman, during his regime, had withdrawn
all cases by declaring a general amnesty in all matters related to
1971. The CCR appealed to international organisations, the Non-
Aligned countries, SAARC and Organisation of Islamic
Cooperation (OIC) to make efforts to dissuade the Bangladesh
government from this oppression and excesses. It also appealed
to the Government of India to maintain its relations not only with
the ruling party but to establish cordial and friendly relations with
the opposition parties, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (BJI), as well. CCR condemned in
severe terms the attacks on the Hindu minority of Bangladesh and
on their temples and demanded the Government of Bangladesh to
punish the guilty.
Rohingya Muslims of Myanmar:
CCR said that it is unfortunate that the international powers that
always show concern about the religious minorities in Muslim
countries and take action whenever they deem fit, yet they are
totally silent over the violence and oppression committed against
the Muslim minority in Myanmar. The CCR appealed to all justice-
loving countries, international organisations as well as the
Government of India to use of their diplomatic relations with the
Government of Myanmar to impress upon it to stop the killings so
that the situation there might return to normal and the refugee
Burmese Muslims taking shelter in many countries including India
might return to their homes.
TARIQ ABDUL MUHAIMIN
Bangalore: Even after walking out free, three youths who were
arrested last year on terror charges, remain deprived of identity
since the intelligence agencies have failed to return their identity
cards and other belongings. The world asks for ID proofs for
everything. We cannot even get a tatkal railway ticket, the youths
said, while speaking at the release of a report named Permanent
Suspects - Framing Muslim Youth in Karnataka by human rights
groups here on 6 April.
Speaking about the six months ordeal that they had to under-
go, three youths - who were arrested on 29 August last year in
connection with the fake Karnataka terror module, but were
released last month after the NIA dropped all charges against two
of them and failed to file any charges against the third one within
the stipulated time limit - said, Even after being released, we can-
not go back to our normal lives. We are facing many problems just
because we do not have any identity today.
I wanted to shift+delete all the memories related to this six-
month experience. But since I have been given an opportunity to
speak here, I would like to share the torture that my parents
underwent after my arrest. The ground beneath their feet shifted;
they ran everywhere asking, Where are our children? How are
they?, but nobody was there to answer them, said Aejaz Ahmed
Mirza, a researcher who worked at DRDO before he was arrested
last year.
Aejaz is presently out on statutory bail since the NIA failed to
file charges against him within the stipulated time limit.
I lost my dream job and I do not have any identity. To travel
to Bangalore, I needed an ID card for booking a train ticket; but the
police have not returned any of my belongings. What should I
do? Aejaz asked.
Throughout the case, media and the investigating agencies
behaved in a manner
that portrays Muslims
in a very stereotypical
way. During interroga-
tion, a policeman
asked me You work
for a Pakistani newspa-
per, no? The whole
world knew that I work
for a leading English
daily in India. One offi-
cer told Aejaz, Only
two or three Muslims
have worked for DRDO
till date After this I
am sure that they will
not take any Muslim,
said Muthi-ur-Rahman
Siddiqui, who was
cleared of all charges before being released last month.
After witnessing all this, and the way in which media report-
ed this case, I am no longer proud to be a journalist. Although I
got very good media coverage after being released, the media is
being hypocritical. They are asking the police to a pologize, while
they are not willing to do so themselves, Siddiqui added.
Adding to this, Yusuf Nalband, another accused who was
released along with Siddiqui, said The media showed our Kalima
(Symbol of Muslim faith) La ilaha illallah, which was written on
the front door of our house, as a symbol of terror and bloodshed.
I do not have a father, and my mother is aged. I cannot
explain to you what my mother went through when she was put
up with questions like Is your son a terrorist?. Policemen still
come to my house and ask me to give all details like where I go,
what I do, who my friends are etc All my documents are still
with them. I do not have an identity now, Nalband added.
Bangalore terror case as of now
The chargesheet filed by NIA in this case - RC 04/2012/NIA/HYD
- lists the names of 25 accused, out of which 15 were arrested
last year while 10 remain absconding. In the chargesheet, charges
were filed against 12 persons - 11 out of the 15 arrested and one
from the absconders list. While two of the accused - Muthi-ur-
Rahman Siddiqui and Yusuf Nalband - were released, more time
was sought by the investigation agency to probe the role of two
more youths - Aejaz Ahmed Mirza and Syed Tanzeem.
However, since the stipulated time of filing a chargesheet
against an accused had passed in Aejaz Ahmed Mirzas case, he
was released on statutory bail about a week after Siddiquis
release. (newzfirst.com)
We do not have any identity even after
being cleared of all charges
Access to Food, Healthcare and Shelter
should be a right of all citizens: JIH
We cannot even get a
tatkal railway ticket,
the youths said, while
speaking at the release
of a report named
Permanent Suspects -
Framing Muslim Youth
in Karnataka by
human rights groups
here on 6 April.
SYED ALI HASHMI
Demolition of Bamiyan Buddha by Taliban in 2001 was witnessed
and widely publicised world over. But slowly and silently, signs of
archaeological remains of Muslim era are being obliterated in India
in general and Hyderabad in particular, yet this is going unnoticed.
This exercise started from Osmania University in Hyderabad,
soon after the fall of Hyderabad. The sacred Kalimah and the
embossed crown of the founder-king vanished from the emblem.
This has been pointed out by none else the secular-minded retired
Captain of the Gurkha regiment Panduranga Reddy, who refused to
receive his PhD degree in history at the recently held convocation
as a protest in support of Telangana.
Signs of tampering with or corrupting the original architecture
of the heritage buildings can be seen right from Charminar to the
Secretariat at Hyderabad.
The latest case is that of the Asafia Kutub Khana or the State
Central Library building. It was built as an architectural marvel on the
bank of Musi river in 1936. Its front elevation is designed as if a volu-
minous bound book is kept open in an inverted position. Siasat Urdu
daily (16 Feb. 2013) has given in detail how the monogram of the
Asafjahi sultanate fixed at 60 places on the railings of the compound
wall is being destroyed in the name of renovation. It is being removed
now in order to raise the height. If at all the authorities want to raise
the height, they could have done it and refixed the original railing on it.
A visit to the library shows how the building and its premises have
been devastated. The beautiful garden surrounding the library building
has disappeared. Even though it is a declared heritage building, its
premises are not safeguarded. Private buses as well as the RTC buses
have occupied the space in front of the library, leaving no space for
vehicles to enter the library. The entry gate is locked and rendered
defunct due to lack of room for the incoming traffic. The exit gate is
used for both as the entry and the exit gates. The front view of the
library is marred by the parking of private buses. In fact, the entrance
itself is blocked. The compound wall was made of iron-grill fitted with
the monogram of the Asafia sultanate. It is being removed and
replaced by an ordinary compound wall, disregarding the fact it is a
heritage building. The original grill has been removed from the left side
of the compound and heaped in a corner without any safeguard.
Much of the material might have been stolen. Encroachment is sus-
pected in the rear side. Apathy on part of the Roads & Buildings
Department is wiping out the traces of the past in the name of reno-
vation and failure on part of the officers of the Department of
Education and Public Libraries to preserve the original character of the
Asafia Library, are condemnable.
The library had such rare books and manuscripts as no other
library in the country possessed. Its collection of rare books in Urdu,
Arabic and Persian is still remarkable. The library is still drawing schol-
ars from Middle East countries. They marvel at the architecture of the
heritage building and collection of books in Arabic and Persian which
they do not find in their own countries now. The Library should have
won the status of a National Library in India. But it appears, its asso-
ciation with Asafia rule and its special collection in oriental languages
are reflecting on its status too and it is not receiving due attention from
the Government.
The author is a Hyderabad-based retired District Chief Librarian
Asafia Kutubkhana of Hyderabad
8 The Milli Gazette, 16-30 April 2013 NATIONAL www.milligazette.com
A visit to the library shows how the building and
its premises have been devastated. The beautiful
garden surrounding the library building has dis-
appeared. Even though it is a declared heritage
building, its premises are not safeguarded.
Private buses as well as the RTC buses have
occupied the space in front of the library, leaving
no space for vehicles to enter the library. The
entry gate is locked and rendered defunct..
MAJID JAHANGIR
S
rinagar: The latest catch of Delhi Polices
Special Cell, Liaqat Shah, has not gone
according to Police plan. Hours after the
arrest, Police story was blasted first by
the Shah family itself. Later JK Police and then
the state government too reacted angrily against
the Delhi Police plot. This all led the central gov-
ernment to order an NIA probe leaving the
Special Cell red-faced.
During the last twenty years, this Special Cell
has manufactured innumerable terrorists.
The way Liaqat Shah was arrested raised a
bunch of questions from the first day of the
unfortunate incident. But this was not the first
time this infamous Special Cell landed into a
controversy over a terror case. There are dozens
of examples and established facts with solid
proofs about how innocent people had been
implicated, branded and presented as dread-
ed terrorists by this force.
The big embarrassment for this Special Cell
was Batla House encounter in September 2008
where two college students from Azamgarh, Atif
and Saif, were killed in a fake encounter. This
encounter brought bad name to the Delhi
polices Special Cell. The police version of the
encounter was widely questioned. Across the
country demands for a judicial enquiry echoed.
Even the Congress party leadership was divided
over the judicial inquiry into the encounter. That
inquiry never took place despite the fact that
demonstrations were held at Jantar Mantar Delhi
and other places of the country.
When we look at the terror cases which took
place across India, we are surprised as to how
Police behaves while conducting investigations.
The role of the media is even more troubling.
The latest claim of the Delhi Police Special
Cell regarding Liaqat Shah was questioned by
many quarters. The bigger jolt for the Delhi
Police was handing over the investigations to the
NIA by the Union home ministry.
The credibility of the Special Cell has been
on the block for long. The Ansal Plaza shootout
of 2002 in Delhi is still fresh in the minds of
many people as to how Police could stage the
drama of a shootout in full public view. It stuck
to its claims, supported by the then NDA govern-
ment despite an eyewitness of the incident
countering these claims.
Holi Terror Ploter, as described by the
Special Cell, Liyaqat had no idea of landing into
the hands of Special Cell who were quick to
brand him a Hizbul Mujahidin hardcore terrorist
who had plans for executing a fidayeen attack
in the national capital. Delhi police fabricated
another story post-Liaqat arrest and claimed in a
press conference that weapons for the fidayeen
attack have been recovered from a guesthouse
in old Delhis Jamia Masjid area.
Police claimed that two Hizb terrorists had
brought weapons for Liaqat, who was coming
home after about two decades in POK utilising
the governments open rehabilitation policy. He
had his wife and a deaf and dumb daughter with
him. Liaqats family members in Kashmir had
approached the authorities two years back to
facilitate his rehabilitation. The states Chief
Minister Omar Abdullah has confirmed
this saying that Liaqat was coming under the
states rehabilitation policy.
Delhi assembly also witnessed ruckus over
Liaqats arrest when Janta Dal (U) MLA Asif
Mohamad Khan demanded an in-depth inquiry
into the whole controversy surrounding Liaqat.
Liaqats wife, who had accompanied her
husband from Pakistan via Nepal, narrated the
whole story before media when she reached
Dardpora in district Kupwara, Liaqats home-
town. She said: When we reached Indo-Nepal
border, some security personnel in plain clothes
waiting there took us all away to Gorakhpur in
Uttar Pradesh. When we reached there, the
security personnel separated us from Liaqat. We
had no weapons or anything objectionable and it
seemed a part of a bigger conspiracy of the
police.
Delhi Police, when questioned by the media
and countered by the Jammu & Kashmir police
over Liaqat, at once released CCTV footage of
the guest house where police claimed they had
recovered weapons and explosives. The footage
showed one man wearing cap which had cov-
ered his face. They claimed that the same per-
son had left weapons in the guest house room.
How it is possible that someone could abandon
weapons in a guest house room in such a
casual manner when a big terror plot is being
planned?
Last year, Jamia Millia Islamias Jamia
Teachers Solidarity Association released a report
documenting 16 cases entitled Framed,
Damned, Acquitted - dossiers of the very special
cell. In all these cases, the Delhi Police Special
Cell had framed innocents as terrorists. An over-
whelming number of these unfortunate men
were from Kashmir. Despite the fact that JTSA
cited court judgments which reprimanded the
Special Cell for refusing to join independent wit-
nesses, willfully violating established proce-
dures, illegally detaining the accused and show-
ing their arrests on later dates.
The Special Cell has been inflicting terror on
innocent people since it was established. It
should be recalled here that Special Cell DCP
Sanjeev Yadav was indicted by the NHRC for
masterminding the fake encounter at Sonia Vihar
in 2006 (while he was an ACP).
A similar victim of Special Cell, Maqbool
Shah of Lal Bazar (Srinagar) had to spend 14
long years in Tihar Jail for no fault of his. His
career has been ruined in the process although
after all these years a Delhi court acquitted him.
Police had claimed that Maqbool had taken part
in the Lajpat Nagar blasts. He lost his father and
sister while he was in jail.
Special Cells role in terror cases has been
criticized again and again but it fails to learn a
lesson. This suggests that this force is not inter-
ested in learning lessons.
The writer is the Jammu & Kashmir bureau chief of
News Express TV, a Hindi national news channel
Hindu Temple adjacent
to Charminar is illegal:
ASI
Hyderabad: Archaeological Survey of India has
clearly declared that the new Hindu temple adja-
cent to Charminar is illegal. ASI has rejected the
claim of the communal elements which had
claimed it was ancient and legitimate.
A Hyderabad city activist, Mr. S.Q. Masood,
had sought clarifications from the ASI about this
temples legality under the RTI act. Masood had
asked six questions and has received satisfacto-
ry replies to all these questions. One of the ques-
tions asked was Whether the temple adjacent to
Charminar is legal or not? The ASI replied on
3 December 2012 that As per the AMASR Act
1958, Rules 1959, AMSAR Act 2010
(Amendment and Validation) the construction of
temple adjacent to the south eastern minar of the
Charminar is considred by the Archaeological
Survey of India (ASI) as an unauthorized con-
struction.
The RTI activist had also requested the ASI
to provide the photographs of Charminar. ASI
provided three photographs of Charminar. One of
the photos is dated 1959 wherein there is no
temple near Charminar. In the photograph taken
in 1980 a small temple has been depicted
whereas in the photograph taken in 2003, a tem-
porary ceiling has been shown on the temple.
From the photographs given by the Department
of Archaeological Survey of India, it is a clear
that no temple existed at Charminar only a few
decades back.
On the question of the authenticity of these
photographs, the ASI said that these photo-
graphs were taken by Hyderabad Circle of ASI
officially and there is no doubt about their gen-
uineness. On the question if the ASI receive any
representations about the temple, it replied that
no such representations have been received by
the Department. The applicant had sought an
appointment for inspecting the files and records
of the ASI to which the Dept. replied that he can
inspect the records on any working day by prior
intimation.
It may be noted that the issue of the unau-
thorized extension of the temple had created a
law and order situation in the city in 2012.
Citizens of Hyderabad exhibited extraordinary
patience and tolerance and protected the Ganga-
Jamuna Civilization of Hyderabad and foiled the
evil designs of the miscreants.
On 21 November last year, The Hindu
English daily had published two old photographs
of Charminar which showed there was no exis-
tence of any temple near Charminar. The Hindu
had expressed its regret at the destruction of the
beautiful historical Charminar and blamed ASI
for negligence and said that due its carelessness
historical monuments are being ruined.
The dispute forced the All India Majlise
Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) to withdraw the
support to the Congress led government in the
state.
Liaqats arrest is not the only issue
Prison diaries: we were abused,
handcuffed, packed in tiny, dirty cells
NATIONAL The Milli Gazette, 16-30 April 2013 9 www.milligazette.com
As told to VANDANA KAMATH
Muthi-ur-Rahman Siddiqui, who was a reporter with Deccan
Herald at the time of his arrest for alleged terror links, gives a first-
hand account of his experience behind bars - from Aug 29, 2012
till it was found that the charges had no substance and he walked
free on Feb 25, 2013.
It was August 29, a Wednesday, when it all started. I had
worked the previous day and had come back home late, at around
12.00-12.30 am. After reaching home, I had some snacks and
was reading some Urdu literature till 3.30. That night was different
from the others. I was feeling a bit anxious, restless, and could not
sleep properly.
I lived in a one-bedroom house in Kempaiah block in J C
Nagar with four roommates - Shoaib Ahmed Mirza, Aijaz Ahmed
Mirza, Riyaz Ahmed and Mohammad Yusuf. I barely interacted
with them as their routine was quite different from mine. They
came back home earlier than I did, and left before me. Trying to
force myself to sleep, I had set an alarm for 9.30 am as I had a
Bangalore University assignment the next day. I was woken up to
the biggest horror of my life.
The Break-In: I was sleeping on the bed facing the wall and Aijaz
was sleeping on the floor. He could afford to sleep late because he
had a holiday on account of Onam. Yusuf was looking for his ID
card in the hall. A heavily-built man whisked off my blanket. I sat
there dumbfounded at the sight of a group of 15-20 well-built
armed men who had barged into the house. They were in plain
clothes. I saw that the door of the house had been broken open.
Of the men there, I recognised assistant commissioner of police
(Crime Branch) Jithendranath. I looked at them and knew they
were going to do something big.
Riyaz was in the bathroom. They did not wait for him to come
out. Instead, they broke open the bathroom door and dragged him
out. The others laid siege to the room and surrounded us. For the
first few seconds, my heart and mind both stopped working and I
was completely numb. I was still trying to make sense of what
was happening.
One of the men woke Aijaz by slapping him several times. He
kept asking him, where is Chhotu? We did not answer as we did
not know who Chhotu was. Later we realised he was referring
to Shoaib. They had picked him up from outside but still they
asked us where he was.
Choice Abuse: They threw questions at us and abused us in the
most disrespectful Hyderabadi Urdu. I was hoping that
Jithendranath would recognise me, but he was very cold. I intro-
duced myself and said, I am a reporter at Deccan Herald. What
do you guys want? What have we done? Nobody told us any-
thing. All that we got was sarcastic facial expressions.
I came to the hall and saw that all our belongings were taken,
including our laptops, wallets and mobile phones, after which they
handcuffed us. I was wearing a track pant and vest. I pleaded with
them several times to let me change my clothes. After refusing ini-
tially, they asked me to put on whatever clothes I had. I laid my
hands on a jacket and washed my face, still clueless. I could see
Aijaz was shivering next to me.
They escorted us down and put us in a silver Qualis, and it all
looked like a well-executed plan to me because there were at least
six to seven cars along with ours. Shoaib was picked up and was
in another car with Abdul Hakeem and Mohammad Akram. They
lived in Marappa Garden. Their faces were covered with masks.
In Cop Custody: Gathering my senses, I sat in the back seat of the
car. Riyaz was sitting next to me and Yousuf was sitting on his lap.
A constable sat next to Riyaz. In the front row, Aijaz sat with police-
men on either side. There was just one feeling in my heart - one of
bitterness. We were taken to the Palace Grounds through the
Krishna Vihar entrance, where we were made to wait for 45 min-
utes. All the other cars were parked in separate corners. I was
given idlis for breakfast and Yusuf was given chitranna (lemon
rice). I thought I was about to be killed in an encounter but con-
soled myself by saying that I had done whatever I could. From the
constables to the inspectors, everybody abused us, calling us anti-
nationals. I tried to reason with them but all I knew was that we
couldnt do anything about it. I submitted myself to fate and God.
After breakfast we set off for Madiwala, to the investigation
centre. There was a heavy traffic snarl on the way. After we
reached the centre, we were asked to get down from the car. I saw
the other three guys get down at the same time. Their faces were
covered with masks. Meanwhile, I heard my phone ringing in the
car. I assumed that it was the PRO of Bangalore University,
because I had already missed the council meeting. As we entered,
Yusuf kept begging to make one call to his office to tell them that
he wouldnt be turning up, but our captors blatantly refused.
We were dumped into two cells that were four feet wide and
eight feet long, separated by a low wall and with a toilet behind.
We were given a dirty, torn chatai to sit on. They locked us from
outside. The whole place was untidy and looked like it had not
been cleaned for ages. We somehow gathered courage, cleaned
the floor and sat there trying to figure out what we could do. We
were given a bucket and mug, and used them to freshen up in the
toilet.
Grilling Begins: After some time, a CCB inspector came to us and
took down details like our names, address and profession. He did-
nt abuse us. This was how it all started.
In the afternoon we were handed out some rice and daal. The
questioning started the same day. The other three who were in a
different cell were taken first. We could see them walk past us with
some five more, who we learnt had been picked up in Hubli and
put in the same cell. I was called for interrogation at around 11. At
the interrogation room, I was made to sit on the floor even though
there were many chairs. I knew some of the people who interro-
gated me as I had done crime reporting.
The first question that the interrogator asked me was: What
were you planning to do? Who were you planning to kill? Were
you aware of the conspiracy that was hatched in your room? I
told them, Sir, I have not done anything. I am innocent.
He showed us daggers and said, These were found in your
room, along with a pistol. I was clueless and told them it was not
possible. To this he said, Either you are very stupid or you are
lying. I can only pity you.
Losing All Hope: I was sent back to my cell and went back to
sleep trying to comprehend what was happening. That horrible
day was over. The next day, nothing much happened. All that we
did throughout the day was offer prayers that things would get
back to normal. I could see that people around were being sum-
moned time and again. On the night of the second day, Yusuf and
I were taken together at around 9 pm.
We were made to sit on the floor again and none of us said
anything. They were preparing the remand notice to be produced
before the magistrate. I happened to glance through it and I saw
that I was accused no 3. It said that we were the members of LeT
and had plans to assassinate a few people. We pleaded and told
them to listen to us at least once. Do not destroy our lives, we
said, but nobody paid any heed.
I had seen these cases very closely, which is why I could not
compose myself. I tried to speak to a senior officer but he said,
Hogaiyya (Go away). I was taken to a magistrates office in
Koramangala. It was then that I lost all hope and was in a state of
complete despair. But I didnt cry. I never did. I fought my tears -
I knew that I had to fight it out.
I saw that Akrams name was not there because he was beat-
en by the police. Many others were also stripped, beaten and even
given electric shocks. We were made to sign around 30 blank
papers each and one of them was a fake arrest memo. I am
scared as I do not know how those papers will be used now.
