I n d i a n M u s l i m s’ L e a d i n g E n g l i s h N e w s p a p e r , p u b l i s h e d s i n c e J a n u a r y 2 0 0 0
www.milligazette.com
MG THE
Fortnightly 245 Vol. 11 No. 7
MORE EDITIONS OF WHO KILLED KARKARE? , p. 3
Gulbarg massacre: overlords debunk systemic inadequacies
Dissipating the energy to inflict pinpricks on individual manifestations of the system, like Modi, cannot go far. The need is to focus on the fundamental issue of
shortchanging massive sections of society and denying them a meaningful role in governance argues NM SAMPATHKUMAR IYANGAR
Ahmedabad: When the Supreme Court appointed a Special
Investigation Team (SIT) in April 2009 to 'look into' the complaints
of official connivance in Gulbarg Society massacre in 2002, the
'triumph of justice' was hailed by obsessive optimists. They
believed that the apex court was truly initiating genuine investiga-
tion against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and several
functionaries of his government. Some of them predicted the
downfall of the Bhartiya Janata Party poster boy, tipped to head
a BJP government in New Delhi some day.
After almost a year, it is anyone's guess if the tentative for-
ward movement in the judicial echelons over the 100-page com-
plaint of Zakiya Jafri, widow of the former Congress MP Ehsan
Jafri, has been tangible. Her complaint charged Modi, along with
others in his government, of having conspired to allow a mas-
sacre by an unruly mob at Ahmedabad's Gulbarg Society in 2002.
Nearly 70 people, virtually all Muslims, including the ex-MP, were
burnt alive in that massacre. It was one of the gory sagas in the
communal pogrom that claimed over 1000 in the state and drove
tens of thousands more from their homes. Naming more than 60
bigwigs, Zakia alleged that Modi and his colleagues instructed
cops and administrators not to respond to repeated pleas for help
from the ex-MP who commanded a lot of influence among police
and civil service mandarins.
Ironically, those who hailed the initiative as a breakthrough
failed to note that SIT was a toothless wonder packed with con-
troversial dignitaries. It was headed by a senile cop RK
Raghavan, who was not new to hatchet jobs to hush up mega
conspiracies to save the skin of rulers of the day. A detailed exam-
ination of the order revealed that his team had no authority, no
responsibility, no accountability as per existing laws. The real
motive of the entire system - mainstream political parties, judici-
ary and police - was to beat around the bush and bury the ghost
of massacres. (See 'Justice set to 'SIT' forever over Gujarat
Pogrom!' - The Milli Gazette - May 15-31, 2009). As predicted, a
discernible backward movement is palpable after crores of
rupees got squandered in the eyewash exercise.
First, Special Public Prosecutor RK Shah appearing in spe-
cial court set up for the purpose resigned, alleging all-round non-
cooperation from the judge and SIT members. A three-judge
bench of Gujarat High Court grandly asked the trial court to defer
its hearing in the case. The HC took into cognizance a petition
filed in the High Court seeking transfer of the case to another trial
court judge. It is no secret that certain interests in Gujarat HC
have been extremely successful in scuttling every seeming
attempt to bring culprits to justice. Clever interpretation of provi-
sions of India's voluminous but ambiguous laws in favour of the
rulers is nothing new. For example, the HC thought it fit only
recently to ask Nanavati Commission supposed to bring out facts
of 2002 incidents, to convey if it would like to speak to the CEO
MG/Yusuf
MILLI GAZETTE
www.milligazette.com
1-15 April 2010
Inside »
Terrorism5,6,8,9,11,13,17,30
Reservation
AIMPLB
Who Killed Karkare? 3,8
Communal riots/bill 7,9
US/Muslim world
RSS/VHP
Swamis’ scandals
Post-Sachar
Gujarat
J&K
MOOSA RAZA, p. 17 Analysis
of Gujarat at the time of the pogrom!
On Mar 11, another episode of the drama started unfolding
when Raghavan indicated that his investigation team will be
launching a semblance of investigation against the main
accused. Interestingly, he would be considered a 'witness' in the
bizarre scheme of things in SIT. This was four days before he was
due to submit one of his typical non-progress reports to the
Supreme Court. Raghavan told journalists, "We have called Mr
Modi on March 21 to record his statement on the Jafri case."
When asked whether SIT had any evidence against Modi, he
ducked the question with, "I cannot comment on that." The SIT
Chief exposed the toothless nature of the eyewash investigation:
"In the normal course, we would expect that (compliance of the
CM). Since a summons is being issued against Modi, he should
appear in person before the SIT to record his statement. But, we
will see what could be done if he does not appear in person!"
Solicitor General of India and senior advocate Harish Salve,
who is supposed to assist the SC in the matter as amicus curiae,
informed the bench about the resignation of the public prosecutor
after making certain allegations against the presiding officer
(Judge) and the SIT. Also, a BJP MLA Kalubhai Maliwad - a co-
accused in mob attack - moved an application in the Apex Court
challenging the role of the SIT. The Supreme Court readily decid-
ed to consider an application seeking the recall of its own order
handing over the complaint to the SIT!
The writing on the wall is bold and clear. Nothing will come
out of this SIT, just like nothing came out of eyewash commis-
sions earlier to probe anti-Sikh riots, Ayodhya ignominy, post-
demolition massacres in Mumbai and elsewhere. The whole
hypocrisy only fattens the purse of some lawyers and keeps judi-
cial parasites thriving in retirement.
Seeds were sown in India long ago for anti-minority riots and
massacres - whether against Muslims, Sikhs, Dalits or Christians.
Worse pogroms may be in store unless there is a categorical rejection
of the unjust system imposed through deceit. There will be more gory
Gulbarg scenes targeted against deprived sections who challenge the
hold enjoyed by a tiny minority ordained to rule over the masses.
Ironically, this destiny has been invited upon Dalits and
Muslims by their own leaders who toed the line of MK Gandhi and
his tribe of high-bred lawyer-politicians. The general body of
these sections was betrayed by dropping the demand for sepa-
rate electorates to govern post-colonial India. Universal adult
franchise for choosing lawmakers was plainly a farce of forced
equality between inherently unequal sections - asking a tiger and
a lamb to compete as equals! Reservation in jobs and education
in lieu of separate electorate had precisely no relevance to the
really oppressed sections. What is more, it perpetrates and gives
virtual sanction to continue long-entrenched social chasm and
constant mistrust and conflicts.
While the 'intellectuals' got juicy posi-
tions in 'free' India and were hailed as 'free-
dom fighters