On August 30, we were taken to the magistrates home where
he asked us just one question: Thondre aagideya (did you face
any difficulties, meaning were you tortured)? He then remanded
us in police custody.
Meanwhile, my J C Nagar neighbours had already filed a
missing person complaint. My parents are no more, even though
some newspapers said that my father was alive and operated a
terror unit in Pakistan.
Grilling Continues: From August 31 till September 27, we were in
police custody. Many investigative agencies came to question us,
like Intelligence Bureau, the Delhi Police, the Andhra Police and the
Gujarat Police. We were taken for questioning where they asked
us all sorts of questions, from when we were born to our day-to-
day activities.
My first call to my family was on September 5. I called from
a police inspectors phone and it was for just two or three min-
utes. I spoke to my brother, consoled him and calmed him down,
and told him that things would be fine.
Through the day we sat there and did small chores. Cleaning
the cell was our only way of passing the time. Though those who
were in custody with me were very strong, a few wept hoping that
somebody would come to their rescue. We kept discussing about
a way out but the fact was that there was no way out. We had no
choice but to sit through the interrogations with patience and face
it with courage.
In judicial custody: On the night of September 27, we were taken
to Parappana Agrahara jail. After around two hours of searching
our bags and screening our belongings, we were lodged in a cell
on the first floor. It was a 15 ft by 30 ft cell with two attached bath-
rooms. They locked us from outside. Initially there were just 11 of
us. After two days, two more people were brought to the cell and
by the end of November we were 15 of us.
The biggest concern in the jail was to get food. We were
served breakfast at 7.30 am, lunch at 10.30 am and dinner at 4.30
pm - the most bizarre routine. They would open the door to give
the food. We were given huge utensils in which the food was
poured. Each of us was given a bedsheet and a thin chaadar to
cover ourselves. The chaadar smelt horrible. We were expected
to use that to protect us from the biting cold. We had no choice
but to do so. We ate breakfast by 10.30, which was mostly rice
items like puliyogare (tamarind rice), upma and chitranna. For
lunch we were given rotis made of wheat chaff, and rice and dal.
The food would turn cold by the time we ate it as it was served at
such odd timings.
We didnt talk much to those in the neighbouring cells. An
associate of Janardhana Reddy was housed in the cell next to
ours.
Family Visits: My family members came to see me at least four
or five times. They came regularly initially, but the harassment
they faced from the constables was too much. For every visit, they
had to pay a bribe of at least Rs 500 to various constables there.
They would get some non-vegetarian food and some books for
me to read. Those moments were the happiest for me. Even to
pass on these items to me, the constable would demand a bribe.
My elder sister, who is married, would weep most of the time and
ask me when I would get out. I would tell her not to worry.
Convincing the constables to give us what they had brought
was the biggest pain, which is why they just made a few visits.
With the books that I got, I would teach English and Urdu to Sadiq
and Mehboob. All of us developed a strong bond as time passed;
we used to play indoor games to pass our time.
We used to get a copy of Deccan Herald in the evening around
5. We used to look forward to the Crosswords and Sudoku in the
newspaper. While there was a big demand for the Sudoku, I used
to spend my time solving the Crosswords. In fact that helped me
improve my language to a great extent during that time. We could
keep a track of the time by looking at the timepiece that our fami-
ly members had given us. The jail officials opened the gate after
three months and we were allowed to play badminton in an open
space on the ground floor. That was a high point. Before that we
could not even walk around.
Finally, Freedom: We were all waiting for the day when the
chargesheet would be filed. One day, a police official came to us
and said, We might release a few of you. Listening to that, our
happiness knew no bounds. We were expecting that the
chargesheet would be filed on February 23. But fortunately for us,
it was filed on February 20. We used to get information from the
newspapers and the lawyers who visited us.
On February 21, jail superintendent Krishna Kumar was on his
weekly round. He asked about our case and then informed us that
four of us had been left (out of the chargesheet). We immediately
went down to get copies of The Hindu and Kannada Prabha which
said that we might be released.
The lawyer came a day after the unfortunate Hyderabad blasts
occurred. We thought we might be again held up because of that,
but fortunately nothing of that sort happened. Two constables
came to the cell around 7.45 pm and told us that we had been
released. We were overwhelmed with mixed emotions because
we were feeling bad for those who were still there; at the same
time we were happy that we had been cleared of all charges. We
hugged the others and prayed for their safety and hoped that they
too would be released soon. It was a very emotional moment. Of
course, the others were happy for me.
I hope that many innocent people like me, who are in jail for
no reason, find a way out soon. I might be safe but there are oth-
ers who have been there for no fault of theirs. I hope they get jus-
tice just the way I did.
When I was about to leave the cell, one of the police consta-
bles said, Are you Siddiqui? There are so many people waiting for
you outside. As I came out, I was greeted by familiar faces. My
six-month ordeal had come to an end.(Bangalore Mirror, 7 March,
2013)
I saw that Akrams name was not there because
he was beaten by the police. Many others were
also stripped, beaten and even given electric
shocks. We were made to sign around 30 blank
papers each and one of them was a fake arrest
memo. I am scared as I do not know how those
papers will be used now.
Muthi-ur-Rehman Siddiqui steps out of Bangalore Central Jail
AFSANA RASHID, SRINAGAR
P
olitical uncertainty has rendered most of the youth here,
disillusioned and alienated. Torture, extra-judicial execu-
tions, disappearances, AFSPA, PSA and others have kept
them, at bay. No serious efforts have been made by the
government or any other group to explore, nurture and channelize
their real aspirations.
Kashmir problem has increased in complexity over the
decades, says Huneef Mohammad, a technocrat. For him cor-
ruption has crossed all limits and unaccountability has been insti-
tutionalized, crushing common Kashmiris to virtual death and
severely disturbing socio-economic equilibrium.
Echoing other dimension, Snowber Yousuf Kakroo, a teacher,
says, Kashmir is a complicated political issue. People in Kashmir
are confused about what they actually want. In fact, they are sen-
timent-driven inconclusive, who sometimes aspire for Azdai, then
change their mind and want to merge with Pakistan, but later on
end up as gullible voters and choose the same old tyrant govern-
ment, which has an unending history of corruption, bias and
atrocity.
Dialogue and exercising the right to self-determination can
only lead the Kashmir issue to its logical conclusion, believes
Parvez Ahmad, a post-graduate student from University of
Kashmir. His counterpart, Ashraf Ul Hassan believes strong and
powerful determination is required to achieve a goal that is, free-
dom. True fortitude from youth is the urgent need of hour.
Basira Rafiqi, a recent University pass-out, points masses have
never been listened to, which has created a wide-gap between the
people and their aspirations as understood by leaders.
Raouf Bhat, another post-graduate student, believes political-
ly liberated Kashmir isnt possible unless a sufficient bank of intel-
lectual class is in place.
No-state subjects get fake certificates
The issue of non-state subjects securing fake Permanent Resident
Certificates (PRC) rocked the Legislative Council at Jammu.
Members cutting across party lines demanded stern action against it.
The issue stirred a heated debate, March 20, after the government
admitted that some persons have been detected by State Subject
Inquiry Commission with fake certificates while many were doing
business and living permanently in the state. The issue was raised by
Javed Rana, Member Legislative Council during the Question hour.
Minister of State for Revenue, Aijaz Khan, said the
Commission has, so far, identified five persons with bogus PRCs
and the government has directed the concerned departments to
take legal action against them and takeover their immovable prop-
erties. He further informed as per law outsiders can take land on
lease for setting-up business in state.
The Commission, March 27, said theyve, so far, identified 50
cases and about 1300 allegations of fake PRCs. The Commission
was constituted in 1999 following a hue and cry over the issue of
non-state subjects managing to get PRCs, fraudulently.
Liaqat Shah case stirs Valley
With Syed Liyaqat Ali Shah, a former militants arrest by Delhi
police on Indo-Nepal border generating conflicting versions from
Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir police, the Centre referred the case
to National Investigation Agency (NIA). Delhi police claimed with
Shahs arrest they had foiled fidayeen (suicide) attack in the
national capital, Jammu and Kashmir police says he was return-
ing home from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) via Nepal-border
to surrender under the states rehabilitation policy.
A resident of Kupwara district, Shah reportedly figures in a list
of over 200 former militants, whose relatives had applied for reha-
bilitation under the policy of the state government in 2010 for
return of youth from PoK and live a normal life after abjuring vio-
lence. Demanding his release, Shahs family says he has been
falsely implicated by Delhi police. His second wife, Akhter-u-Nisa,
who accompanied him when he was arrested, March 20, said
they wouldnt have returned, if they knew the consequences.
Shah had reportedly crossed Line of Control in 1992 and was
back in 1993, then he had again crossed in 1997 and was an
active militant of Al-Barq for about four years.
Families of former militants, who have returned to Kashmir
under the rehabilitation policy, during a protest here, March 26,
urged the government to either rehabilitate them or deport them
back to PoK. Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, in the Legislative
Assembly at Jammu, March 25, said Shahs arrest is a setback to
governments rehabilitation policy. In his written response to a
query in the Assembly, March 26, he said 4081 militants had sur-
rendered upto February 2013.
Feedback date for Police bill extended
J&K state government has extended the date on seeking feedback
over Jammu and Kashmir Police Bill 2013, by one month.
A notice No Home/PB-Ill/20/2013 dated 03 -04-2013 issued
by Additional Secretary of State Home department says date for
filing suggestions/comments on draft Bill is extended upto April
30, 2013. The department posted draft bill on its website,
February 14 and invited comments from public within 15 days.
Following public-criticism, the deadline was extended to April 1.
Continuing criticism of the Bill, Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali
Geelani, telephonically addressing a seminar by High Court Bar
Association, here, March 27, asked lawyers to out-rightly reject
the Bill and make the masses aware of its repercussions. Geelani
couldnt attend the seminar as he has been placed under house-
arrest.
Global human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, too
has asked state government to amend or replace the draft Bill.
Amnesty International has raised several concerns about the Bill.
If passed into law in its current form, the Bill will perpetuate
the culture of impunity for human right abuses that exists in
Jammu and Kashmir, said Shashikumar Velath, Director
Programmes, Amnesty International (India), in a submission
made on March 30, adding such issues include establishment of
special security zones, institution of village defence committees
and special police officers and requirement of sanction for prose-
cution of police officers.
It has also asked the state government to broaden the consul-
tation process with civil society and others. Amnesty International
also launched an online campaign on April 1 to tell Chief Minister
to show zero tolerance for human rights violations in the state.
The campaign titled Omar Abdullah: Pick up your pen to stop
police abuse! begins on Facebook Monday, April 1, a statement
by AIs India chapter said, March 31. It further added a global peti-
tion to support the campaign which will remain on Facebook till
June 1, 2013.
Mirwaiz group reiterates position
Reiterating its political stand to resolve the Kashmir issue through
right to self-determination or tripartite dialogue, Awami Action
Committee headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, here, March 31,
passed a six-point resolution including condemning secret execu-
tion of 2001 Parliament attack convict, Mohammad Afzal Guru in
New Delhis Tihar jail. It also passed a resolution seeking Gurus
mortal remains.
The Committee also asked authorities to follow the Geneva
Convention and jail rules, while dealing with prisoners and
stated, that seeking right to self-determination was a basic
right of people. It urged people to follow programmes issued
by Mutahida Majlis-e-Mashawarat, an amalgam of various
separatist groups.
Mirwaiz, while addressing Friday congregation here at Jamia
Masjid after 45-day house-confinement, March 29, said Gurus
execution may have satisfied collective conscience of India but it
will remain as a collective memory for Kashmir as it has provided
new impetus to the ongoing freedom struggle. Later, Mirwaiz led
a rally from Jamia Masjid to Rajouri Kadal.
In his 13-minute online address, Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed
Ali Shah Geelani, March 23, said ongoing uprising of masses has
proven beyond doubt that repressive measures cant deter people
from achieving their birthright. He added hasty decisions may
prove detrimental to the movement. A day earlier, Hurriyat
spokesperson had said since Geelani has been placed under
house-arrest for several months and stopped from having access
to people, hell deliver an online address.
JKLF staged a candle-light protest here, April 2, to express
solidarity with prisoners. Partys vice-chairman, advocate Bashir
Ahmed Bhat termed prisoners as heroes of Kashmir. JKLF is
organizing sit-ins on second and 20th of every month for the pris-
oners.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in his written
response to a query by independent legislator Er Rashid, March
22, informed the Legislative Assembly, which was in session from
February 28 to April 5 that the government has spent over Rs 9.47
crore on providing security to separatist leaders and activists, dur-
ing past 12 years.
Later addressing the media outside the Assembly, Er Rashid
said separatists should surrender their security.
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First English Newspaper of Indian Muslims. Telling the Muslim side of the story fortnight after fortnight since January 2000
Political uncertainty in J&K feeding alienation
10 The Milli Gazette, 16-30 April 2013 NATIONAL www.milligazette.com
New Delhi: Challenging the national media which
does not feel tired of projecting Gujarat as the
fast developing state and presenting it as a role
model for other states of the country, ANHADs
Shabnam Hashmi claimed while speaking at the
Womens Press Club of India, New Delhi on 18
March that the true picture of Gujarat is totally
different from what is being projected by the so-
called national media, BJP and many others. The
truth is that chief minister Narendra Modis own
assembly constituency, Maninagar in
Ahmedabad, is badly lacking in essential and
basic facilities like safe drinking water, medical
and health care facilities, ambulance service,
proper agricultural products etc.
Roads and lanes are dirty in the absence of
proper arrangements for cleanliness because of
which people in these areas are victims of many
diseases and people perforce have to lead a life
of deprivation. As regards the condition of
Muslims, after the infamous riots, or rather their
genocide, their condition in many places is more
or less the same as before and at some places
even worse. She said that Modi himself being a
communal minded person, a very large part of
Gujarati society has communal mindset and
Modi, though not openly, is spreading commu-
nalism. She said that many women in his con-
stituency whom she and her team met are shed-
ding tears on their deprivation and misfortune. In
support of her claim she showed video clips
also to the media.
She said that communal riots, though not on
a large scale, are taking place frequently at dif-
ferent places in the state. She said that during
the period of about a month, between
12 February and second and third week of
March this year many such incidents took place
when tribals and adivasis started communal
riots and set fire to many houses and small busi-
ness establishments of Muslims in Baroda
(Vadodra) districts Chhota Udaipur town when
in a one-sided action houses etc of Muslims
were set on fire. She said that during the period
of approximately one month 9 Muslim small
businessmen and traders were targeted and their
business premises were set on fire by the tribals
and Adivasis. She said that her team members
visited those places and heard the grievances of
affected people. Giving the names of affected
people she said that on 12 February, scrap shop
of Qasim Ahmad of Akbari was set on fire result-
ing in a loss of about 5.5 lakh rupees, Arif
Farooqs business of mineral powder production
was set on fire (loss Rs 2 lakh approx.),
Viramgams Yaqoob Muhammad Khotas mine
lease was destroyed (loss Rs 2.5 lakh), Wasili
Wanar, Jamia Roads Aneesbhai Saifuddins
mineral powder production business was
destroyed (loss Rs 3 lakhs), Khwaja Ahmad
Bhai Meethawalas mineral powder production
business of the same place was also destroyed
(loss 6.5 lakh), Majid Khan Siraj Khans fields
standing crops were set ablaze (loss Rs 65000).
Similarly, shops and businesses of many other
Muslims were destroyed. She said that these
tribals and Adivasis also are deprived people and
government does not care about them. These
people are instigated against Muslims under a
conspiracy of the RSS and Modi government so
that they can earn their living in these ways and
do not fight for their own rights. She said that her
team members took photos of all such incidents
and in support of her claim presented video clips
and video footages of these incidents also,
before media persons.
She said that police, instead of taking any
action against these criminals turns a blind eye.
She further said that not a single criminal has
been arrested but on the contrary, 25 Muslims
who tried to protect their business and obvious-
ly had to fight against the criminals, were arrest-
ed. She said that if these criminal tribals etc who
destroyed business of nine Muslims were arrest-
ed and jailed, no further incidents would have
taken place but in the absence of any action
against them, such cases are taking place fre-
quently and will go on taking place in future also.
She said neither in Gujarts newspapers, nor in
the so-called national media, are such incidents
reported and hence people do not come to know
about such cruelties against Muslims. She
described Modi as a despot who has enough
money power to keep media persons and others
silent. She said that Gujarats police and most
civilian officials also have become communal
minded, adding that these are the ground reali-
ties in Gujarat.
Subsequently, according to a website
repor t, 10 big Muslim traders, because of fre-
quent threats and hurdles being created by
anonymous persons and organisations in their
business have perforce decided to wind up
their business and leave Gujarat. Chairman of
National Minorities Commission Wajahat
Habibullah said that this commission has been
getting many complaints that Muslims are not
being allowed to carry on their business and
trades and threats or difficulties are being cre-
ated for them. Though some culprits have
been caught red handed in such nefarious
activities, no one has been arrested because
of the influence of some dons who have direct
approach to Modi. NCM has sought a repor t
from Gujarat government after receiving these
complaints but since this Commission is
toothless and works simply in an advisory
capacity, those in authority dont care much
for its notices calling for factual repor ts. (N. A.
Ansari)
Discrimination against Muslims going on in Gujarat
W
ith due respect to the hype created about film actor
Sanjay Dutt having been sentenced to five-year jail
term for illegal possession of weapons, only a part
of news is being highlighted. Dutts possession of
weapons is linked with the 1993 Bombay blasts case, without
paying considerable importance to whether this can be accept-
ed as factually accurate. Did Dutt really acquire those weapons
because of 1993 blasts or some other factors compelled him to
do so? It may be recalled that Bombay blasts were allegedly
organized by Dawood Ibrahim, apparently as a reaction to the
demolition of Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992 and subse-
quent Bombay riots in December 1992 and January 1993. The
demolition was followed by riots across the country, including
Mumbai, then known as Bombay.
Dutt confessed to having received arms from underground
criminals, from which he retained the AK-56. He also claimed
that he kept the weapon as his family was under threat follow-
ing Babri Masjids demolition. Sadly, Dutts stand has not been
given much importance. Even though this is backed by evi-
dence that the entire country was affected by riots following the
demolition of the Babri Masjid. Equally relevant is the fact that
Dutt played no role in 1993 Bombay blasts, which included a
series of bomb explosions on March 12, 1993. He did not use
his illegally acquired weapons to cause any destruction then or
later.
Certainly, in keeping with the Indian law and order, Dutt
needs to serve the sentence awarded to him for illegal posses-
sion of weapons. At the same time, his stand on keeping them
for his familys security needs to be given more importance. If
Indian security forces and police personnel could be depended
upon for providing adequate security when atmosphere was
tense following demolition of Babri Masjid, the riots would not
have occurred throughout the country which claimed 3000 lives
and immense damage to property. Nobody, whether a Muslim
or Hindu, would have fallen victim to those riots. The Babri
Masjid would not have been demolished. In this context, the
timing of Dutt illegally acquiring the weapons cannot be
ignored. He did not possess them before the mosques demo-
lition. He did not possess them before the riots affected
Bombay.
Besides, Dutts illegal possession of weapons cannot be
linked with the series of 1993 Bombay blasts. He had acquired
them two months before this fatal day, when the city he was
residing in was reeling under the impact of horrible riots, fol-
lowing Babri Masjids demolition. Yes, he is correctly accused
of having acquired them illegally and that too from wrong
sources. But at that time, he was probably more concerned
about the security of his own family than other formalities.
Ironically, the Supreme Court pronounced its judgment
regarding Dutt as a part of its decision on Bombay serial blasts.
The two main accused in this case, Dawood Ibrahim and Tiger
Memon are still at large. The court upheld the death sentence
of Yaqub Memon, brother of Tiger Memon. The death sentence
of 10 others was commuted to life as, according to the apex
court, the convicts had been behind bars for 20 years and their
economic condition was weak. The court pronounced its verdict
on appeals and cross-appeals filed by and against 100 people,
including Dutt, who were convicted by a special TADA
(Terrorists and Disruptive Activities-Prevention Act) court in
2006. While delivering its verdict, the court had said that the
management and the conspiracy of 1993 blasts was done by
Dawood Ibrahim and others in Pakistan. The accused were
trained in bomb making and to handle sophisticated weapons in
Pakistan. Considering that this charge does not apply to Dutt,
it is surprising that the verdict regarding the accusation against
him was not delivered separately.
It is important to note, Dutt cannot be charged for being a
terrorist or having played any disturbing role in 1993 Bombay
blasts. His case needs to be viewed from a different angle. It
needs to be linked with riots having taken place following dem-
olition of Babri Masjid. As mentioned earlier, Dutt acquired the
weapons as a means of self-defense and not for any offensive
activity. The fact that he did not use the weapons in any disrup-
tive or disturbing activity proves this further.
Undeniably, it is not surprising that several individuals
have stepped forward seeking pardon for Dutt. Yet, it cannot be
ignored that when pardon is being sought it is also equivalent
to tacitly accepting Dutts involvement in Bombay 1993 blast
cases. Besides, let us also accept the fact that Indian police-
system has on numerous occasions failed to provide adequate
security to citizens of this country. Demolition of Babri Masjid
and accompanying riots are just two major examples of this
failure. Till date, numerous individuals responsible for demoli-
tion and the nationwide riots that followed it have not been pro-
nounced as guilty. Certainly, committing series of murders is a
more heinous crime than possession of weapons for protecting
ones own family. Against this backdrop, rather than secure
pardon for Dutt, greater importance needs to be given to the
factors which compelled him to acquire illegal weapons. His
case needs to be re-examined against the backdrop of Babri
Masjids demolition and accompanying nation-wide riots.
Speaki ng Out
Sanjays Crime
Not Linked With
Bombay Blasts
NI LOFAR SUHRAWARDY
MOHAMMAD YUSOOF
T
hough there is no need to recount contributions of
Muslims, some landmarks and achievements of the
Sultanat-e Khudadad are mentioned here for a glimpse of
that kingdom and its founders.
Tipu Sultan called his state Sultanat-e Khudadad (God-Given
State). The supreme power vested with the sultan but he was
bound by the Shariah. Under his rule, Muslims were governed by
Shariah while Hindus were governed by their own customary
laws. The Sultan never interfered with them. There was complete
freedom of worship in his state. The traditional system of
Panchayat was respected and honored by the Sultan.
Tipu Sultan was the first Indian sovereign who adopted west-
ern administration methods. The administration of Tipu Sultan
state was divided into seven principal departments called
cutchehries. All the cutchehries were headed by diwan, sahib
diwan, huzur sahib or mir diwan. The head of cutchehries was the
most important officer in the government. The cutchehries were
as follows:
1. Mir Asaf Cutchehry (The Revenue and Finance Department)
2. Mir Miran Cutchehry (The Military Department)
3. Mir Miran Cutchehry 2 (Zumra, Special Army composed by
people of Mysore)
4. Mir Sudur Cutchehry (The Ordnance and Garrison Department)
5. Malik-ut-Tujjar Cutchehry (The Commerce Department)
6. Mir Yam Cutchehry (The Marine Department)
7. Mir Khazan Cutchehry (The Treasury and Mint Department)
Besides these seven departments, some special departments
were also established for special tasks and were headed by
Daroghas, like: Tosha Khana. All the valuables were kept in tosha
khana. The tosha khana was further divided into naqdi and jinsi.
Tosha Khana naqdi kept cash and coins while Tosha Khana jinsi
kept valuable stones, ornaments and cloths etc.
Industrial Development
Most of the Indian rulers were not interested in promotion of trade
and industry. But Tipu Sultan took great interest in promotion of
trade and commerce of his kingdom. If he was not encircled by
his enemies, he would have ushered the industrial revolution in
India.
Industrial development in the kingdom of Tipu Sultan may be
divided into the following categories: Trade, Production,
Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Mining, Metallurgy, Armoury
The Sultan had established good relations with foreign coun-
tries. He had established factories in foreign countries also. He
exported saffron seeds, silkworm, rock salt nuts, pearls, raisins,
sulphur, copper etc from these factories back to India. Similarly,
goods manufactured in Mysore were exported to these factories.
Tipu Sultan had established factories in Jeddah, Basra and
Aden etc. The Sultan had also established trade relations with
China. Armenian merchants were encouraged to settle in Mysore.
Armenian merchants were also given permission to import silk
and other goods. The Sultan had become the chief merchant of
his state. He had established state monopoly of gold ore, tobac-
co, sandalwood, precious metals, elephants, coconuts and black
pepper. Timber was also a monopoly in the state.
Industrial Development
Tipu had great interest in developing industry in his kingdom. He
had secured the services of French artisans and technicians. He
had also employed French adventurers, English deserters and
prisoners of war for the purpose. Agricultural production too was
quite developed in his sultanate. The Sultan had imported various
new plants for plantation in his state.
Agriculture
Sugar of fine quality was produced at Chennapatna during the sul-
tanate period. The process was kept secret. Sugar candy of very
superior quality was produced at Chickballapur also. This sugar
was white and fine. Special kind of sugarcane was produced in
the sultanate. For this purpose, Lal Bagh was established for
research in agriculture. There were two such centres -- one at
Mysore and the other at Bangalore. Apple, jaiphal, coffee etc were
produced in these research centres. As a result of these pioneer-
ing efforts, Mysore is now an exporter of coffee, jayphal and black
pepper.
Animal husbandry
Mysore breed of buffalo is still known in India. The Sultan was
interested in high quality cattles. The buffalo breed was prepared
in Mysore. The Sultan had also unsuccessfully tried to secure
good breed of horses.
The sultan developed Amrit Mahal which provided the dairy
needs for the sultanate.
Mining: Gold ore and copper ore were mined in the sultanate.
These were processed inside the sultanate and exported too. The
process of extraction was developed in the sultanate. Iron was
also extracted from the ore.
Metallurgy
Tipu established various types of industries at Seringapatam,
Chaitaldurg, Bangalore and Bednur. He employed European and
Indian workmen. The main products of the sultanate were scis-
sors, hourglass, pocket knives, guns, paper, watches and cutlery.
With the help of a French expert, a water-operated boring
machine was produced which was used for boring cannons. The
produced cannons were much better than the English ones.
Armoury
Tipu encouraged battle arms produced in his sultanate. Field guns
were generally cast in Mysore. These guns had longer range than
those owned by the English. Cannons were made by the
Government Metal Factory. The quality of these cannons was bet-
ter than others.
Gun powder produced in the sultanate was fine and of good
quality. The famous rockets produced in the sultanate are still a
wonder and souirce of pride for India. The present missile technol-
ogy is a modified form of the rockets developed by Tipu Sultan.
Some of these rockets, captured by the British are kept in the
Greenwich museum near London. Former president Dr. APJ Abdul
Kalam is a great admirer of Tipus rockets.
Tipu Sultan had a spirit of innovation. He had prepared armory
in his state. The armory built by the sultan was far better than that
owned by the British. Agriculture too was good in his sultanate.
Many new products had been introduced by him.
Alas these contributions of a great ruler and freedom-fighter
have been forgotten by his people.
References:
Mahmud Khan Banglori (1939), Sultanat-e-Khudad (Mysore),
Matba Barqi, Kausar Press, Maskar, Banglore.
B.Lewis Rice (1896), A Gazetteer Compiled For Government,
Archibald Constable and Company, London.
Mohibbul Hasan Khan (1951), History of Tipu Sultan, The
Bibliophile Ltd., Calcutta.
http://archive.org/details/mysoregazetteerv035381mbp
The author teaches at the Institute of Advanced Studies in
Education, Jamia Millia Islamia
Gun powder produced in the sultanate was fine and of good quality. The famous rockets
produced in the sultanate are still a wonder and source of pride for India. The present
missile technology is a modified form of the rockets developed by Tipu Sultan. Some of
these rockets, captured by the British are kept in the Greenwich museum near London.
Former president Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam is a great admirer of Tipus rockets.
ANALYSIS The Milli Gazette, 16-30 April 2013 11 www.milligazette.com
Industrial Development in Sultanat-e Khudadad
Tipu Sultans rocket
(Ms) NAAZISH SHAHEEN, a student of Girls
Ideal Academy of Arariya (Bihar) who had
topped in the whole district in Matriculation
examination last year (2012) was honoured by
Al Haq Educational Trust of Ararya district with
the Award of a cash prize of Rs 5000. The
Award was given to her by the Trusts chairman
M A Mujeeb.
Dr ASADULLAH KHAN, coordinator of AMUs
Inter Disciplinary Biotechnology Unit has been
honoured by Government of Indias
Biotechnology Department with its prestigious
National Bio-Science Award for Career
Development 2012. This Award consists of Rs
one lakh and commendation certificate. In addi-
tion to this he will also be given a grant of Rs 9
lakh for research in this field. He has also been
honoured with many international and national
awards like Alembic Award, DBTCIST Award,
Young Scientist Award etc. Author of two books,
his more than a hundred research articles have
also been published in many national and inter-
national journals.
Dr (Mrs) SUBOOHI KHAN, Associate Professor
in AMUs Department of Mathematics has been
nominated for Hindustan Times Womens
Award. She is Indias first woman mathemati-
cian who has been honoured with the
Fellowship Italian National Agency for New
Technology, Energy and Environment of Italy.
She has also been honoured with the Fellowship
of many distinguished institutions of the country
and was given Gold Medals by AMU for secur-
ing maximum marks in BSc and MSc.
Prof WASEEM BAREILVI, noted Urdu poet,
Javed Ali, singer and Aamir Raza Husain are
among the 15 important personalities, poets,
authors, sportsmen etc who were honoured
with Yash Bharti Award 2012-13 at a function
held in Lucknow on 23 March on the occasion
of 103rd birth anniversary of late socialist leader
Dr Ram Manohar Lohia. The Awards, consisting
of a shawl, certificate and a cheque of Rs 11
lakh each, were given away by U P chief minis-
ter Akilesh Yadav.
ANAND MOHAN ZUTSHI Gulzar Dehlwi,
famous and popular Urdu poet was honoured by
Chitraashi at Firaq International Award function
held at Soor Sadan (named in honour of famous
Hindi poet Soordas), Agra on 24 March. On this
occasion Gulzar Dehlwi was honoured with a
cash prize of Rs 51,000. Chitrashi organised a
mushaira also on this occasion in the memory
of famous Urdu poet (late) Raghupati Sahai
Firaq Gorakhpuri
BEKAL UTSAHI of Balrampur (UP) well-
known and popular Urdu-Hindi poet has been
honoured by Holi Committee with Balrampur
Ratn Award at a function held at citys Ram
Lila Maidan on 26 March. Some other per-
sons also were honoured with different
awards on this occasion.
Prof ABDUL HAQ, former President of Delhi
Universitys Department of Urdu who is also
considered an authority on Allama Iqbal,
Professor Emeritus of Delhi University has been
honoured by Srinagars Islamic University of
Science & Technology with its Academic Award.
CHAUDHARY ABDUL SATTAAR KHAN Bedil
Muradabadi, a senior poet of Lucknow has been
honoured with Dr Abdul Haleem Award in recog-
nition of his selfless service to Urdu which con-
sists of a shawl, memento and cheque of Rs
11,000 along with the certificate. In the award
giving function which was held at Lucknow on 2
April his two kulliyaat (anthologies of poems)
were also released by famous Urdu poet Prof
Malikzada Manzoor Ahmad.
Prof SAUD ALAM QASMI, Dean of AMUs
Faculty of Theology was honoured with
Maulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi Award by
Islamic Social and Cultural Foundation at a
function held at Bhiwandi on 2 April in recog-
nition of his academic and social services.
The Award was presented to him by the
Chairman of Press Council of India, Justice
Markanday Katju.
Dr LAL BAHADUR MAURYA has been unani-
mously selected for being honoured with
Shaheed-e Urdu Dev Narain Pande World Urdu
Award. This Award will be given to Dr Lal
Bahadur Maurya on 9 November 2013 which is
observed as World Urdu Day.
AWARDS
MAULANA AZHAR QASMI,
Manager of Madrasa Reyazul
Jannah and former Pradhan of
Dhanwa died on 6 February after a
protracted illness. He was an
active social worker alo and took
keen interest in the education of
Muslim girls. Author of many
books, he was 58 and leaves
behind his wife, 4 sons and 2
daughters.
(Mrs) C K
AAISHA of
Kerala, Brand
Ambassador of
World Literacy
Mission died at
her residence in
Conoor (Kerala). According to
her family members, she was
feeling unwell for the past few
days and on 4 April she breathed
her last at the age of 80 yers. At
a public meeting in Kozikode on
18 April 1991 she had declared
in the presence of the then chief
minister of Kerala E. K. Nayanar
that Kerala state has now
become completely literate. Born
in an extremely backward village
educationally and economically,
she acquired education from a
literacy centre and thereafter
motivated thousands of women,
par ticularly Muslim women to
acquire education. Her campaign
to promote literacy in her state
became a model for the whole
country.
ABDUL GHANI,
G e n e r a l
Secretary of U P
O v e r s e a s
W e l f a r e
Association in
Saudi Arabia
died in Riyadh. He was an active
member of this organisation and all
credit for making this Association
useful and dynamic goes to him.
SYED WASEEM QADIRI, a noted
sufi and religious leader of
Jharkhand, Orissa (Odisha) and
Bengal died of heart attack in a
Delhi hospital on 5 April. He lead
throughout a life of celebacy. His
body was taken to Bhadrak
(Orissa) for burial.
M. F. FAROOQI, IAS
officer of 1978 batch
has taken over as
secretary to the Govt
of India, ministry of
Telecommunications
on 1 April. He has
been appointed to this post in place of
R. Chandrasekhar who retired on 31
March. Before taking over his new post
Mr Farooqi was secretary in the union
ministry / department of heavy indus-
tries. Holding a Masters Degree in
Physics and Business Administration,
he held various important posts in
central and Tamil Nadu governments.
He will however hold this post for a
short period of about 15 months when
he attains the age of superannuation
next year in June.
SHOAIB AKRAM, Managing Director of
the famous Unani pharmaceutical com-
pany. Rex Remedies (P) Ltd and
Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Daryabadi
Director of Mumbais Daryabadi
Dawakhana, who is also the general
secretary of All India Ulama Council
have been appointed Members of
Masihul Mulk Hakeem Ajmal Khan
Memorial Societys Advisory Board.
C H O W D H A R Y
MATEEN AHMAD,
Chairman of Delhi
Waqf Board who is
simultaneously the
Vice Chairman of
Delhi Jal Board, has
been appointed by Delhi chief minister
Shiela Dikshit as chairman of Delhi
governmnets Estimates Committee.
QAZI RASHEED MASOOD, Rajya
Sabha M P who had recently left
Samajwadi Party and joined Congress
Party, has been appointed Chairman of
APEDA (Agricultural & Processed Food
Exports Development Authority) by the
central government in place of Ajay
Tripathi, IAS. He took over his new post
on 3 April.
C. M. (Chaand Mahal) IBRAHIM, for-
mer union minister and a close confi-
dant of former Prime Minister Dave
Gowda, who later left Dave Gowdas
Janta Dal (S) Par ty because of differ-
ences with Deve Gowda and joined
Congress, has been appointed by
Congress President Mrs Sonia
Gandhi as Chairman of Congress
Election Panel for the for thcoming
Karnataka assemblyl elections to be
held on 5 May this year. He will
devise, along with other members of
the election panel, the election strate-
gy against BJP which is the ruling
par ty in Karnataka.
CHANDER BHAN Khayal, famous
poet, author and journalist and former
Vice President of NCPUL has been
elected Vice President of Urdu Press
Club. Few people know that Chander
Bhan Khayal belonged to tribal areas of
Madhya Pradesh where even religious
leaders and Masjid Imams are not so
proficient in Urdu but after learning
Urdu and deeply studying the life of
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) he was so
much impressed with his character that
he wrote in verse a whole book in
praise of the Prophet of Islam titled
Lolaak.
SYED SHAHNAWAZ HUSAIN, BJP
leader and former union minister for
civil aviation has been re-appointed
spokesman of BJP by BJPs national
President Raj Nath Singh.
Dr AUSAF AHMAD, an exper t on
Islamic economics has been elected
Chairman of the Centre for Islamic
Finance in place of Dr Fazlur Rahman
Faridi after his death.
MEN & WOMEN IN NEWS
OBITUARIES
Guwahati: Prof PK Abdul Azis, the former Vice
Chancellor of Aligrah Muslim University, will
soon take over as the new VC of the University
of Science & Technology, Meghalaya. Earlier, he
was the VC of Cochin University of Science &
Technology. He contributed a lot to elevate AMU
to the 5th rank university of the country and ini-
tiated a lot of other developmental activities to
promote AMU during his tenure. He was instru-
mental in establishing two AMU centers one in
Mursidabad and the other in Malappuram to
pave the way for an educational renaissance
among Muslims and the people of the respec-
tive regions, inspite of opposition by people
with vested interests. His other initiative of
establishing AMU centres at Kishanganj and
Aurangabad could not see the light of the day till
today inspite of his best efforts. Recently he
was invited by Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of
(USTM), an AMU old boy. Seeing the efforts of
Mr Hoque, Professor Azis was convinced
about the efforts being made in setting up the
University and accepted the proposal of Mr.
Mahbubul Hoque to accept the challenge of
developing a newly established university on
Assam-Meghalaya borders in the capacity of its
Vice Chancellor
The USTM has been established under the
provisions of the University of Science and
technology Meghalaya Act 2008. It is spread
over more than 400 acres picturesque land-
scape on the Assam-Meghalaya border near
Guwahati.
Recently Mr Mahbubul Hoque was con-
ferred the Edupreneur award by Engineering
Watch. He has received several other awards for
his outstanding contribution in that part of the
country.
Prof Abdul Azis has assured Mr Hoque of
support in all respects to make the University
one of the reputed institutions in the country. A
vision plan is being prepared for the next five
years including establishment of a Medical
College under USTM.
PROF. AKHTARUL WASEY
Prof. Akhtarul Wasey is a distinguished academ-
ic specializing in Islam and Indian Muslims. He
is an able administrator of many institutions
concerned with socio-cultural affairs of the
Indian Muslims. He is also the editor of the
Islam and the Modern Age journals published in
English, Hindi and Urdu by Jamia Millias Zakir
Husain Institute of Islamic Studies.
He was born on September 1,
1951 at Aligarh and received his
education in Islamic Studies and
Muslim Theology at the Aligarh
Muslim University where he taught
for a brief period. His association
with Jamia Millia Islamia began in
December 1977. He is currently
Professor of Islamic Studies and
Honorary Director of Zakir Husain
Institute of Islamic studies. He has
held several senior academic and
administrative positions in and
outside the university. Currently he
is the Vice Chairman of Delhi Urdu
Academy; Member of the
Executive Board of National
Council for Promotion of Urdu
Language, apart from holding sev-
eral other positions and assign-
ments. Professor Wasey has also
held positions like President,
Dargah Committee of the famous Chishti Shrine
at Ajmer, Treasurer, Maulana Azad Education
Foundation, General Secretary, South Asia
Interreligious Council on HIV/AIDS, a body cre-
ated by the UNICEF; and Dean, Faculty of
Humanities and Languages, Jamia Millia
Islamia.
Prof. Wasey is one of known Indian Muslim
faces in the inter-faith dialogue and one of the
known faces advocating protection and promo-
tion of identity of Indian Muslims as adherents
of a tolerant, peace-friendly faith seeking justice
and equity for Indian Muslims as equal
claimants to the fruits of growth and develop-
ment.
Prof. Wasey has been invited to many aca-
demic and semi-academic tours abroad includ-
ing programmes organized/sponsored by
UNICEF, UNDP, UNAIDS, UNFP, UNHRC and
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Prof. Wasey is the recipient of the first Sir
Syed Ahmad Khan Award for Interfaith
Understanding, Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar
Award in 1996, Award from Urdu Academy,
Delhi and UP Urdu Academy on Sir Syed Ki
Taleemi Tehreek in 1985. He has also been a
recipient of a Fullbright Fellowship awarded in
2008. This year he received the Padma Shri
award from the President of India.
PROF ABDUL AZIS TO HEAD UST MEGHALYA
12 The Milli Gazette, 16-30 April 2013 NEWSMAKERS www.milligazette.com
Rohingyas in the Andamans
SPECIAL REPORT The Milli Gazette, 16-30 April 2013 13 www.milligazette.com
MG/Yusuf
Delhi Police
Special Cell
N
IA
to prob
e
alleged
H
izb
ul
operative
Liaquat S
h
ah
s
arrest
Educational Awareness
Lucknow: Muslim Political Awareness Forum
organised here a seminar on "Educational
Problems and our Responsibilities". Speaking in
the seminar, Dr. Shakeel Samdani of AMU said
that without reservation of seats in jobs and
admissions the progress
of Muslim community in
India is not possible. The
Sachar Committee has
already exposed the gov-
ernments that they failed
to uplift the Muslim com-
munity socially, educa-
tionally, economically and
politically. Muslims are at
the lowest level and
claims of their progress
and development are
totally false. This is due to
the discrimination at
every level by the succes-
sive governments. Dr. Samdani said that
Muslims should try to get maximum benefit from
27% OBC quota and they should continue their
efforts to get their separate quota within 27%
OBC quota. Muslims should also try to declare
their institutions as 'minority institutions' by the
government.
V. MUZAFER AHAMED
Port Blair (Andamans): We were in the process
of dying in the unihabited island. It was then that
crab-holes on the shore caught our eyes. We
tried to survive catching crabs, and eating them
baked. We couldnt walk, couldnt even stand
up. Yet, each of us went for crab hunting, crawl-
ing on all fours and standing up on our knees.
Whatever we caught, we baked and ate, thus
killing our hunger. Some species of wild goats
were grazing there. We had an irresistible temp-
tation to catch one and eat, but none of us had
the stamina to chase them downWe were
constantly in search of a chance to get out of
that island of dormant volcanoes. Whenever we
spotted boats or ships at a distance, we tried to
holler and catch their attention, but in vain. Our
voices wouldnt reach them. Eventually, when
we saw a helicopter flying over our heads, we
took off our clothes and waved frantically to
draw their attention, but to no avail. Later, one
day a helicopter flying at a low altitude spotted
us. By then, we had already spent eleven days in
that desolate island, said boat-master Shah
Alam who was lost fixing his eyes somewhere in
the distance.
What was the purpose of such an adventure?
We were facing death. Back home, we were
dying slowly, caught in ethnic/racial riots.
Fleeing from there didnt give us any guarantee
to life anywhere we landed. Yet, it is the wish of
every human being in this world to earn his
bread and live with dignity. We shouldnt lose
any opportunity to do so and later regret. Hence
we try for survival, and you call it adventure, said
Shah Alam. Doubt not, we embarked on this
journey knowing full well the possibility of death.
My father was killed right before my eyes in the
riots. I escaped to Bangladesh, taking my moth-
er along. We spent some days there at the U.N.
refugee camp. The ration allotment of rice there
was six kgs for half a month. Even that was not
fully disbursed. So we decided to go to Malaysia
where there are job opportunities, but we could-
nt reach there. Its a terrible fate.
Showing his identity card issued by the U.N.
which marked their refugee status, Shah Alam
says, This is what the refugee camp has pre-
sented us with. In the card issued by the
UNHCR, Myanmar has been marked as the true
country of domicile. But Myanmar doesnt
accept Rohingyas. Nor does Bangladesh. The
only option left for them is illegal immigration,
exile. Their fate during the course of this journey
was either to drop down dead, and if they sur-
vive, to be thrown afar never to be able to return
to their motherland.
Did you expect the boat to reach Malaysia, the
destination?
If there were no hitches, it could have reached
Malaysia on the 14th day, according to our esti-
mates. However, our boat ran out of engine oil,
and our calculations went wrong. Then, the sail
was fitted. Our plan was to catch the wind and
reach the destination. Even that didnt work. The
boat then began to flow with the tide aimlessly.
Our food and the drinking water reserve began to
dwindle. Two days later, we spotted land at a dis-
tance. No one knew which place it was.
Nevertheless, it was land and we decided to take
the boat to the shore. Finally, we reached an
island. Wind began to blow hard there. The boat
hit a rock and shattered. Since it was close to the
shore, we gathered whatever we could in our
hands and dived into the sea. We swam to the
shore.
As Shah Alam sat talking, a young man from
the Distress camps verandah shouted into the
mobile phone, Andaman, Andaman, and burst
into tears spreading a momentary gloom all over
the place. The young man was informing his kith
that he was trapped in Andaman, unable to reach
his destination.
Shah Alam and the passengers of the boat
he was driving had given 20,000 Bangladeshi
takas to an agent. The absence of GPS meant
that they had to resort to the good old method of
a mariners compass to know the directions.
There was no provision to either measure the
depth or detect the speed and direction of the
wind.
It was on the eve of the Republic day this
year that I reached the distress camp of
Rookshabad in Port Blair, after travelling through
Andaman Islands, and happened to meet around
450 Rohingya Muslims including Shah Alam.
The tendency of Rohingya groups to infil-
trate to Bangladesh and from there to go to
Malaysia by boat has become strong since
December 2008 when the anti-Rohingya racial
riots gathered momentum in Myanmar. Violence
is repeated from time to time. For three decades,
Rohingyas are subjected to different types of tor-
ture. Towards the end of 2008, large numbers
had been killed in racial violence. It was since
then that media around the world started pub-
lishing news about Rohingyas.
It was at that juncture that Rohingyas start-
ed migrating to many places. The majority
reached the neighbouring Bangladesh. Survival
there was more or less difficult. They began to
try migrating to Thailand and Malaysia etc. Many
got caught at the coastal boundary of Thailand.
Those who managed to reach Thailand had to
face very cruel atrocities. Those who arrived at
Malaysia were imprisoned for three months after
which they were freed and provided with a work
permit. For this reason, Rohingyas prefer
Malaysia as a target.
The Rohingyas never wish to return to their
native lands. They want to somehow reach
Malaysia, get a job there and live decently.
Another boatmaster, Noor Mohammed (50),
had embarked on a voyage on his boat to
Malaysia. He had been a farmer. Since nature
hadnt been so benevolent, he found it impossi-
ble to survive with his family in his homeland,
depending solely on farming. That is how they
decided to migrate to Malaysia. His passengers
belonged to Thambahar Budhitong in Burma.
They got together via an agent. Once they reach
Malaysia, invariably, they would be forced to
abandon their boats. There are agents who will
sell their boats and take money. There is a whole
gang thriving on such peoples misery. They take
the boats and sell them.
The boat, that Mujibullah bought for
300,000 takas, is said to have a China-made
engine. It was from Jahangir boat jetty in
Bangladesh that Mujibullah and group embarked
on their voyage to Malaysia. Those who accom-
panied him jointly raised money to pay for the
boat.
Boat master Shafeeq Ahmad (55) was a
fisherman and a tailor. However, when he found
it difficult to raise a family of nine, he organized
a boat and some people and star ted for
Malaysia. The beginning of the journey was from
Sittwe in Burma. These people landed on the
shores of Andamans either because their boats
had stopped working, or because they had lost
their way or because fuel had run out. The sea
route from Bangladesh to Malaysia passes close
to Andaman.
I saw three children in the distress camp.
Mohammed Yusuf, Ismail and Mamanna are ten
year-old. They are children who have lost their
parents and relatives in the communal riots and
thus forced to leave their homeland under threat
to life. After reaching Malaysia, they plan to
work, earn money and in their youth, go back as
tourists to their homeland. They didnt try to hide
their dreams in the course of their conversation
with us. However, the fear of the torturous boat
journey is imprinted on their faces. Mohammed
Hassan, who got shot on his leg, and
Mohammed Sharif whose right leg was burnt in
the racial riots against the Rohingyas, are part of
the group here.
Happaroj, a young man, told me, There are
women too with us. They are put up elsewhere.
Being born and brought up on the borders of
Bangladesh, this young man has learnt Hindi. He
is the one who helped us in interpreting others.
Twenty-one women and their children were
put up in the ladies dormitories set up to prevent
human trafficking in the Police Station of Port
Blair. While entering this place, women were
reciting the Quran. A woman was reciting the
last lines of Surat Yassin, in hushed tones. There
are prayer mats next to the sheets on the floor.
Only Fatima knows Hindi among them. With her
are her two children, Muhsin and Kamal. She
wants to join her husband who reached Malaysia
five years ago.
Zubair Ahamed, editor of Light of
Andamans, pointed out that these people told
him on arrival that they survived by chewing
uncooked rice mixed with water. Once, 407 peo-
ple arrived, like this, and among them only 107
survived. The rest died in the boat. There was no
other option left for their companions other than
to throw the dead bodies into the sea, Zubair
said.
During the days of Cellular Jail, Andamans was
known as Kalapani from where there was not
escape. The camp at Brookshabad is not a jail. The
basic puzzle facing these people that no country
will take them. Once Andaman was the the land of
the exiled from India. Today, that fate stares at the
stranded Rohingyas. Historian Claire Anderson,
who is researching the Penal colonies of Britain,
has studied this kind of migration including
Rohingyas. She had come to Port Blair to partici-
pate in a seminar. I found that the Andaman admin-
istration is handling the issue with compassion. But
as they do not have travel documents, their exit
process from India is complex.
The Rohingyas we captured on our camera
were all shrouded in fogs of uncertainty. Next
day being the Republic day, all shops had put up
tricolour flags for sale. While walking along the
streets, I kept wondering if the camp dwellers
clutching their refugee identity cards issued by
the U.N., would one day be able to celebrate their
republic day.
Rohingya refugees in the Andamans
Guj. Government usurps graveyard land
The Gujarat High Court granted stay on a petition directing the
state government to stop construction on the graveyard land
which the state government tried to usurp for building mamlat-
dars office. By manipulation in the state government revenue
records the government in a 1990 circular notified the land as of
G-1 category (instead of H category which cannot be annexed
because of its public use). Masum Ali Nazar Ali Syed in his pete-
tion drew the attention of the court that the graveyard in
Dhandhuka (Ahmedabad district) has been in use as graveyard as
per state revenue record since 1925. When construction of a 3080
sq. meter office began the local people took the matter to revenue
officers who did not take a final decision and the work continued
unabated. The petitioner drew the attention of the court about the
manipulations in land records and stated that 1080 sq. meter of
land belongs to the graveyard. The state first claimed that the land
acquired for office is no longer in use and the government has
acquired it. The court enquired whether the government would
provide the land in lieu of the acquired land? The matter was post-
poned for a later date. (AG Khan)
SC reserves decision on Amit Shahs petetion
New Delhi: After listening to Amit Shahs pleader Mahesh
Jethmalani the Supreme Court reserved its decision on his plea. A
bench comprising Justices P. Sathashivam and B S Chauhan
heard the pleas of both the parties. Additional solicitor general
Haren Rawal representing the CBI argued that the charge sheet in
Prajapati fake encounter case can be a supplement to the charge
sheet on Sohrabuddin fake encounter case as the death of the lat-
ter led to the death of the former.
A good Samaritan lady of Kerala: Rasia Biwi
Allapuzza (Kerala): Forty seven
year old Rasia Biwi had rushed in
time to save an old woman from
committing suicide on the railway
track, thirteen years ago, she also
persuaded her to live with her.
Sparing one room she allowed
Chellamma (76) - a Namboodari
Brahimin, to install her deities and pray there. Four years later
when she became a panch she got a house allotted to Chellamma
who now lives in her own home. Political opponents as well as
religious fanatics blew hot and cold but in vain. The friendship
continues and has inspired a film - Thannichalla Vjam (I am not
alone - main akeli nahin) which recently got a National Award
(2012)
Sharia Investment online course inaugurated in BSE
Mumbai: The fact that the world is gradually realising the merits of
the principles of Islamic banking and commerce is borne out by
the fact that an online course named Islamic Banking, Finance
and Capital Market was inaugurated at the Bombay Stock
Exchange (BSF) on 21 March in cooperation and partnership with
BSE Institute Ltd (BIL) and Tawakkul Advisory & Sharia
Investment Solution (TASIS) in which Sharaee principles of
Islamic banking and commerce will be taught. It may also be men-
tioned in this connection that earlier in 2008 Sharia Index had
been started in Bombay Stock Exchange. An important feature of
this course is that for enrolling in this (course) there is no restric-
tion or condition of educational qualification or age and hence any
student of Madrasa or any one else can pursue this course. In
reply to a question about the availability or supply of the course
material in Urdu, the CEO and Mg. Director of BSE Institute Ltd.
(BIL), Ambresh Dutta said that in addition to English, many other
courses in Hindi, Gujarati etc. are available with them and if Urdu
speaking people want, they would make arrangements for supply-
ing course materials in Urdu also.
Director of TASIS, Dr. Shariq Nesar talking about this course
said that every Muslim man and woman should have at least this
much knowledge about Islam so as to be able to distinguish
between Halal and Haram. He said that earning ones livelihood is
a problem of everybody, hence every Muslim should know about
economics and livelihood earning means, as prescribed by Islam
because unless we know about the dos and donts as laid down
by Islam, how will we follow them? He said that this course can
be divided into three parts: firstly, what is the Quran and Hadees?,
secondly, economics and thirdly, Islamic economics.
When asked if Islamic banking was not allowed at present in
India nor were there any possibilities of this (Islamic banking) in
the near future, what would be the importance of this course, he
said that in the Middle East Islamic banking is prevalent and this
system was increasing in those countries at the rate of 15% annu-
ally and if our youngmen learn this system, they can have a good
chance of employment in those countries. Moreover, he said, this
course can be learnt simply for the sake of having additional
knowledge also. He said that the fee for this course is Rs. 2500
only and admission to this course can be obtained on
www.bsebti.com website and complete information about the
course can be obtained on this website. Students who have no
internet at home can get print-outs from the cyber cafe and study
it. When they find that they have learnt enough for appearing in the
examination, they can do so at the concerned centres.
Examination to search talent in Muslim children
New Delhi: Human Welfare Foundation held an examination in dif-
ferent parts like Okhla, Darya Ganj, Ajmeri Gate, trans Jamuna
areas last month (February) with the objective of searching talent
and mental faculties of children in which about 900 boy and girl
students from about a hundred schools participated. In East
Delhis Jafarabad, Ghonda, Maujpur etc. areas about 400 students
appeared in this examination. The results of these examinations
will be declared in the second week of March and Merit list will be
issued in the last week of March on the Foundations website
www.hwfindia.org. Students securing 1st, second and third posi-
tions at a national or all India level will be given cash prizes of Rs.
15000, 10,000 and 7000 respectively and 47 other students will
be given Rs. 5000 each whereas at state (Delhi) level students
securing 1st, second and third positions will be given Rs. 10,000,
7000 and 5000 respectively whereas 47 other boy and girl stu-
dents will be given Rs. 2000 each. Coordinator of Human Welfare
Foundatin Muhammad Talha said that his Foundation was holding
examinations in different parts of the country for the first time with
the idea of promoting and improving the faculties of Muslim chil-
dren.
Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, H.P. among most prosperous but...
Mumbai: Tata Strategic Management Group, on the basis of differ-
ent sources and surveys of government issued a release accord-
ing to which Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh (HP), Haryana,
Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh are on the top, among the
economically prosperous states. As against this Chhattisgarh,
Assam, Jharkand, Bihar etc. are at the bottom from this point of
view. According to Tata Strategic Management Groups Chief
Executive Officer Raju Bhange, from the point of view of womens
safety index, among metropolitan cities Hyderabad and Delhi are
at the lowest rung of the ladder and Chennai and Bangalore are at
the top. Among the states, Gujarat and most of the states of North-
East are safest for women whereas Haryana, Madhya Pradesh,
Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan etc. are on the lowest rung from this
point of view. Bhange said that FSI (Female Safety Index) list has
been prepared after taking into account social evils like dowry
deaths, rape, molestation of and violence against women etc.
Among the large states Tamil Nadu occupies the top position
among ten states from the point of view of economic prosperity
and womens safety taken together.
Youngest woman sarpanch felicitated in S. Arabia
Vankaner: Eighteen year old Afsana Baadi, the youngest woman
sarpanch in the country, received an invitation from the Saudi gov-
ernment to be felicitated in a programme. Hailing from Kankot of
Vankaner taluka Afsana Muhammad Bhai Baadi, was elected
sarpanch at the age of eighteen when she defeated her rival by 54
votes. Recently her success was reported by Gulf News which
prompted the Saudi government to invite and felicitate her.
Since she could not complete her S.S.C. examination she
feels the pinch and therefore is very keen on ensuring education
of children of her village. First she took the teachers to task for
absconding from school. Later on she got rooms built to meet the
shortage of classrooms. For commuters from nearby localities
she got bus services operated.
She is supported by many prominent persons in her endeav-
ours. While the present leader of opposition in Gujarat assembly
Chhatra Singh Jhala extends full cooperation; the former leader of
opposition Shakti Singh Gohil too met and felicitated her. The MLA
of the constituency Muhammad Javed Peerzada also extends all
kinds of help to her. The Ahmedabad Door Darshan telecast a pro-
gramme on first March in which her success story was televised
for the benefit of the masses.
Urdu translation of some important law books
Mumbai: Some important books on law which are commonly
used in courts in the country have now been translated into Urdu
by Supreme Court advocate, Muhammad Irshad Hanif and were
released at a function held in Mumbai. Translator Muhammad
Hanif while talking to Urdu media persons on this occasion said
that these are the first books of their nature in Urdu which will
make it convenient for Urdu knowing people to understand legal
terms, their meanings and their use for protection of their rights.
He said that he completed these translations into Urdu and Hindi
after 5 years of hard work. These important books are on topics
like Indian Penal Code, Indian Evidence Act, Law Dictionary etc
and named in Urdu as Taziraat-e Hind, Qanoon-e Shahadat and
Qanooni Loghat which will be available in the markets all over the
country on concessional rates for the benefit of people. Advocate
Hanif said that these books are published by Eeman Publication
House and that the Supreme Courts Chief Justice Altamash Kabir
and former Justice Markanday Katju have made valuable contribu-
tion in the Urdu translations of these books and forewords also
have been written by these two honourable judges.
Advocate Hanif said that his only aim in translating these
important and fundamental law books is that Urdu knowing peo-
ple and particularly Muslims will be able to know and understand
legal problems easily in their own language because in todays dif-
ficult days for Muslims unnecessary harassment, injustices and
cruelties are being heaped on Muslims on the pretext of terrorism,
national security etc but are hardly being meted out to other com-
munities. He said that prices of these books are highly subsidised
because his aim was not to earn money but to create awareness
among and facilities for Muslims, adding that he has offered his
services virtually free.
About the book he said that on every page of these books
wherever there are English texts, their Urdu translations in easy
language are given so that Urdu readers could know the legal
terms. He further said that these translations are the first of their
nature because in the past no such translations were made in
Urdu. Lawyer Shahid Nadeem Ansari who has been pleading in the
Mumbai session court on cases of terrorism says that after study-
ing these books, particularly Qanooni Loghat it has become easy
for him to understand legal terms. Some new and junior Muslim
lawyers also opine that many legal terms in English are beyond
their comprehension but after studying the Urdu translation of
legal terms, understanding them became easy.
Modern day Draupadi
Dehradun: Twenty-one-year old Ms. Rajju Varma was married four
years ago to a person named Guddu under the Hindu Marriage
Act. Subsequently she re-married, even while her husband was
alive, a 32-year old Baijoo, 28-year old Sant Ram, 26-year old
Gopal and 19-year old Dinesh. All her 5 husbands are real broth-
ers. She is now the mother of an eighteen month old son but nei-
ther she nor her husbands know who his father is. However, all
these people live in the same house and are quite happy and have
good and brotherly relations with each other, without any jealousy
or rivalry. Rajju says that in her village such marriages are tradi-
tional. It is said that in ancient India it was a tradition that one
woman had many husbands. In this connection most people know
that in the ancient epic Mahabharat mention is made of Draupadi
who had the five Pandava brothers as her husbands.
Jail tunnel: IPS in trouble
Ahmedabad: Three IPS officers of the Sabarmati jail are in trou-
ble for their failure to repor t the incident to officers. State gov-
ernment has taken serious notice of the fact that the tunnel
crime was not repor ted by senior and competent officers but
by a low rank officer. As per rules the matter should have been
repor ted by an officer of SP rank i.e. head of the jail adminis-
tration. The complaint was lodged by a junior officer. More than
100 persons have been interrogated about the incident. A raid
by DCB was conducted to investigate discrepancies and the
statements of 150 persons have been recorded. Top IPS offi-
cers likely to be shunted are PC Thakur, director general of
prisons; Amit Vishwa Karma, deputy inspector general of
police (prison).
New Delhi: Social net working site facebook is generally used, par-
ticularly by youth for entertainment purposes or for extending the
field of their friendship etc but these days a new trend has come up
in which people are engaged in the discussion on the overall condi-
tion of Muslims and statistics about them are being put up, express-
ing concern over their position in society. It is clear from these sta-
tistics, as it has been claimed by Sachar Committee report that in
every government department or agency share of Muslims is
extremely small and in some departments it is virtually nil. Whereas
some people describe it as a conspiracy of those running the gov-
ernment, others describe it as their (Muslims) own indifference and
incompetence. A study of statistics shows that there is hardly any
government department, banking, security agencies or any other in
which their representation may be considered satisfactory. Taking all
departments together, the number of Muslim employees is extreme-
ly small, say 1 to 1.5 percent.
As regards IAS officers, it is considered that there are a total
of about 4800 (IAS) officers in the country of which the number
of Muslims is 142 which is 2.96 or about 3 percent, 80 of whom
are directly selected and 62 are on the basis of seniority and pro-
motion. Similarly, in IFS there are a total of 828 officers of whom
Muslim IFS officers are only 15, 12 of whom are directly recruit-
ed and 3 have become so on seniority / promotion basis, consti-
tuting 1.8 percent of the total. Out of a total of 3209 IPS officers
in the country, Muslim IPS officers are 128, 63 directly recruited
and 65 on the basis of promotion, constituting 4 percent of the
total IPS officers. In Reserve Bank of India the total number of
employees, big or small, is about 19000 of whom Muslim
employees are only 150, constituting 0.78 percent only. In
nationalised banks total number of employees is about 680000
(6,80,000) of whom Muslims are 15030. In posts & telegraph
department total number of employees is 2,70,000 of whom
Muslims are 13760 and in railways there are about 14 lakh
employees of whom Muslims are about 64,000; but in the
absence of any information about the armed and para military
forces, possibilities of Muslim representation there may be very
disappointing. It is understood that representation of Muslims in
these services may be even less than one percent at which the
missile man Abdul Kalam when he was the President had
expressed his concern and spoken about the need for heir
increased representation but as his statement was published in
newspapers, the brokers of communal parties had raised a great
hue and cry after which the saner people considered it expedient
not to open their mouth on this topic but now the people have
started speaking openly about their (Muslims) statistics on
Sahara facebook.
Muslims, after having come to know about their poor repre-
sentation in government jobs, are feeling uneasy and have start-
ed airing their views. One of them, Muhammad Sajjad Iqbal, said
confidently that one day we shall certainly rise. Another person,
Ashraf Azmi says that Muslims must understand their power and
acquire education and knowledge. Muslims (and their leaders
also) have now realised that acquisition of education and knowl-
edge is very essential and without these nothing can be achieved.
Any way, a discussion is now going on on facebook which has
opened a new chapter which is awakening Muslims and provid-
ing guidance to them. It is to be seen how much Muslims avail of
these opportunities for achieving new heights. (N. A. Ansari)
Share of Muslims in government jobs
14 The Milli Gazette, 16-30 April 2013 COMMUNITY NEWS www.milligazette.com
More Muslim women learning
Aligarh: Chairman of UPSC, Prof. D. P. Agarwal, said while speak-
ing at a seminar on 'Educational standards of Indian Muslims',
held by AMU's Centre for the Promotion of Education and Culture
of Muslims, that in ten years there has been maximum increase in
the rate of education of Muslim women. Apparently this statement
should be music to Muslim ears but it turned out to be a damp
squib because he did not give any statistics to support his state-
ment. Had he given some facts and figures about the educational
status of Muslim women ten years ago and their progress in this
field after ten years, one could have some idea as to how much
progress they have made in this field during these ten years; but
he did not elaborate and hence his statement was like any other
tall but empty claim. If he did give facts and figures of their
progress but media skipped it, then he is not to be blamed. Any
way, during his speech he made an appeal to Muslim youth to
participate in competitive examinations with full confidence and
take full advantage of the available facilities and opportunities for
their own as well as for country's progress and utilize the unlimit-
ed possibilities and opportunities for themselves in this age of
globalization. He said that the secret of success of about a hun-
dred universities of the world of international fame is that they run
and promote programmes that are suitable for the fulfilment of
social needs. He advised AMU to constitute a counselling cell for
the progress of its students, motivate maximum number of its stu-
dents for civil services examinations and like Hamdard Study
Circle, make arrangements for coaching. He further advised that
this University should also invite its former students who are
spread all over the world (and holding high posts) to the
University and present them before the students as role models.
He said that he himself is a former student of this University which
burnished and promoted his faculties, adding that AMU is an insti-
tution which gave UPSC two chairmen, the other being
Prof A. R. Qidwai. He said that AMU students, as compared to
those of other universities, are very civilized and disciplined and
the style of their speech and conversation is also better than those
of other universities. Speaking about educational standard he said
that because of private educational institutions, educational stan-
dard has gone down, though about two lakh youths acquire engi-
neering education in the country. Speaking about the education
of Muslims, he said (as stated above) that during the past ten
years there has been maximum increase in the ratio of women's
education and in Kerala more than a hundred engineering colleges
are being run by Muslims. He said that now the medium of edu-
cation is also changing and Muslims should take advantage of
this. He said that Muslims are very much ahead in handicrafts and
artistry. Under such circumstances AMU should provide good
professional training to such artists and those who are engaged
in handicrafts, and improve their position from lower class to mid-
dle class citizens.
AMU's Vice Chancellor Lt Gen Zamiruddin Shah who chaired
the inaugural session of the seminar said while speaking on this
occasion that the students of this University are very promising
and competent and our efforts are to provide them still better edu-
cation and training. He said that in addition to jobs in civilian
fields, our students in large number will be prepared to get select-
ed for employment in armed forces also.
Aspiring PM with 40 suicides in three months
Namo's development module fails to inspire farmers with 135 sui-
cides in five years, 40 within three months September to
December 2012, the tall claims fall flat because farmers not only
fail to pay debts but also because the promised state assistance
did not reach them. Government dismisses suicide reports as
Congress Conspiracy to malign the aspiring PM. Experts and
social activists in drought affected regions regard the statistics as
the tip of the iceberg as the actual figure is much higher. Magan
Patel, president of Gujarat unit of Bhartiya Kisan Sangh (BKS)
regards 135 as a ridiculously low figure. In a desperate appeal to
the CM a farmer sent a poignant suicide note (4 October 2012) in
which he narrates his woes. Aniruddhsinh Jadeja of Khijdad vil-
lage wrote: Dear Chief Minister: with all due respect, I wish to
inform you that I am a small farmer of Khijdad village and had
taken loan on interest for sowing. Due to the drought, the crop
failed and I have not received any financial help, kit or seeds from
the government. The banks are threatening to auction my proper-
ty if I don't clear the dues. I had paid the premium amount for
insurance which was sanctioned. But I have not received any
money from the government till date. The government is acting
cruelly towards farmers. So far 30-40 farmers have committed
suicide in Gujarat. Neither the Congress nor the state government
is helping the farmers. The government has money for Lok Melas
but does not have money to give to farmers. If farmers do not
progress in this state, then it is because of the cruelty of the gov-
ernment which gives land to industries but penalises farmers.
(AG Khan)
Guj. farmers' suicides: interest on loans waived
Gandhinagar: Alarmed by the spate of suicides by farmers in the
drought affected areas of Gujarat the state government woke up
from its slumber and as relief to 8 lakh farmers, has waived inter-
est on loans for agriculture purpose. Farmers who had taken loans
between April 1 2012 and August 15, 2012 (upto Rs. 3 lakhs)
shall be exempted from payment of 4% of loan interest. The
remaining 3% Nabard share is also likely to be waived off.
Revisiting Holocaust
Ahmedabad: Survivors of 2002 Gujarat holocaust visit the scene
of carnage to offer their tearful tributes to their dead kinsmen who
became victims of state sponsored violence. While in one picture
relatives of victims relive the agony of Naroda Patia in another
they see what remains of Gulbarg Society. Qur'an was recited for
the departed souls. Tanvir Jafri, son of Gulbarg Society victim
Ehsan Jafri, proposes to build a museum at the site of carnage.
An attempt is being made by the citizens for Justice & Peace NGO
to build it at that particular place. However, local residents oppose
the idea as it will lead to further embitterment (or it shall be a con-
stant) of their barbarity.
New generations important role in promotion of Urdu
New Delhi: Delhi Urdu Academy held its annual 'Naye Puranay
Charaagh' seminar from 22 to 25 March at Ghalib Academy, New
Delhi. On the fourth and final day, 25 March a number of old and
new literary personalities read out and spoke about their literary
works of different genres of literature i.e. poetry, criticism, short
stories, drama etc. Dr. Maula Bakhsh, Head of Dayal Singh
College's Urdu Department said in his presidential address that
after listening to and seeing the proceedings of the day (25
March) the common feeling is that the entry of new and young
critics and men of letters has started in Urdu's literary field and
this new trend was not seen before which is an encouraging
trend. Prof Akhtarul Wasey, Vice Chairman of Delhi Urdu Academy
said that the duration of this seminar was increased from 2
days to 4 days but even then many men of letters could not par-
ticipate in this seminar. This shows that Urdu language and litera-
ture is progressing and the new generation is being attracted in
this direction. Addressing the research scholars of all the depart-
ments, of Delhi University in particular he said that very soon they
would start the process of online registration because of which all
research scholars in Delhi will be able to get in direct touch with
Urdu Academy, Delhi. He also said that Urdu Academy will soon
organise a seminar on (late) Khwaja Ahmad Abbas, Urdu littera-
teur on the occasion of his first birth centenary.
Patrakarita Kosh
Mumbai: Aftab Alam, a senior Hindi journalist has been publish-
ing Patrakarita Kosh (Media Directory) every year from Mumbai
for the past 12 years. This directory contains detailed information
about all daily newspapers, weekly and monthly magazines etc of
every language of India as well as news channels and internet
magazines and names of persons associated with these newspa-
pers and magazines etc. This directory is revised and updated
every year so as to include new journals, magazines, media per-
sons etc. This directory is also included in Limca Book of
Records.
Not sadbhavna but embrace of death for Gujarat minorities
Gandhi Nagar: Participating in a debate on the state budget per-
taining to the social justice ministry, congress legislator
Ghiyasuddin Shaikh lambasted the state government for its anti-
minority stance. Referring to the denial of pre-matric scholarship
inspite of the high court order he accused the state government
of nursing deep rooted hatred for the minorities. He emphatically
said that hatred is a political necessity of the BJP and the so-
called sadbhavna embrace was to measure the necks of people to
stifle them in a death embrace. Quoting statistics he pointed out
that the five year plan (2007-2012) had an outlay of 1,28,703
crore out of which only 93 crores were allocated for the minori-
ties. Even out of this meagre sum only 76.84 crores were spent
and the remaining amount lapsed. The five-year plan had 0.04%
for minority welfare which works out to Rs 24 per head per year.
He enumerated other instances of state partiality. Minority institu-
tions are discriminated against while granting permission and
recognition. Courses in Urdu are being cancelled at the college
and university level. Minority Board is almost dead while not a sin-
gle rupee was allotted to the Waqf Board during the last 11 years.
Implementation of 15 point programme has been put in cold stor-
age - not a single meeting wa convened in the past seven years.
He pointed out that one of the ministers of the state government
uses caste related terms to express his contempt. Raman Lal
Vohra, the minister, in his reply emphatically declared that the
state will file a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the High
Court order.
Insha Allah, I will plant one crore trees: Gaffar Bhai
Talala (Gir forest border): Rambechi village in Talala region boasts
of Quraishi Baagh which has the unique distinction of 23 lakh
plants / trees in 4 acre of land with 210 medicinal plants, to their
credit the Qureshi couple - Gaffarbhai Muhammadbhai and his
wife Zebunnisa provide cheap cure to hundreds of patients on
very nominal rates. With, on an average 25000 visitors every
year; the plantation received several awards. In addition to the
prestigious Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Award of the state govern-
ment, Qureshi has been felicitated twice by the Presidents of India
- Gyani Zail Sinh and A. Kalam. Having visited plantations all over
the country Qureshi imbibed on the spot knowledge of plants and
medicines though he has no formal education in agriculture nor
any diploma in horticulture. He maintains a nursery from where
people buy plants of their choice. His most cherished desire is to
enrich the earth with one crore trees, Allah willing.
Namos Lokayukt to be a toothless pet
Ahmedabad: Inspite of roaring protests from the opposition and a
walkout the Gujarat assembly passed the Lokayukt Bill 2013 prov-
ing that BJP has two sets of ethics - one for the nation and the
other for the BJP ruled states. The Bill provides for a selection
committee of six headed by the CM including speaker of the
assembly, a minister nominated by the CM, leader of opposition,
state vigilance commissioner and a judge nominated by the high
court collegium of five judges. The recommendations of the
selection committee will be binding on the governor. This is to
curb the powers of the governor and chief justice of the high
court. Thus the new lokayukt will be a domestic pet with neither
teeth nor claws which can only growl that too only on those for
whom the state government grants permission to growl. Thus
while the corrupt shall continue to enjoy the bliss of their loot, a
few small fish will be caught in the net. It may be recalled that
after appointment of justice Mehta which was vetoed by the CM,
the state government approached the high court which endorsed
the governor's action then the government chose to lodge a cur-
ative petition in the supreme court.
Farmers restrained to use well water
Ahmedabad / New Delhi: Farmers reeling under drought have no ray
of relief in sight. A recent order reviving a British government period
ruling has imposed restrictions on the use of well water. Attempts by
farmers protesting against the order and intending to march towards
the assembly were foiled. Arjun Modhwadia, state president of
Congress, expressed his anguish by pointing out that the government
had grabbed everything the farmers owned - first the right to land and
next the right to use water. He declared the state corporate-friendly
According to the order a farmer cannot bore tube well without obtain-
ing permission nor can he use canal water without license. An officer
will decide what quantity of water a farmer is entitled to. Another offi-
cer will calculate the cost of water used by the farmer.
Training Camp for Resource Persons
Aurangabad: Jamate-Islami Hind's Secretary for Education Mr
Muhammad Ashfaq Ahmed announced here on 23 March a five-day
training camp for resource persons to be held in Aurangabad during
20-24 May this year. The purpose of the camp is to train resource
persons who could in turn train teachers in part-time madrasas and
schools which impart Nazera Qur'an and Islamiyat. Five to seven
qualified teachers or scholars (ulama), both male and female, from
different states of the country are invited. They should be well-trained
with basic Islamic knowledge and considerable teaching experience.
The main purpose of this five-day camp is to train teachers who teach
in part-time madrasas. The trained resource persons will instruct the
part-time school teachers to teach Nazera Qur'an and Islamiyat by
understanding the psychology of students through advanced meth-
ods of teaching. This training will enable them to teach Islamic stud-
ies and Nazera Qur'an and Tajweed at mass level. Desirous per-
sons are requested to contact the respective head of Jamaat-e Islami
Hind of their state and enroll their names so that the concerned heads
can send their names to the following address: Mr Abdul Gafoor
Ansari (Assistant to Education Department), Markaz-e-Islami, Younus
Colony, Aurangabad 431001. Email: [email protected].
Phone No.: 09271634485. `
Rampur: A separate building to preserve ancient, historical and
rare documents, records and objects of Raza Library will be built
at a plot near Khayabaan-e Raza at Rampur. The building will be
airconditioned, though for safe preservation of these documents
and objects a temperature between 18 and 24 degrees is consid-
ered ideal.
Rampur's Raza Library is one of the important and rich
libraries of the world in which many rare historical documents
and objects pertaining to Indian and Islamic history and culture
are preserved. Foundation stone of this Library was laid by
Nawab Faizullah Khan in 1774 after which all the nawabs of
Rampur took personsl interest in its preservation and mainte-
nance. Nawabs of Rampur had been patronising ulama, schol-
ars, men of letters, painters, calligraphers etc because of which
they had produced great works of arts. After the merger of
Rampur state with the Indian Union, this Library was brought
under Management Trust in August 1951 and after the
Parliamentary Act of 1 July 1975, with the efforts of the then
union education minister Prof. Noorul Hasan it was brought
under union ministry of culture and the chairman of its Board of
Directors is the Governor of UP.
In this Library there are about 17 thousand rare documents
in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Urdu, Pushto, Hindi, Turkish etc as
well as rare specimens of arts and paintings, rare documents in
different Indian languages written on palm leaves, more than 60
thousand published books in Indian and foreign languages. There
is also a Qur'an hand written by Hadhrat Ali on deer skin.
So far, and since the days of Nawabs not much attention was
paid nor was it needed in preserving these documents because
of changing weather conditions but during the past few years it
is found that temperatures in summers and winters are varying
greatly because of which more care and suitable temperature is
needed and a temperature between 18 and 24 degrees is consid-
ered suitable. One of the Directors of this Library Prof. Syed
Muhammad Azizuddin Husain said that the proposal for setting
up an annexe or a separate building for preserving the docu-
ments etc has been approved but seeking ASI's permission also
has been suggested. He said that ASI's permission also has been
obtained but it (ASI) has also suggested that the height of this
new building should be one metre less than the old building. No
explanation has been given why the height of this new building
should be lower by one metre than the old building. Muhammad
Azizuddin Husain said that this proposal for the new annexe and
estimated cost will be sent to the ministry of culture and after its
permission work on the construction of new building will be
undertaken. (N. A. Ansari)
Raza Library to preserve manuscripts
COMMUNITY NEWS The Milli Gazette, 16-30 April 2013 15 www.milligazette.com
McMecca: The Strange Alliance of Clerics and Businessmen
ZVIKA KRIEGERMAR
The Saudi government is demolishing some of the oldest sections
of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, according to a report by The
Independentthis week , which includes photos of the wreckage.
The mosque is one of Islam's most important religious sites, to
which all Muslims face while praying. The sections being
destroyed date back to the Ottoman and Abbasid period and are
the last remaining parts of the compound that are more than a few
hundred years old. "One column which is believed to have been
ripped down is supposed to mark the spot where Muslims believe
Muhammad began his heavenly journey on a winged horse, which
took him to Jerusalem and heaven in a single night," The
Independent reports.
Though the Saudi government argues that the demolition is
part of a plan to expand the Grand Mosque complex to accommo-
date the growing number of pilgrims to the site, it seems strange
that the theocratic government, controlled by extremist Wahhabi
clerics, would so wantonly destroy Islamic holy sites. It is a para-
dox I encountered when I visited Mecca a few years ago reporting
a story for The New Republic about the growing commercialization
of Islam's holiest city:
A report by the Saudi British Bank (SABB), one of the king-
dom's biggest lenders, estimates that $30 billion will be invested
in construction and infrastructure in Mecca over the next four
years from local and foreign companies. Up to 130 new skyscrap-
ers are anticipated, including the $6 billion Abraj Al Bait Towers, a
seven-tower project that, once completed in 2009, will be one of
the largest buildings in the world, with a 60-floor, 2,000-room
hotel; a 1,500-person convention center; two heliports; and a four-
story mall that will house, among 600 other outlets, Starbucks,
The Body Shop, U.K.-based clothing line Topshop (Kate Moss is a
guest designer), and Tiffany & Co. En route to the hajj, pilgrims
already have the opportunity to stop at cosmetic superstore MAC,
perfumery VaVaVoom, and Claire's Accessories. H&M and Cartier
are on the way. "All the top brands are flocking here," says John
Sfakianakis, SABB's chief economist. "The only thing missing is
Filene's Basement."
It is not surprising that commercial interests are flocking to the
city: Approximately 2.4 million pilgrims visited Mecca in 2008, and
some estimate that the number could rise to 20 million within the
next few years. But developers and retailers have found an unlike-
ly ally in Wahhabi clerics, who consider the veneration of histori-
cal sites to be a form of idolatry, and are happy to see all them
demolished.
"It is not permitted to glorify buildings and historical sites,"
proclaimed Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Baz, then the kingdom's highest
religious authority, in a much-publicized fatwa in 1994. "Such
action would lead to polytheism. ... [S]o it is necessary to reject
such acts and to warn others away from them."
A pamphlet published last year by the Ministry of Islamic
Affairs, endorsed by Abdulaziz Al Sheikh, the Grand Mufti of Saudi
Arabia, and distributed at the Prophet's Mosque, where
Mohammed, Abu Bakr, and the Islamic Caliph Umar ibn Al Khattab
are buried, reads, "The green dome shall be demolished and the
three graves flattened in the Prophet's Mosque," according to Irfan
Al Alawi, executive director of the London-based Islamic Heritage
Research Foundation. This shocking sentiment was echoed in a
speech by the late Muhammad ibn Al Uthaymeen, one of Saudi
Arabia's most prominent Wahhabi clerics, who delivered sermons
in Mecca's Grand Mosque for over 35 years: "We hope one day
we'll be able to destroy the green dome of the Prophet
Mohammed," he said, in a recording provided by Al Alawi.
The unholy alliance means that a handful of archeologists and
conservationists, as well as foreign NGOs, are the only voices try-
ing to prevent the destruction of these sites. The recent demoli-
tions at the Grand Mosque are just the latest victims of this inter-
section of commercial and religious interests:
Sami Angawi, the founder and former director of Mecca's Hajj
Research Center and the most vocal opponent of the destruction of
Mecca's historic sites ... estimates that over 300 antiquity sites in
Mecca and Medina have already been destroyed [by 2008], such
as the house of the first caliph, Abu Bakr, which was leveled to
make room for the Mecca Hilton Hotel. (According to Ivor
McBurney, a spokesman for Hilton, "We saw the tremendous
opportunities to tap into Saudi Arabia's religious tourism segment.")
Over protests by groups like the Islamic Supreme Council of
America and the Muslim Canadian Congress, Saudi authorities
have authorized the destruction of hundreds of antiquities, such as
an important eighteenth-century Ottoman fortress in Mecca that
was razed to make way for the Abraj Al Bait Towers-- a move the
Turkish foreign minister condemned as "cultural genocide." An
ancient house belonging to Mohammed was recently razed to
make room for, among other developments, a
public toilet facility. An ancient mosque belong-
ing to Abu Bakr has now been replaced by an
ATM machine. And the sites of Mohammed's
historic battles at Uhud and Badr have been,
with a perhaps unconscious nod to Joni
Mitchell, paved to put up a parking lot. The
remaining historical religious sites in Mecca
can be counted on one hand and will likely not
make it much past the next hajj, Angawi says:
"It is incredible how little respect is paid to the
house of God."
According to the Washington-based Gulf
Institute, almost 95 percent of Mecca's millen-
nium-old buildings have been demolished in the
past two decades alone. When I questioned
Habib Zain Al Abideen, the Saudi deputy minis-
ter of municipal and rural affairs, head of all the
kingdom's hajj-related construction projects,
about the destruction of historical sites in
Mecca, he seemed unconcerned about their
religious significance. More important to him
was that the hajj was "a good opportunity to
visit Mecca and Medina, do some shopping,
make a vacation out of it." (theatlantic.com)
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16 The Milli Gazette, 16-30 April 2013 INTERNATIONAL www.milligazette.com
Iraq: The spies who
fooled the world
PETER TAYLOR
The lies of two Iraqi spies were central to the claim - at the heart
of the UK and US decision to go to war in Iraq - that Saddam
Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. But even before the
fighting started, intelligence from highly-placed sources was
available suggesting he did not, Panorama has learned.
Six months before the invasion, the then Prime Minister Tony
Blair warned the country about the threat posed by Saddam
Hussein's weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
"The programme is not shut down," he said. "It is up and run-
ning now." Mr Blair used the intelligence on WMD to justify the
war. That same day, 24 September 2002, the government pub-
lished its controversial dossier on the former Iraqi leader's WMD.
The BBC has learned that two key pieces of intelligence,
which could have prevented the Iraq war, were either dismissed
or used selectively. Designed for public consumption, it had a
personal foreword by Mr Blair, who assured readers Saddam
Hussein had continued to produce WMD "beyond doubt".
But, while it was never mentioned in the dossier, there was
doubt. The original intelligence from MI6 and other agencies, on
which the dossier was based, was clearly qualified.
The intelligence was, as the Joint Intelligence Committee
noted in its original assessments, "sporadic and patchy" and
"remains limited". The exclusion of these qualifications gave the
dossier a certainty that was never warranted.
Intelligence failure
Much of the key intelligence used by Downing Street and the
White House was based on fabrication, wishful thinking and lies.
Lord Butler says he was unaware of some intelligence that
Saddam Hussein did not have WMD. As Gen Sir Mike Jackson,
then head of the British Army, says, "what appeared to be gold in
terms of intelligence turned out to be fool's gold, because it
looked like gold, but it wasn't". There was other intelligence, but
it was less alarming.
Lord Butler, who after the war, conducted the first govern-
ment inquiry into WMD intelligence, says Mr Blair and the intelli-
gence community "misled themselves". Lord Butler and Sir Mike
agree Mr Blair did not lie, because they say he genuinely believed
Saddam Hussein had WMD.
The most notorious spy who fooled the world was the Iraqi
defector, Rafid Ahmed Alwan al-Janabi. His fabrications and lies
were a crucial part of the intelligence used to justify one of the
most divisive wars in recent history. And they contributed to one
of the biggest intelligence failures in living memory.
He became known as Curveball, the codename given to him
by US intelligence that turned out to be all too appropriate. "I
thought we'd produced probably the best intelligence that any-
body produced in the pre-war period", said Bill Murray Former
CIA Paris station head.
Mr Janabi arrived as an Iraqi asylum seeker at a German
refugee centre in 1999 and said he was a chemical engineer, thus
attracting the attention of the German intelligence service, the
BND. He told them he had seen mobile biological laboratories
mounted on trucks to evade detection.
The Germans had doubts about Mr Janabi which they shared
with the Americans and the British. MI6 had doubts too, which
they expressed in a secret cable to the CIA: "Elements of [his]
behaviour strike us as typical of individuals we would normally
assess as fabricators [but we are] inclined to believe that a sig-
nificant part of [Curveball's] reporting is true."
The British decided to stick with Curveball, as did the
Americans. He later admitted being a fabricator and liar.
There appeared to be corroborative intelligence from another
spy who fooled the world. He was an Iraqi former intelligence offi-
cer, called Maj Muhammad Harith, who said it had been his idea
to develop mobile biological laboratories and claimed he had
ordered seven Renault trucks to put them on.
He made his way to Jordan and then talked to the Americans.
Muhammad Harith apparently made up his story because he
wanted a new home. His intelligence was dismissed as fabrica-
tion 10 months before the war. MI6 also thought they had further
corroboration of Curveball's story, when a trusted source - code-
named Red River - revealed he had been in touch with a second-
ary source who said he had seen fermenters on trucks. But he
never claimed the fermenters had anything to do with biological
agents. After the war, MI6 decided that Red River was unreliable
as a source.
Handmade suit
But not all the intelligence was wrong. Information from two high-
ly-placed sources close to Saddam Hussein was correct. Both
said Iraq did not have any active WMD. The CIA's source was
Iraq's foreign minister, Naji Sabri.
Tahir Jalil Habbush Al-Tikriti said Saddam Hussein had no
active WMD. Former CIA man Bill Murray - then head of the
agency's station in Paris - dealt with him via an intermediary, an
Arab journalist, to whom he gave $200,000 (132,000) in cash
as a down payment.
He said Naji Sabri "looked like a person of real interest -
someone who we really should be talking to". Murray put togeth-
er a list of questions to put to the minister, with WMD at the top.
The intermediary met Naji Sabri in New York in September
2002 when he was about to address the UN - six months before
the start of the war and just a week before the British dossier was
published. The intermediary bought the minister a handmade suit
which the minister wore at the UN, a sign Mr Murray took to mean
that Naji Sabri was on board.
Mr Murray says the upshot was intelligence that Saddam
Hussein "had some chemical weapons left over from the early
90s, [and] had taken the stocks and given them to various tribes
that were loyal to him. [He] had intentions to have weapons of
mass destruction - chemical, biological and nuclear - but at that
point in time he virtually had nothing".
The CIA insists the intelligence report from the "source" indi-
cated the former Iraqi president did have WMD programmes
because, the agency says, it mentioned that, "Iraq was currently
producing and stockpiling chemical weapons" and "as a last
resort had mobile launchers armed with chemical weapons".
Mr Murray disputes this account.
The second highly-placed source was Iraq's head of intelli-
gence, Tahir Jalil Habbush Al-Tikriti - the jack of diamonds in
America's "most wanted" deck of cards which rated members of
Saddam Hussein's government. A senior MI6 officer met him in
Jordan in January 2003 - two months before the war. Bill Murray
says the "best intelligence" was not used.
It was thought Habbush wanted to negotiate a deal that would
stop the imminent invasion. He also said Saddam Hussein had no
active WMD. Surprisingly, Lord Butler - who says Britons have
"every right" to feel misled by their prime minister - only became
aware of the information from Habbush after his report was pub-
lished. "I can't explain that," says Lord Butler.
"This was something which I think our review did miss. But
when we asked about it, we were told that it wasn't a very signif-
icant fact, because SIS [MI6] discounted it as something
designed by Saddam to mislead." Lord Butler says he also knew
nothing about the intelligence from Naji Sabri.
Ex-CIA man Bill Murray was not happy with the way the intel-
ligence from these two highly-placed sources had been used.
"I thought we'd produced probably the best intelligence that
anybody produced in the pre-war period, all of which came out -
in the long run - to be accurate. The information was discarded
and not used."
(This is a BBC report about its Panorama programme The
Spies Who Fooled the World shown on 18 March 2013. To
watch the programme, visit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOsHLA1CMPI&feature=e
m-share_video_user)
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INTERNATIONAL The Milli Gazette, 16-30 April 2013 17 www.milligazette.com
SHAMREEZA RIAZ
Four decades ago, over a million people died in Bangladesh war of
secession from Pakistan. Two years ago, the Awami League govern-
ment in Bangladesh decided to establish International Criminal
Tribunal (ICT) under the International Crimes Tribunal Act (ICTA,
1973) and charged several senior leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-
Islami BJI) and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of committing
crimes against humanity during the 1971 civil war.
Recently, on February 28, ICT has issued its third verdict: death
by hanging to Delwar Hossain Sayeedi of BJI, the largest Islamic
party of Bangladesh. The ICT "found" him guilty of murder, kidnap-
ping, rape and persecution of his fellow-Bengalis in 1971. The ver-
dict shocked people all over the word and many among the legal and
human rights groups and international media have raised serious
questions about this harsh punishment. International legal scholars
and human rights activists have serious reservations whether ICT
has the jurisdiction to try and punish members of BJI and BNP since
in the International Crimes (Tribunal) 1973, the Court's jurisdiction is
confined, under section 3(1) to try and punish persons who were
members of an army, defense or auxiliary forces and had commit-
ted war crimes or crimes against humanity. No one from the BJI or
BNP who is facing trial now has ever been shown to be a member
of the armed forces, defense or auxiliary forces. It is also important
to note that the leaders of BJI and BNP were not among the 195 per-
sons who were to be tried for war crimes after the independence of
Bangladesh. This is a violation of the principles of natural justice and
of fundamental rights of the accused which are guaranteed by the
Constitution of Bangladesh and several International conventions,
including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Thus trying them clearly goes beyond the jurisdiction of the tri-
bunal. This is an especially a serious lacuna since the trial is being
held more than four decades after the events and there are few eye
witnesses and even fewer circumstantial evidence available.
Then there is this retrospectively applicable amendment in the
1973 Act that eliminates the right of interlocutory appeal to an inde-
pendent tribunal under Article 47 (3) of the Constitution of
Bangladesh. In fact, the only right to appeal provided within ICTA is
against the conviction and sentence to the Bangladesh Supreme
Court. This is a clear violation of the principle of procedural justice
that constitutes an integral part of all legal systems.
The right to a fair trial is an essential right in all countries
respecting the rule of law. The right to fair trial is consid-
ered as a jus cogen norm and is recognized in both inter-
national human rights treaties and customary internation-
al law. Article 10 of Universal Declaration of Human
Rights states: "Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair
and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribu-
nal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any
criminal charge against him." Furthermore, right to fair trial is also
protected in articles 14 and 16 of International Convention on Civil
and Political Rights. If the trial is deemed unfair, it will either restart
or its verdict is considered null and void. The International Court of
Justice (ICJ) has determined that the International Crimes Tribunal of
Bangladesh does not adhere to international standards of a fair trial
and due process. According to the ICJ, "there are serious procedur-
al flaws at all stages: pre-trial release has been routinely and arbi-
trarily denied; witnesses have been abducted and intimidated; there
have been credible allegations of collusion between the Government,
prosecutors and judges." One blatant example of the collusion
between the Chief Judge of the tribunal and the prosecution was an
investigative story published in London Economist that documented
email correspondence and Skype conversation between the Chief
Judge and a Brussels-based Bangladesh lawyer who was a prose-
cution consultant. The credibility of these trials was further damaged
by the statements made by the Bangladeshi Prime Minister and sev-
eral other cabinet members on the floor of the Parliament that they
will not accept anything less than death sentences against the
accused leaders.
How the Graffiti Boys
Ignited the
Syrian Revolution
YVONNE RIDLEY
"Ashaab yureed isqat annidham." This phrase is ringing in the ears of
tyrants and despots around the Arab world and means quite simply
that the people want to bring down the regime. It is the enduring chant
of the Arab Spring, so it's hardly surprising that these are probably the
first words children learn in their cradles as they are rocked to sleep
to the beat of this rousing street anthem.
When a group of 11-year-old Syrian boys made their way home
from school one day and started larking around, as boys of that age
do, it was almost inevitable that among the graffiti they scratched on
a partially-collapsed wall would be these iconic words. By revolution-
ary standards it was an unremarkable act, hardly worthy of mention
because the same graffiti can be found on walls in most Arab coun-
tries. However, just as hard-up Tunisian fruit seller Mohammed
Bouazizi is credited with igniting the Arab Spring with his self-immo-
lation, this long forgotten, single act of childish vandalism lit the touch
paper of the Syrian Revolution.
It was a seminal moment in time that the Arab world's Leftists
would rather you forget; in their frenzied bid to rewrite the history of
the Arab Spring they want you to believe that crazed Islamists are
hijacking the peoples' revolution. The Left in Syria, you see, isn't as
cuddly as the splintered socialist groups in Britain. These are hard-line
fundamentalist, religion-hating secularists who have no room, not
even a square inch, for religion in their world; not for themselves and
not for anyone else...So Syria, you see, is probably the Arab Left's last
chance at having a revolution free from religion. This is most likely the
reason for their opposition to the revolution from the very outset
because they knew for sure that it would carry a strong religious
flavour...
But let me return to the 18 boys at the beginning of this story
because it is vitally important that we all remember exactly how the
revolution in Syria began. It did not begin with CIA interference, nor an
influx of foreign fighters, Al-Qaida, rebranded weapons from the West,
NATO or a global call across the Muslim world for jihad.This was a
reluctant revolution, a revolution forced on the people by the acts of
an evil, malevolent regime.
In fact, though, while the 18 boys may have loaded the revolu-
tionary gun way back in February 2011, the trigger was pulled by a
man called Atif Najeeb, a cousin of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad.
Within two hours of the schoolboy prank, Atif instigated raids on every
single one of the boys' homes: armed police, the military and the ubiq-
uitous security officials stormed every home at precisely the same
time, demanding that the children be handed over. Amid the drama
there was hand-wringing, cries from mothers, pleas from fathers to
take the place of their sons and general confusion and chaos.
Distraught as news swept Dar'a, in the south-west of Syria less than
six miles from the Jordanian border, the parents and their relatives
gathered outside his office, but Atif Najeeb along with Faisal Kalthoum
the governor of Dar'a, refused to meet any one of them.
For four days the families waited but not a single scrap of news
came out about the fate of their sons. Eventually, a delegation made
up of family members, local imams, the local headteacher and other
dignitaries assembled and once again demanded to see Najeeb or the
governor. After three hours they were herded into a room to meet the
governor who remained seated while deliberately keeping the delega-
tion on their feet. Culturally, this is a huge insult in the Arab world. At
this point no one had even an inkling of what the boys had done to
deserve their fate. The parents' pleas to have their children returned
were ignored and the governor advised them to forget about them.
He allegedly said: "My advice to you is that you forget you ever
had these children. Go back home and sleep with your wives and
bring other children into the world and if you cannot do that, then bring
your wives to us and we will do the job for you."
By this time families in towns and villages across the region were
shocked and outraged by what had happened and began to demon-
strate and rally to show their support for the boys, their families and
the town of Dar'a. They included local people from Dayr Al-Zawr, Idlib
and Homs. While some did suggest that it was time for a revolution,
the families kept to only two demands: the return of their children and
the sacking of the governor for his crude and inflammatory remarks.
As the pressure mounted on Kalthoum, a helicopter full of military
thugs was flown in to Dar'a to quell the unrest and during clashes with
local citizens several of the Dar'a's citizens were killed. They went to
their graves not knowing what the children had done to incur the wrath
of the governor.
Eighteen days later, when it was clear that the parents and fami-
lies would not be appeased until their children were returned, the boys
were released. Their condition was pitiful and shocking; all were trau-
matised beyond recognition. All had their finger nails extracted. One
had lost an eye while several had fractured skulls and all had at least
one broken limb. Today, those boys still bear the whip marks and
scars on their bodies which bear testimony to the brutal nature of their
detention and torture. Several of them still have nightmares recalling
the screeches and screams of their fellow inmates.
Far from calming the situation, the physical evidence that the
boys had been tortured enraged the people of Dar'a who made their
own two demands: the dismissal of the governor and justice delivered
to those who had done such wicked things to the boys including Atif
Najeeb and his torture squad.
The relatively low level demands carried on for the next six
months and those making them resisted calls for a full-blown revolu-
tion and offers of outside intervention; there were many in the Arab
world who wanted to take up arms in support of their brothers and
sisters in Dar'a and the dozens of Syrian cities and towns now in full
revolutionary mode. Moreover, while insisting that their reasonable
demands be met, some of the families pleaded for calm and even
argued that Assad could not possibly have known or allowed this
atrocity to happen. Surely, a London-graduated doctor and
Ophthalmologist could not have consented to this barbarism, they
argued.
By August the death toll across Syria had reached 1,000 and then
the foreign fighters arrived, not to help the people of Dar'a but to
destroy their spirit and morale. The fighters were mercenaries from
numerous neighbouring and distant countries including former Soviet
satellite states who, in the pay of the Assad regime, embarked on a
killing and raping spree.
The plan was to subdue the spreading uprising and instill fear in
the lives of the Syrian people, those who dared protest and those who
were considering joining the growing crowds on the streets. Instead,
the gates of Hell were opened and talks of compromise and low level
demands gave way to screams of "Ashaab yureed isqat annidham".
As news of the atrocities in Dar'a and other Syrian cities reached
Damascus some senior officers in the military could no longer stom-
ach what was being done in their name. They defected from the
regime and formed what is now known as the Free Syrian Army. It's
not an army of outsiders; it was founded by Syrian officers and grew
in popularity and prominence with the media because of its name.
Speculation is rife about the emergence of Al-Qaida, foreign
jihadists, support from Arab countries, subversive tactics by Arab
countries, infiltration by the CIA and Mossad, just about everyone, in
fact, bar the Free Wales Army. Some of the speculation is true, some
is not, but don't allow anyone to rewrite the history of the start of the
Syrian Revolution.
One day peace will come to Syria and when it does the Graffiti
Boys should be remembered and their names should go up on anoth-
er wall in Dar'a - a wall where their names can be carved with pride.
Some of them may not survive the war but some will finally enjoy
the taste of freedom. Today I salute them and remember each one by
name and urge you to remember them too, so that when Syria's his-
tory is written in full they will not be forgotten: 1) Muawiya Faisal
Sayasneh 2) Yusuf Adnan Sweidan 3) Samer Ali Sayasneh 4) Ahmed
Jihad Abazeid 5) Isa Hasan Abulqayyas 6) Ala Mansour Irsheidat
Abazeid 7) Mustafa Anwar Abazeid 8) Nidhal Anwar Abazeid 9)
Akram Anwar Abazeid 10) Nayef Muwaffaq Abazeid 11) Basheer
Farooq Abazeid 12) Ahmed Thani Irshiedat Abazeid 13) Ahmed Shukri
Al-Akram 14) Abdulrahman Nayef Al-Reshedat 15) Mohammed
Ayman Munwer Al-Karrad 16) Ahmed Nayef Al-Resheidat Abazeid
17) Nabeel Imad Al-Resheidat Abazeid 18) Mohammed Ameen Yasin
Al-Resheidat Abazeid. (seerahwest.com)
Bangladesh trials are not fair
KARAMATULLAH K. GHORI
[email protected]
Pakistan is well and truly in the grip of its
latest election fever. National elections
are set to take place, at one and the same
time, throughout Pakistan on May 11.
Elections in Pakistan have a tainted, if
not tragic, history.
Unlike India, which quickly got its act
together and drafted its constitution in
just two years, it took Pakistan four times
longer to write its first democratic consti-
tution. The first national elections under
that constitution were set for December,1958, but were aborted
by General Ayub Khans Martial Law-the first in a long series to
come-two months before that date and Pakistan slipped under the
fog of military dictatorship for the next 11 years.
The first real general elections in the country were held under
Ayubs military heir and anointed successor, General Yahya Khan,
in December 1970. They were, by all reckoning, also genuinely
free and fair. But they led to the tragic civil war in the then East
Pakistan when Yahya tried to cheat the Bengalis out of their prize
of democratic victory. The mayhem that ensued spawned the new
and independent state of Bangladesh and the breakup of Pakistan
into two in December 1971.
The result of that traumatic experience has inculcated in the
people of Pakistan a psychosis of fear and trepidation as far as
any national elections are concerned. And the impending exercise
is certainly no exception. Quite the contrary, theres so much
uncertainty unpredictability riding on this undertaking that, not to
mention political pundits straining their eyes on their crystal balls,
even ordinary Pakistanis are seized of myriad imponderables
focused on the impending elections.
The election scenario has both known and unknown vistas
challenging the people.
The known elements are familiar. Traditional political parties
that have been in the fray for so long are back into contention for
the peoples vote. Apart from long spasms of military rule in
Pakistan-which has hogged nearly half its existence as an inde-
pendent state-the two major political parties that have split the
civilian-rule between them are there, one again, with their horns
locked.
The Pakistan Muslim League, Nawaz Group (PML-N) and the
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have ruled Pakistan, alternately, in
the time spared from military rule, since the breakup of Pakistan
more than four decades ago. PML(N) is made up, largely, of those
acolytes and neophytes that General ZiaulHaq-the third Bonaparte
in the series of Pakistani military autocrats-had baptised into pol-
itics to lend his dictatorship a civilian face.
PPP, which has ruled Pakistan since its last general elections
in 2008, was founded by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, who was himself an
invention of General Ayub but later broke from his mentor to flaunt
his own credentials as a man of the masses. ZAB, as he was pop-
ularly known, was a charismatic leader. Although a feudal to his
bone marrow, ZAB was able to hawk his socialist template with
success and gathered a genuine following of the masses behind
him. However, he failed to deliver on his vaunted promises to the
people but in his years in power vaulted his autocratic instincts.
He had Pakistan completely under his thrall when he called for
fresh elections, in the spring of 1977, a few months before his
parliamentary term was due to end.
ZABs lust for dictatorial power led him to bungle those elec-
tions with massive cheating and fraud at the polls. That triggered
a popular backlash against him and opened the gates for General
ZiaulHaqs military takeover, and ZABs hanging, ultimately, at the
hands of a manipulated judiciary.
So the people of Pakistan have the bitter taste of the 1977
elections, in addition to that of the 1970 elections. Both ended in
tragedies of epic proportions. Pakistanis would be extremely
chary of history repeating itself, once again, at the impending
elections.
The Pakistani peoples fear syndrome is heightened because
of a noxious legacy of corruption the latest episode of PPP-in-
power has scribed. The PPP-dominated coalition government,
which has just completed its 5 year term in office and had ZABs
son-in-law, the notorious Asif Ali Zardari as its god-father, was, by
all reckonings, the most corrupt government of Pakistans che-
quered history.
By and large-and independent public opinion surveys of the
past one year, in particular, conducted by Pakistani and western
pollsters, corroborate the evidence-the Pakistanis would be
deeply scared at any prospect of the Zardari-led cabal of robber
barons and swindlers returning to power at the upcoming elec-
tions. The latest opinion polls have consistently put PPPs graph
at a rock-bottom. However, so frustrated and fed-up are the peo-
ple with their politicians congenital corruption and capacity to
swindle the people, that they would be approaching the impend-
ing exercise at the polls with extreme trepidation.
But in the midst of gloom there are still rays of hope and some
light at the end of the tunnel. This is because of hope induced by
the induction of a positive third force in what had very nearly
become a political match between two teams only.
The former Cricket legend and hero-turned-politician, Imran
Khan, is the cause of glimmer of hope and optimism among the
Pakistanis-particularly their younger generation-that all isnt lost,
after all.
Imran Khans induction into a moribund and decaying political
culture has been variously described by most political pundits as
a breath of fresh air. With his characteristic vigour that served
him and the Pakistan Cricket so well when he was in command of
that sport, Imran has infused a badly needed sense of purpose
and direction in politics and governance for the Pakistani youth.
On the basis of its demography, Pakistan is a young and
vibrant nation. Nearly 70 percent of the Pakistanis are under 35,
and this is the class of the populace that sees Imran not only as
its representative and paragon but also as standard-bearer of its
hopes and aspirations for a Pakistan free of corruption and loot by
traditional politics and its shaded practitioners.
Imran has carefully orchestrated his message of hope for the
youth of Pakistan. What he has been parading since rising in the
expectations of the youthful Pakistanis is the vision of a country
that will not be a play-thing in the hands of what he routinely
denounces as status-quo denizens wallowing in their putrid cor-
ruption and loot, while his is a message of hope and positive
change.
The success of huge political rallies under the banner of
Imran Khans political party, Tehrik-e-Insafor the Movement for
Justice in Pakistans major urban centres over the past one year
have been greatly instrumental in flaunting his credentials as the
third force in a hackneyed two-party system dominated by feu-
dal and vested interests. These rallies have given a quantum of
hope to his followers that someone has finally emerged with
enough vision to write a new chapter in Pakistani politics and free
the masses from the clutches of robber barons.
However, Imran Khans charisma, his youth appeal and bands
of his youthful followers still dont guarantee success for him and
his party at the polls. The reason for it is that Pakistans political
culture thrives on its tribal moorings and Baradri(clan) system.
This is very true in the case of the rural vote, and Pakistan is still
predominantly rural in its demographics. Voting has, traditionally,
been exercised, up until now, on clannish lines rather than on
party manifestos or leadership qualities of candidates.
Imran Khans success at the polls-pundits insist-will be heav-
ily contingent on his youthful followers turning up en masse to
cast their vote and, thus, turning the tide against Baradri-anchored
voting pattern.
But no matter how the chips may finally fall, for or against
him, Imran has shone a light for Pakistans disgruntled youths and
others in its educated class who have long nurtured serious
doubts about Pakistans future because of the choke-hold on its
governance by corrupt elites wedded to a system of exploitation
and sharing of spoils among a very narrow cabal of hide-bound
politicians.
There are other imponderables, too, that dont induce much
optimism that the upcoming elections would be different from
those in the past.
Pakistan electoral complex has this strange element of elec-
tions being held under a caretaker, neutral, government. So, inter-
im, caretaker, governments have been installed at the federal and
provincial level to pilot the mechanism of elections and, suppos-
edly, hold them in an ambience of impartiality where there would
be no official interference.
In theory this may sound promising that neutrals-who cannot
take part in the elections-would be calling the administrative shots
without dispensing official patronage or favours to any party or
candidate. The practice, however, is devoid of this spirit.
In the first place, the outgoing governments, at the centre as
well as the provinces, have seen to it that those inducted as care-
takers are not, really, non-partisans. This is true of the interim
cabinet installed in Islamabad, as well as in respect of those tran-
sitional governments baptized in the provinces. The caretaker PM
may be a retired judge of the apex court but has been well-known
for being a partisan of President Zardari-who remains in office as
President. Partisanship is also the name of the game in the care-
taker provincial setups. This is not to mention the role of police
and civil administrations which have been heavily politicised and
corrupted, over the years, as partisans of this or that political
party. Influence peddling-typical of any feudal culture-is Pakistans
forte, and has been so for decades.
However, some of the flip side of not-so-impartial caretaker
governments should be mitigated, if not totally obviated, by the
emergence, for the first time in Pakistan, of a powerful and non-
partisan Election Commission.
Pakistans tragic election history also has a considerable rub-
ble piled up because of yester-years toothless, feckless and par-
tisan election commissions. That was prescription for corruption
and bungling at the polls; the bitter medicine had been adminis-
tered, ad nauseam, in the past. That triggered the demand for
lending teeth to the election commission in order to make it effec-
tive and influential.
Example of the all-powerful and robustly-independent Election
Commission of India had been cited, ad nauseam, by those in
Pakistan who wanted their country to conduct elections honestly
as a prerequisite to the evolution of a genuinely democratic cul-
ture.
Many are citing it as a good omen for the success of
Pakistans upcoming electoral undertaking that it will be taking
place under an election commission which is not subservient to
the government in power and insulated from a culture of dispens-
ing favours. The Chief Election Commissioner, Justice (retired)
Fakhruddin G. Ibrahim-whose roots were in Bombay or Mumbai,
is a man of impeccable credentials and a by-word for honesty and
integrity. Every major political party active in the field has hailed
his appointment and given him a thumbs-up. The commission
under him has started flexing their muscles, especially on the
issue of integrity of candidates vying for the parliament. It has
come hard, already, on those candidates whod entered the previ-
ous parliament on fake, bogus or forged college degrees. Under
the old practice-discontinued in respect of the upcoming elec-
tions-holding a college degree was a requirement to enter the par-
liament. It now transpires that at least 54 of the parliamentarians-
federal and provincial-had submitted fake degrees to past the
muster. Courts, on cue from the Election Commission as well as
under the directive of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, have start-
ed meting out jail sentences to these forgers and liars.
And yet a climate of uncertainty and doubt still clouds the
election ambience. This is because of Pakistans ongoing and
unfortunate tryst with the demons of terrorism.
The blood-thirsty Taliban of Pakistan who have been a huge
scourge for Pakistanis for a number of years-and are responsible
for spilling the blood of thousands of innocent citizens killed in
acts of terrorism led by the Taliban-have denounced the electoral
exercise and warned those taking part in it-both politicians and the
electorate-of violent consequences. The Taliban neither recognise
Pakistans constitution, which is un-Islamic in their eyes, nor do
they have any regard for the people exercising their democratic
freedom to choose their parliamentarians.
The Taliban threat has acquired bloodier prospects and even
more sinister dimensions since the return to Pakistan of the last,
discredited, military dictator, General Pervez Musharraf.
Musharraf is a deeply tainted and flawed figure to most
Pakistanis who suffered a decade of indignity and dictatorial denial
of freedoms on his watch. He is, quite easily, the most hated
leader in the dubious pantheon of rogue Pakistani politicians. But
to the Taliban hes a pariah who joined hands with George W. Bush
in his war on terror and opened the floodgates for American
imperialism to dig its heels in the region surrounding Pakistan and
Afghanistan.
Musharrafs active presence on the election landscape-he has
returned because he still thinks he can be a saviour of Pakistan
all over again-sends shivers of fright down the spines of most
Pakistanis who understand the Talibans allergy to him and the
provocation he unnecessarily presents to terrorists and murder-
ers. So, Pakistanis and their well-wishers will have all the reason
in the world to keep their fingers crossed for the entire period
between now and the D-Day of May 11.
Election fever in Pakistan is to
test its resilience
On the basis of its demography, Pakistan is a young and vibrant nation. Nearly 70
percent of the Pakistanis are under 35, and this is the class of the populace that sees
Imran not only as its representative and paragon but also as standard-bearer of its
hopes and aspirations for a Pakistan free of corruption and loot by traditional politics
and its shaded practitioners.
18 The Milli Gazette, 16-30 April 2013 INTERNATIONAL www.milligazette.com
Monster of Grbavica gets
45 years for war crimes
Sarajevo: Veselin Vlahovic, a former Bosnian Serb paramilitary
dubbed the "Monster of Grbavica", was jailed on 29 March for 45
years for inflicting a reign of terror on Sarajevo civilians during
the 1992-95 war. "During systematic repression against the non-
Serb population he participated in expulsion of his victims, he
committed murders, he tortured, raped and imprisoned his vic-
tims," Mr Judge Zoran Bozic said at the sentencing in a packed
Sarajevo courtroom. The sentence against Vlahovic (in file
photo), a Montenegrin, is the most severe delivered for war
crimes by a Bosnian court. Dressed in light blue shirt, Vlahovic,
43, showed no reaction when the verdict was read out, drawing
applause from members of victims' associations in the heavily
guarded courtroom. Vlahovic, sentenced on all 60 counts in his
indictment, committed the crimes between May and July 1992,
in three Sarajevo neighbourhoods controlled by Serb forces dur-
ing the war ~ Grbavica, Kovacici and Vraca. "He killed 31 peo-
ple, took 14 people who have still been considered missing,
raped 13 women," prosecutor Behaija Krnjic said in a closing
statement, having said earlier in the trial that Vlahovic's "name
was the synonym for evil".
Bosnia's war claimed some 100,000 lives and created two
million refugees, almost half of the country's pre-war population.
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Paris: Alarmed by the woes brought to humanity
by Islamophobia and extremism, and seeking to
identify and maximize the opportunities of dia-
logue, cooperation and reconciliation with fellow
citizens, Muslim minority leaders, scholars and
activists from 20 countries held a 3-day colloqui-
um in Paris during 29-31 March, 2013. The initia-
tive was launched by the US-based World of All
Foundation in association with the Qatar-based
International Union for Muslim Scholars (IUMS)
under the theme Living Where We Dont Make
Rules.
South Africa remains a global model for how
Muslim minorities should integrate into society,
said the founder of World for All Foundation and
the current South African ambassador to the US,
Ebrahim Rasool, during the Paris meet. Rasool
said South African Muslims have made social
cohesion look fairly easy since the advent of
democracy. Each country represented at the col-
loquium experienced varying degrees of difficulty
when it came to its Islamic identity. If you listen
to the Muslims living in France, you get the sense
of stifling secularism and the country is even mov-
ing towards banning any outwardly Muslim form
of dressing he said. There is a huge infrastruc-
ture deficit in Europe as there are not enough
masajid and madaris for the Muslim communities
present in France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany
and the like. South African Muslims often take
this type of infrastructure development for grant-
ed, he said. Across the board, we need to win the
battle in order to develop indigenous teachers at
madrasa, because there is a complete mismatch
between those scholars and those on the
ground.
The theme of the colloquium Living Where
We Dont Make the Rules distinctly discussed the
Muslim dilemma in relation to countries and soci-
eties where Muslim are a minority. Renowned
scholars from both the minority and majority
Islamic countries attended the event. Eventually,
there were 22 countries including places such as
Russia, Romania and Brazil. Each country related
their experience through various degrees of dis-
cussion. We were surprised at the fact that indi-
viduals such as Sheikh Ali Qaradaghi of the IUMS,
Sheikh Rashid Ghannoushi and Tariq Ramadan
were able to spend the three days discussing and
tackling the issues related to the theme extensive-
ly. We all left the event inspired and with great
direction as to what is required within our coun-
tries, the ambassador said adding, the WFAF and
IUMS are set to establish fiqh councils, which
would be drawn from the local population and
push very strongly for womens representation.
The involvement of women in this initiative is
integral as the West often views Islam as a religion
of gender bias. In countries like the US women
are venturing to the moon, whereas in Saudi
Arabia they are not even allowed to drive, he said.
The second element that they hope to introduce is
a programme to develop indigenous ulama and
teachers so they are able to engage with the local
Muslim learners on a similar level.
Sheikh Rashid Ghannoushi related the
importance of Muslim involvement in their own
countries and South Africa was seen as a shining
example, as Muslims are part of the highest
reaches within government, the law as well as
other professions. The head of the Democratic
Muslim Caucus from the Obama Administration of
the US was also present at the colloquium.
The next broad area is to convene a multi-
cultural, interfaith conversation and a representa-
tive of the Italian Muslim population was present
as well. They had met with the new Catholic Pope
Francis I and had begun to lay the basis for a dia-
logue between the world of Islam and the Catholic
world to see where the over-arching values are,
where we differ theologically and how we can
manage that in order to create a more spiritually
and materially equal society. (Excerpted from a
report by Aqeelah Bawa -- vocfm.co.za).
The following declaration was issued at the
end of the colloquium:
We, members of Muslim Minority Communities,
drawn from six Continents and 20 countries, gath-
ered in Paris from 29 to 31 March 2013, moved
by the urgency to ensure deep and lasting relation-
ships with our fellow citizens across the world. We
have gathered in our diversity as Muslim scholars,
academics, professionals, entrepreneurs, leaders,
activists, and media practitioners, to find a com-
mon voice for more than 25 percent of the global
Muslim Community that is present in almost every
country of the world. This fact asserts eloquently
that almost every society is multicultural with its
Muslim citizens integral to it. Whether these soci-
eties will become dynamic, creative, cohesive,
respectful and cosmopolitan is what has brought
us together, for we are mindful of the injunction:
God created the Earth for all humanity. [Qur'an
55: 10].
We have been convened by the World for All
Foundation and the International Union of Muslim
Scholars because of our collective concern that
Muslims and their fellow citizens are drifting apart,
that the space for engagement is diminishing, and
that, at the heart of this process are the twin chal-
lenges of Islamophobia and Extremism. The one rein-
forces the other, and we need to confront both. But
we have not convened in despair. We convened
because we are also seeing an opportunity to reposi-
tion ourselves, rethink our relationships with fellow
citizens, and harness better the resources at our dis-
posal to participate in the decision-making process-
es, and share in the ownership, of our countries.
This opportunity presents itself in the surge
for freedom, democracy, human rights and digni-
ty across the world, including in Muslim societies,
creating a synergy with us who have enjoyed
these over many generations where we are citi-
zens. This opportunity also comes from a world
drained and exhausted from decades of militarism
and violence to resolve political, social and eco-
nomic problems. Most importantly, there is an
opportunity as we all emerge from the long night
of suspicion, fear, antipathy and hostility after the
tragedy of 9/11, to reach out to each other in a
spirit of empathy and healing, reconciliation and
resolve.
This Colloquium is determined to mitigate our
mutual concerns, explore together where the
opportunities will take us, and through honest dia-
logue - free of platitudes - find ways to share the
spaces we already occupy jointly: where we live,
work, pray and play. We enrich all these spaces
when our diversity enables our uniquenesses to
form a creative whole.
Realising these goals is achievable, but will
not be easy. The experiences we shared over the
three days of deliberation speak of challenges
ranging, among others, from practices on immi-
gration to rhetoric on Shariah. But the Colloquium
was far more aware of the need for leadership. A
transition may be afoot, if we have the collective
will. Leadership for Muslim Minorities entails,
amongst others, that:
- We dialogue with fellow citizens about elim-
inating Islamophobia in attitude, word and deed -
even as we reflect on how our behavior, behavior
in our name, and often our silences, help make us
objects of fear;
- We engage our societies about the contribu-
tion we continue to make to the nations we share
- even as we evaluate whether our differences and
number, that constitute us as a minority, are not in
danger of casting us as the constant outsider;
- We reassure global citizens that the teach-
ings of our faith are unequivocal about the need to
respect the intrinsic value, honour and dignity of
all humans irrespective of difference - even as we
grapple with matters which trouble and frustrate
us about some interpretations and practices that
justify a resort to violence, condone the unequal
treatment of women, and engender sectarianism
amongst us; and
- We invite them to walk the road of courage
with us, together, as we manage the uncertainties
of globalization and the vulnerabilities of a world
mired in recession.
Responding to the theme: Living Where We
Dont Make The Rules, the Colloquium trawled
the Scripts and Scholarship of Islam, reignited the
values and objectives of our faith, and reinvigorat-
ed the traditions and treasures of our history. We
are convinced that living by the Maqasidus-
Shariah, our objectives and values, and guided by
our ethics and principles, and accessing Gods
promise of desiring ease for us, we can indeed
unfold a Jurisprudence of Citizenship, and a
Paradigm of Shared Spaces, to bring comfort to
over 300 million Muslims living as minorities in
varied historical and social circumstances, and
reassurance to, and partnership with, all our fel-
low citizens of the world. In this, we are deeply
aware that the Qur'an defines for us both the rights
we should expect, and the responsibilities we
should fulfill: God does not forbid you in relation
to those who do not fight you for your faith, nor
from those who do not drive you from your
homes, from being kind and acting with justice
towards them. Indeed, God loves those who are
just. [Qur'an 60:9]
Even as we claim the right for the profession
and practice of our faith, we ensure the mutual
enjoyment of that right; and as we seek the peace
and security for ourselves, we guarantee it to oth-
ers. In our quest to be kind and just to those with
whom we enjoy such mutuality, we express it
through integration in society, sharing a common
national identity, and through practices of recipro-
cation. As one example, we have seen the
Muslims of South Africa participating in the strug-
gle against apartheid and integrating in a
Democratic and Free South Africa, and we are
inspired by the dignity they project and the enrich-
ment they add to their nation, thus demonstrating
the potential for harmonizing the relationship
between faith and society.
As Muslims, we need to transform our emo-
tions into strategy, our intentions into actions, and
our ambiguity into decisiveness. Guided by Islam,
learning from an array of best practices drawn
from a variety of countries and programmes, and
inspired to be citizens where we live, we are set on
the imaginative and creative rethinking of our iden-
tities and roles, committed to meeting the com-
mon social, economic and political challenges for
the betterment of all our respective societies, and
mustering the courage to defuse the potential for
both Islamophobia and Extremisms.
We leave Paris with a network across the six
continents to realize the Vision of Shared Societies
and a commitment to harness the power of a
Jurisprudence of Citizenship. This network is
charged with convening a broader, more represen-
tative, gathering of Muslim Minorities to utilize the
current moment of opportunity to conceptualise
and construct such Shared Spaces in which
peace and security for all will be the basis of our
mutuality of faith, and the plurality in our citizen-
ship. An outcome of this necessarily has to be
reflected in the methodologies we develop for the
education of our communities and its religious
leadership to ensure an effective response to our
lived realities and the challenges faced by our
emerging generations, and the deployment of all
forms of media for the correct projection of our
image and message.
This network will also be charged with struc-
turing our Dialogue with Fellow Citizens of other
faiths and cultures, ensuring our engagement with
people made vulnerable in a difficult and, some-
times harsh, world, and finding solidarity with
those who are marginalized and alienated because
they are different. In doing so, we exert ourselves,
and exhort all Muslims, to rise above the issues
and injuries we may harbor, and rather to respond
to the call of God: Co-operate with each other in
pursuit of the good and piety! [Qur'an 5: 2]
(Dr Syed Zafar Mahmood of Interfaith Coalition repre-
sented India in this colloquium. Zafarul-Islam Khan,
editor of The Milli Gazette too was invited but he
could not get visa in time)
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Paris Colloquium on Muslim Minorities
20 The Milli Gazette, 16-30 April 2013 ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVES www.milligazette.com
Book Reviewed: Sampradayik Dangon ka Sach
Written and Compiled by L.S. Hardenia
Publisher: Bhar tiya Gyan Vigyan Samiti, Delhi,
[email protected]
Year: 2012
Pages: 200
Price: Rs 200
RAM PUNIYANI
Communal violence has been the bane of South Asian countries
in general and India in particular. There are many a scholarly work
and analysis of this painful phenomenon. The book under review
is a mix of journalistic accounts of various communal riots by the
author, supplemented by essays by him and other authorities on
the subject, which help us understand the nature of this phenom-
enon. In a way it is a total window to the phenomenon of commu-
nal violence and takes into account the changing profile of the
communal strife through his own observations and through ana-
lytic essays by people like Asghar Ali Engineer, Vibhuti Narain Rai
and Rajendra Sharma amongst others. It is a comprehensive vol-
ume giving good insight into this tragic fact of our society.
The author is very perceptive about the changing nature of
communal violence. Before independence, it was a clash between
two religious communities with Police as the neutral intervener.
Later gradually the riots started being one-sided and Police start-
ed openly siding with Hindus. One can add to this that lately, e.g.,
in Dhule in Maharashtra last year, it was more an attack by the
police on the hapless Muslim minority.
The author has made the book broad-based by incorporating
the anti-Sikh and anti-Christian violence also. He does point out
that it is the poor of the community who suffer most in the vio-
lence, but one can add to this that lately even the middle class and
the rich have been brought into the ambit of violence with death
and destruction of their properties being a prominent observation
in the violence since last two decades.
The author very aptly points out that violence is brought about on
purpose -- it gets engineered due to economic and political reasons.
This is a matter of big confusion, as many think that communal vio-
lence is based on religious reasons, while the real fact is that religion
is used as an instrument in the whole process. The author recalls a
very touching incident of Hindu-Muslim unity during the 1857 war of
Independence. During this, an appeal was issued that during Bakar Id
the cows or even buffaloes should not be slaughtered. Later, with the
Muslim and Hindu communal organizations coming up, British played
their divide and rule policy and encouraged the communal organi-
zations of both the communities. The author does well to give a
chronological account of the history of communal violence going
through the period of freedom movement, era of Nehru, to the pres-
ent day and elaborates the role which agitations like Ram temple
movement initiated by BJP played in the whole tragedy.
The high point of the book is an analysis of inquiry commission
reports presented by commissions instituted by the Government.
What comes out from this is that the recommendations of most of the
commission reports were put in the cold storage. Also the role of
communal organizations in instigating the violence becomes clear
from the analysis of these reports. An interesting observation about
Mumbai violence 1992-93 and later Mumbai blast 1993 is that while
the guilty of communal violence are still roaming free, those who were
part of the blasts have been punished as per the law! The reason is
that during violence State officials and Hindus were involved and while
in the bomb blasts only Muslims were involved.
The analysis of the role of police and media is very insightful.
Hardenia has been part of many riot investigations, which were
done with great amount of meticulousness. One observation from
his investigations is that by now the minority community is losing
faith in the police machinery.
The author also takes pains to analyze two major carnages,
the one of Mumbai 1992-93 and the other of Gujarat 2002.
Srikrishna report, which has been a sort of landmark in riot inves-
tigation, is very well summarized for the readers. One knows that
despite these truths available in the public domain many a mis-
conception prevails and people are unaware of these facts.
The strength of this book is to present these investigations to
the society in a simple and lucid style.
While describing these events, what comes forth is the wors-
ening condition of the Muslim minorities in the country. At the
same time the weaknesses in law while dealing with the violence
are brought forward. This latter point has become very important
currently as the present Government has promised a new law for
curbing communal violence, but thats nowhere in sight. The real
issue is the lack of accountability and those not performing their
duties are getting away without any punishment. What is needed
is a law to punish the guilty and those aiding and abetting the
crime and not controlling the violence when possible.
The book also includes the classic findings of Dr. V.N. Rais
research on communal violence. Dr. Rai for his doctoral work
points out that there is heavy bias against Muslims amongst the
police personnel. The study of Rai, though old, is relevant even
now, as things have worsened as far as police bias is concerned.
There are chapters on communal violence of 2005 and 2006 by
Asghar Ali Engineer. Dr. Engineer has been producing reports about
the communal violence every year. The Author/Compiler would have
done better by including two latest articles by Dr Engineer -- the ones
pertaining to the last two years for example.
In addition, the book also needed an update for the year
2012, and a brief summary of the trends on communal violence
during the last couple of years, which would have enhanced its
worth.
In general, it is a very good compilation to apprise the
reader about the nature of violence, the attitude of police, the
role of media, the lacunas of law and the need to curb the vio-
lence for the sake of a better society. Mr. Hardenia needs to be
complimented for this contribution. It will surely be an eye-
opener to many and will act as a myth buster about communal
violence to most of us.
The Truth of Communal Violence
BOOKS The Milli Gazette, 16-30 April 2013 21 www.milligazette.com
An interesting observation about Mumbai vio-
lence 1992-93 and later Mumbai blast 1993 is
that while the guilty of communal violence are
still roaming free, those who were part of the
blasts have been punished as per the law! The
reason is that during violence state officials and
Hindus were involved and while in the bomb
blasts only Muslims were involved.
Ilaiahs Tilak is
communal to
the core
Book: Untouchable God
Author: Kancha Ilaiah
Publishers: Samya
Pages: 248
Price: Rs 350
K
ancha Ilaiah is not an easy scholar to
digest, with his brutal polemic against
the Brahminical dominance of the Indian
caste order. His latest assault, appropri-
ately titled Untouchable God, is a progression of
the unique line of argument he has forwarded
since he burst onto the Indian sociological scene
with his seminal work Why I am Not a Hindu: A
Sudra Critique of Hindutva Philosophy, Culture
and Political Economy.
In the struggle for a de-casteised society,
Ilaiahs has been a radically exclusive position,
unimagined even in Dr B. R. Ambedkars phe-
nomenal scholarly and political interventions
which encompassed annihilation of caste as a
route towards the Utopia of a casteless and
egalitarian India. Ilaiah turned the narrative of
systemic exclusion and subjugation of Dalits
based on debasement of labour literally on its
head and conceptualised labour as an asset and
a medium of creativity. As opposed to the works
of scholars such as M. N. Srinivas who suggest-
ed Brahminical and dominant world views as
worthy prototypes for social mobility, Ilaiah pro-
posed the Dalitbahujan society as an exemplary
model. In his essay Dalitisation and Hinduisation
(1996), beautifully analysed in comparison with
Ambedkars Castes in India (1917) and
Srinivass Sanskritisation (1952) by Kalpana
Kannabiran in Sociology of Caste and the
Crooked Mirror: Recovering B. R. Ambedkars
Legacy (Economic and Political Weekly,
January 24, 2009), Ilaiah suggests Dalitisation
as a process that can establish a more just
social order.
He presents Dalit society
as a model worthy of imita-
tion as, in sharp contrast to
the Brahminical order, the
Bahujan samaj establishes
more egalitarian relations
between men and women;
where ideas of creativity and
knowledge systems are
closely tied to productive
processes and artisanry and
also draw from agriculture
and animal husbandry. As
opposed to Brahminical
society, which enforces a
disjuncture between mental
and physical labour (mental
and intellectual labour being
the exclusive domain of the Brahmin while phys-
ical labour, consigned to the Shudra, is
debased), the two constantly reinforce and
enrich each other in Ilaiahs conceptualisation of
the Dalit society as a model.
Untouchable God attempts to take this argu-
ment further by launching a scorching attack on
the venerated historical figures of the freedom
struggle, the radical Left movement and the
reforms being intermittently attempted by
Islamic and Christian proselytizers. The idea, as
far as one can make out, is to debunk the com-
fortable notion that the reformists engaged in the
freedom struggle or in communist assertions
had managed to de-class themselves, or were
also working towards a casteless society.
To some extent, Ilaiah does manage to
unmask the unparalleled hypocrisy in the
Bhadralok communists personal and political
lives as he exposes the dangerous dash of reli-
gious revivalism that Bal Gangadhar Tilak suc-
cessfully introduced in the struggle against the
British.
And as befits Ilaiahs polemical streak, the
critique invariably takes the form of pamphle-
teering.
To perhaps avoid unnecessary libel actions
or confront the hordes of zealots from
Maharashtra, Ilaiahs Tilak is fictional. He calls
him Dharmalankar
Chanakya Tilak aka D. C.
Tilak and assassinates his
character with undisguised
contempt. There are no
redeeming features in
Ilaiahs Tilak. He is a
Brahminical fanatic, more in
the mould of the RSS ideo-
logue Madhav Sadashiv
Golwalkar than the radical
right-wing corner the real-
life Tilak occupied in the
Indian National Congress,
along with Bipin Chandra Pal
and Lala Lajpat Rai.
In fact, Ilaiah more or
less credits the fictional
Tilak for the formation of the
fictional RSS which he refers to as Bharatkhanda
Protection Sangh (BPS).
The trouble is that Ilaiah is tailoring history
to support his thesis. But one cannot argue with
him because a factual argument is being made
in the form of fiction. Ilaiahs Tilak is a Muslim-
basher who created the fictional RSS. Now, if
one argues that unlike the RSS, which has had
practically no contribution in the freedom strug-
gle because it considered the three internal ene-
mies - Muslims, Christians and Communists as
a greater threat than the British, the real-life Tilak
was undoubtedly the pioneer of the anti-colonial
Swaraj movement.
As A. G. Noorani has forcefully contended
in Savarkar and Hindutva: The Godse
Connection, the RSS and its political progeny,
the BJP have unconvincingly tried to foist the
label of freedom fighter on their ideologue
V. D. Savarkar. Terming the RSSs attempts to
foist its ideological ancestors on the freedom
movement as brazen falsehood, Noorani
proves that Savarkar never dared use arms
himself in the killing of Curzon Wylue and col-
lector A.M.T. Jackson, and once convicted,
prostrated before the British in an abject and
demeaning way.
This is a far cry from Bal Gangadhar Tilak
whose preoccupations presumably did not
include ranting against Muslims. In 1908 when
Khudiram Bose was hanged for erroneously
killing two women whom he mistook for travel-
ling in the carriage of Chief Presidency
Magistrate Douglas Kingsford of Calcutta, Tilak
strongly defended the revolutionary and was
arrested for sedition. On being asked whether he
had anything to say, Tilak memorably said: All
that I wish to say is that, in spite of the verdict of
the jury, I still maintain that I am innocent. There
are higher powers that rule the destinies of men
and nations; and I think, it may be the will of
Providence that the cause I represent may be
benefited more by my suffering than by my pen
and tongue. He was sentenced to six years in
prison.
Contrast this with what Ilaiah quotes the fic-
tional Tilak as saying as he collaborates in the
formation of the fictional RSS: Silence! All of
You! Do not bother with Christianity and the
British now. If we are successful, the Indian
Christians will be at our feet forever. Our first pri-
ority must be to break their alliance with the
Muslims because those people do the
Christians bidding. They are their arms and
legs. We must hack off those limbs before they
take the axe to us first
In the same vein, he mocks the revolutionar-
ies from Bengal; the Bhadralok, Presidency
College crowd, a generation that was wiped out
as the State extinguished the Naxalbari uprising
and its aftermath in a bloodied swoop. Ilaiah
caricaturises these young men and women,
trapped as he believes they were in their
Brahminical existence even as he idolises
Pariah, whose life is the redemption point as
the book climaxes.
Ilaiah does well to rubbish some popular
myths and exper tly brings to fore issues relat-
ed to caste that a century of freedom struggle,
post-Independence reforms, social move-
ments and even the communists have failed to
address. But if the idea was to popularise his
model of the Dalitbahujan samaj and carica-
ture the Brahmins, this is a spectacularly dis-
appointing effor t. Much more is expected of
him than this amateurish fictionalising of pop-
ular figures.
POORNIMA JOSHI
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MG
MG serves the whole mankind
Justly treating both foe and friend
Analysing nice and vice
Without any prejudice
Never supporting a Muslims misdeed
Nor ignoring a non-Muslims good deed
No place for flattery
No room for debauchery
Highlighting courageous acceptance of Truth & Justice
Frankly condemning weak pampering of untuth & injustice
Sultan A. Patel, Khanpur Deh - 392150
II
I am a regular reader of MG since its inception. I read with inter-
est the letter published in MG, 16-31 March 2013 by
Faheemuddin of Nagpur which highlights the noble work done by
MG team. I request our brothers to strengthen the hands of MG by
enrolling as a subscriber along with friends to spread the positive
messages through MG which is our duty.
Muhammad Azam, Karimnager. A P
III
May Allah Grant us the strength necessary to pass through these
difficulties. MG is a an important organ of Muslim India. I consid-
er supporting it is very crucial just like we voice for various
Muslim causes in India. It is a matter of survival. We had one
Muslim India - is there any attempt to relaunch it?
Shamsuddin K., Kerala
An Advice To Sanjay Dutt
Clear injustice has been done to you. The judges have committed
still more injustice to Ajmal Qasab and Afzal Guru. They have been
hanged under the pressure of political parties. The judges have
passed stricture of 5 years imprisonment in the same pattern.
Now a former Supreme Court judge has intervened the judgment
and found fault with it. The whole thing is that the rulers and
judges have forgotten that there is one Supreme Power also there
and He has given a chance to the rulers and the judges. He will
take action against the rulers and judges on the day of judgment.
Mr Dutt need not worry. God will protect him and will give him
patience if he loves Him with pure heart.
Dr AH Maqdoomi, Hyderabad
The curse of co-education
With regard to sexual assaults on girls, is it not high time to think
what at all our society has gained by adopting co-education?
Before establishing ladies banks, shops, offices etc. Why dont
they revert to the old days of separate boys and girls schools? Old
was gold indeed. S. Akhtar, Khanpur Deh - 392150
Musalmano ke thekedar
Shahi Imam Syed Ahmad Bukhari announced that he is breaking
his relations with Samajwadi party and that his kin also resigned
from membership of the legislative council on 16 March because
Muslims are not getting their due and after one year of SP rule no
promise is fulfilled and at least 12 major riots played havoc with
Muslims. When a reporter asked Ramgopal Singh Yadav, brother
of Mulayam Singh and senior SP leader, about Imam Bukharis
stand, he replied: is Imam Bukhari a thekedar of Muslims?
Samajwadi Party and Mulayam Singh must tell why they are tak-
ing Muslims for granted? In one year nothing good has been deliv-
ered. Mulayam Singh must tell us how many elections he wants
to win only on the basis of mere promises? S. Haque, Patna
Muslims in jails
Since past few years, all across India, hundreds of young Muslim
men are jailed and tortured for their alleged links to terror.
However, the police are invariably unable to muster clearcut evi-
dences except few vague theories. Thus a caricature narrative
seems to have come out from a paranoid imagination. Sheer com-
munal prejudice and a copycat war on terror mentality on the part
of keystone cops seems to be busily chasing the bearded look-
alikes of Osama Bin Laden in Indias nook and corners, seem to
have led to a bizarre kind of situation wherein hundreds of arrests
or innocent Muslim youths are taking place without actually catch-
ing the real culprits of the bomb blasts. Why have the Andhra
police not been able to successfully investigate, bring to trial and
secure a conviction in several of the blast cases, which have
occurring in the city of Hyderabad? Indeed, there is hardly any
answer to this key question. Social prejudice and religious dis-
crimination must be separated from terror investigations. The
police must resist the temptation to jump the gun, arrest Muslims
and announce names of suspected groups within hours of a blast
to satisfy the so called patriotic media. So far, with the exception
like the Additional Sessions Judge Vijendar Bhats scathing
denunciation of police conduct in terror cases in February 2011,
ironically no one sees the courts warning the investigative agen-
cies strongly enough. It is a positive sign that the NIA (National
Investigation Agency) has developed a culture of admitting it was
wrong. However, generally, there is an inability on the part of
police to be patient about collecting evidence carefully and
painstakingly over a period of time. Lastly, the police should be
completely transparent on why the Muslim youths were caught
and must openly state on what basis the youths were occupied.
Mohd Ziyaullah Khan, Nagpur- 440013
[email protected]
Waqf properties occupied
During the past two years I have been reading MG articles. The
information is good. Waqf lands in states like Delhi have been
occupied by government officials. I urge you to pay close atten-
tion to such things. Nellai Saleem, Tirunelveli
[email protected]
Established rule trampled in case of a Muslim
Junior scientist Ahmad Mirza had a two-year job contract with
DRDO, Bangaluru, but DRDO broke the contract immediately
when police implicated him in terror charges. In the whole world
there is an established rule that if any government or private
company employee faces a charge, he is suspended till proven
guilty and if not, he gets back his job with full pay and perks for
the suspended period. This established law is trampled in India in
case of Muslims implicated in terror charges as happened to
Aiyaz Ahmad Miraza and Rashid Hussain of Infosys who was fired
from job when falsely implicated in Jaipur blast case. Rashid
Hussain got the infosys job after three years judicial fight. On the
other hand, Col. Purohit, the mastermind of saffron terror, is still
getting his full pay and perks regularly while in jail.
S. Haque, Patna
US-UK war crimes
The war crime that US and UK committed in invading Iraq on spu-
rious and fraudulent pretexts when intelligence was tailored to
help justify the war should not get unpunished. The free world
owes it to future generations to stand up for world justice and
accountability. Bush and Blair acted no less illegally and brutally
as Hitlers own spree of invasions. Both should be treated as war
criminals. BBC coverage has very conveniently avoided any men-
tion of the role of American Jewish Neo-cons. That goes to show
how the warmongers can successfully cover up their tracks. The
world should not be misguided by such blatant dirty tricks, so as
to forestall any such crimes being committed by the warmongers
in days to come. Hundreds and thousands died on both sides, but
the conspirators are freely operating, probably for the next kill.
Ghulam Muhammed, Mumbai
[email protected]
Balwant Singh Bakhasar and late Abdul Haadi
Please verify and correct information regarding Th. Balwant Singh
Bakhasar. With reference to your article about late Abdul Haadi
(http://www.milligazette.com/news/690-abdul-hadi-gandhi-of-
rajasthan-indian-muslims), it is correct to call Haadi Saheb
Gandhi of Rajasthan but his brother was not killed by Balwant
Singh but by someone else who was related to Balwant Singh.
Secondly, Balwant Singh went to jail for a short period of time but
never for this case as mentioned in your article. Therefore, I
humbly request you to verifty and correct your information for the
same. I have seen old photos of Abdul Haadi Saheb with Thakur
Balwant Singh meeting cordially and sharing public dais -- see:
ht t p: / / en. wi ki pedi a. org/ wi ki / Bal want _Si ngh_Bakhasar ;
ht t p: / / www. f acebook. com/ pages/ Th- Bal want - Si ngh-
Bakhasar/341084415990351. Surender Singh Sodha
[email protected]
Disobedience to the Quran & Sunnah cause of our condition
The survival of the fittest, the natural rule, is applied to all castes,
creeds, colours, cultures, races and regions. Today the scope and
sphere of our worldly life is so much extended that we care least
for the impact of the chemistry of normal and spiritual aspects on
life. The mankind is now tired of bearing the burden of materialis-
tic civilization and is crying for peace and justice, the two being
directly proportional to one another. The root cause for the preva-
lent condition of Muslim community is its disobedience to the
Holy Quran & Sunnah in its practical life. The community is divid-
ed into different castes, sects, sections, groups and parties etc.
Each one struggles hard to establish its superiority over others
instead of struggling for its own existence.
Shaista Bano, Aligarh (U. P.)
Indian democracy in peril
In case of analysing the present democratic government system
of India, every patriot may agree that it is now at the shaping point
of mockery with no sign of improvement in near future. The orig-
inal definition appeared to have been replaced in our country by
new one as democracy is a boon for few, by few and of few
whereas it is bane for 80% Indians who have now lost faith in the
present form of democracy where only powerful, influmential,
rich, greedy dishonest, corrupt, cunning, shrewed and oppor-
tunist people in the guise of politicians made their way to the par-
liament and assemblies by using their money power, muscle
power and other medias. Voting power is not used by the voters
intelligently as per their whim and will as they are totally ignorant
of the value of their vote which is purchased by the politicians by
way of exploitation whereas all political parties have majority of
jugglers under their roofs thus making the houses goofy congre-
gation. Faheemuddin, Nagpur
Mosque razed in Kairana
This is with reference to the news item in an Urdu daily regarding
the demolition of a mosque and setting it ablaze in Kairana, UP,
which is highly deplorable as it has taken place under the wathc
of a secular government. It is equally deplorable that Hindi and
English media have totally ignored this news. I hope that your
esteemed fortnightly will publish all the facts leading to the dem-
olition of the mosque.
Syed Najeeb Ahmad, Advocate, Azamgarh UP
[email protected]
Punish the culprits of 1992 riots also
The culprits of 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts case are convicted by
the supreme court. Infact, these bomb - blasts were reaction and
revenge of large scale anti - Muslim riots in Mumbai in 1992, after
demolition of Historic Babri Masjid. Justice srikrishna commis-
sions 800 pages volumous report on 1992 Mumbai anti-Muslim
riots is a land mark judgement of Indias independent judiciary.
The communal parties had called the report anti-hindu. Justice
srikrishna is a practicing Hindu, known for his honesty and impar-
tiality. Eminent jurists, journalists, leaders, social workers etc had
supported the report. The central government had failed to save
the secular and democratic character of India based on law. We
appeal to the Maharashtra govt and the central govt and the judi-
ciary to fully implement justice srikrishna commission report and
prosecute and punish the culprits, their master-minds and con-
spirators at the earliest.
G. Hasnain Kaif, Bhandara - 441904 (Maharashtra)
God and Nature
I have gone through the letter What kind of worship? by Mr.
Sultan A. Patel (MG 1-15 April 13) and wanted to add a few lines
on it. According to the Holy Quran, God has created everything,
seen or unseen in the heavens and earth and all that is between
them. The Holy Quran announces: Be Allah glorified! Whatsoever
is in the heaven and the earth is His. He is the Originator of the
heavens and the earth. When He decreeth a thing, He saith unto it
onlyBe and it is(2:116-117). God has thus manifested in the
Universe through His marvellous creations and this creations are
His Signs now called the Nature in the modern terminology. To
call the nature God is the highest form of ignorance because the
nature means everything created by God in the Universe.
Everything in the nature is punctual following a particular law for
its discipline resulting in the existence of Universe properly. The
particular law being followed by everything in the Universe is
called the Law of Nature and its maker and designer is called
God. By following the law of Nature everything has become
subservient to God. Unfortunately a large section of people wor-
ships some objects in the nature whether seen or unseen living or
dead Worldly or celestial instead of God Who has created them. It
is an insurrection against the Sovereignty of God.
Muhammad Abdus Samad, Dhubri, Assam
[email protected]
What is the difference between BJP and Congress?
At the outset, let me clarify in unambiguous terms that I am nei-
ther a sympathizer, supporter or fan of BJP nor Congress. I am not
affiliated to any of the political parties. Whenever communal riots
take place in India Muslims and secularists blame BJP, RSS, VHP,
ABVP, Bajrang Dal etc. Did riots not take place during Congress
rule? From Jabalpur in 1961 to Bharatpur in 2012, the Congress
has failed to control communal riots. In Maharshtra, Congress
Government has failed to implement Justice Shrikrishna
Commission report. In Assam, Muslims have been slaughtered
under a Government headed by Congress. In Gujarat, communal
riots took place in 1969, 1982 and 1983 during the Congress
regime. In Gujarat, during 2002 post-Godhara riots, this letter-
writer has seen many a Congressite worker killing Muslims, rap-
ing Muslim women, looting Muslim shops, burning Muslim prop-
erties and guiding the mobs. No doubt, honourable exceptions
may be there but they are very few. Yet the Congress has not been
labelled as anti-Muslim and communal and it still garners sub-
stantial Muslim votes. What explains the dichotomy in public
response to the riots under the BJP rule as compared to those
under Congress Governments? Why we remember the riots under
BJP and not those under Congress, which too has been responsi-
ble for the spilling of blood and untold miseries. Congressite
Hindus (read Brahmins) and BJPs Hinuds (read Brahmins) are
fighting just like dogs and cats during day-time and sleeping
together at night. Congress is the original Brahmin Jati Party.
Congress has always encouraged Brahminised Muslims (read
Chhagla-type Muslims). In my opinion, Congress is an anti-
Muslim party too. Its claim of being secular is hollow.
Farooq Abdul Gaffar Bawani Rajkot Gujarat
[email protected]
Suspension of AMUSU President Shahzad Alam
Once again a shocking news has come out the AMU campus.
While not doubting the credentials of the Vice-Chancellor in
enforcing the discipline, this distinct incident of suspending the
AMUSU President Shahzad Alam definitely stands on a different
plank, and considering the entirety of circumstances, the action of
the VC cannot be called anything but totally arbitrary and dictato-
rial. Though not acquainted with what actually did happen, but
from the charges and counter-charges what appears as a logical
thread is that Mr. Shahzad Alam wanted to raise the pending
minority issue of the University and everything untoward followed
when he was not allowed. The VC, like everybody whose exis-
tence depends on the pleasure of the people in power, must have
had his own constraints, while as a student leader Mr. Shahzad
Alam must have felt it his sacred obligation to use that platform to
highlight the issue. It is an open fact that the politicians of all hues
have now considered the Muslim community as the most slavish
entity, and whenever they appear before Muslim gathering, they
shed crocodile tears over the communitys fate and predicament.
If at this stage these politicians are shown the mirror, of course in
a sophisticated manner, they may at least realize that there is
some life and a sense of vibration amongst Muslims. I totally dis-
agree with those who think that such platforms as the one where
the Minister Jitin Parsad was the chief guest must not be used for
political purposes. Besides, AMU is not only an institution to make
the students cram books but a centre where the future leaders of
the community are born. Considering all the prevailing circum-
stances and keeping the future in sight, I sincerely appeal to the
Honble VC to immediately rescind the suspension of Shahzad
Alam. Dr. Mustafa Kamal Sherwani, Lucknow
[email protected]
A deplorable stand of Indian intellectuals
It is really unfortunate that intellectuals of our country some of
whom are atheists or are deadly opposed to the religion and moral
values and have scanty knowledge about religions of our country
come forward to support such authors, writers and film directors
who hurt religious feelings of the followers of different religions of
our country under the pretext of right of freedom of expression or
thinking. In the past they supported Salman Rushdi and Taslima
Nasrin who earned notoriety by attacking Islam, its teachings and
Prophet of Islam and Ashish Nandi who used highly objectionable
and offensive remarks against the OBC and SC/S elites on the plea
that the right of thinking and expression must be protected at all
costs. No fundamental right is absolute is subject to reasonable
restrictions and that moral anarchy cannot be allowed.
Dr. M. Hashim Kidwai, Ex-M. P., Delhi - 110091
Morsis Visit To India and Pakistan
Let our diplomats take full advantage of the visit of Dr Morsi, the
new president of Egypt. We had once upon a time very close rela-
tions with Egypt during the period of Gamal Abdel Nasser when
India and Egypt were members of the Non-Aligned Movement. But
those days are gone. Now India has close relations with Israel, a
country which is against Muslims and Muslim countries. This
change of policy is on the basis of enmity with Muslims. Muslims
are having worldwide impact. They are the owners of oil. There
are 58 independent countries ruled by Muslims. Indias neigh-
bours are Pakistan and Bangladesh. If India had friendly relations
with all Muslim countries, it need not worry about Kashmir. India
should understand the mindset of Morsi and deal with him diplo-
matically. The Indian authorities should be well-versed with the
history of Muslim Brotherhood and its sacrifices.
Dr AH Maqdoomi, Hyderabad
Are 24 crore Muslims, showboy Muslim leaders weightless?
Shivers crept into UPA as Krunanidhi sent a signal about resolu-
tion against Sri Lankan governments persecution of Tamils. Three
cabinet ministers rushed to Chennai to pacify Karunanidhi. At the
demand of Ajit Singh, Lucknow airport was named after Charan
Singh. But after elections, promises to Muslims and commis-
sions recommendations are kept in abeyance and Bangaluru air-
port is not named after the great Tipu Sultan. This raises the ques-
tion if 24 crore Muslims are weightless or if showboy Muslim
leaders are timid? S. Haque, Patna
REJOINDERS/OPINION/LETTERS The Milli Gazette, 16-30 April 2013 23 www.milligazette.com
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Two Murshidabad villages gutted, 214 families homeless, need your urgent help
Murshidabad: Two entire villages in
Murshidabad (West Bengal) have
been gutted by fire and 981 mem-
bers of 214 families, all Muslims, liv-
ing in the two villages have been ren-
dered homeless. All their belongings,
including 55 animals like cows and
goats, have been burnt by the fire on
5 and 6 April 2013. The affected vil-
lages are Jhaudia and Hukahar near
Jalangi town in Murshidabad district.
A mysterious fire erupted in vil-
lage Jhaudia on 5 April gutting all 54
houses in the village and killing 55
domestic animals. Two grocery
shops too were turned into ashes.
Food grains, clothes and furniture as
well as cash and other materials
were burnt into ashes. A total of 181
men of the village Jhaudia have
become shelterless as a result.
The nearby village Hukahar too
witnessed a similar fire the next day.
As furious as the previous one, it
affected 800 men, women and chil-
dren of 160 families in the village.
Their homes were gutted alongwith
all belongings, 113 domestic ani-
mals and seven shops. Like the other
village, here too everything was gut-
ted while people could save them-
selves by running away into the
fields.
Charity Alliance team headed by
its local representative Mr Golam
Kibriya, visited the two villages and
found the helpless villagers sleeping
under open sky with almost nothing
left. Even their clothes, grains and
groceries have been burnt by the fire.
A few small shops operating in the
two villages too have been burnt.
They need emergency help to be
able to bring a semblance of normal-
cy back into their shattered lives.
Local authorities are providing
cooked food to the victims but there
is yet to be any announcement to
compensation to rebuild their hous-
es. According to Mr Kibriya each
family urgently needs corrugated
sheets to build a simple shelter. Each
family would need financial support
of Rs 5000 for this. To help 214 fam-
ilies, a sum of Rs 10,70,000 needs to
raised.
Dr Zafarul-Islam Khan, Chairman
of Charity Alliance, has appealed to
all to come forward to help these
hapless people in their hour of need.
Help may be sent through local char-
ities known to you or through Charity
Alliance which is active in the area
since 2005 and runs Alliance School
and a vocational training centre in
the adjacent village, Uttar
Ghoshpara. (For our contact details
and how to contribute, please see
page 17 inside).
Charity Alliance team assessing the damage
Maharashtra Cosmopolitan Education Society, Pune,
cordially invites you at the release of
SYED SHAHABUDDIN
Outstanding Voice of Muslim India
Compiled by: Mushtaque Madni
by the Chief Guest Sa!man Khurshid Hon'ble Min. of External Affairs
K. Rahman Khan Hon'ble Minister of Minority Affairs
will preside over the function.
on Sunday, April 21, 2013, at 6.00 pm
At Speaker Hall, Constitution Club of India, Vithal Bhai Patel House,
Rafi Marg, New Delhi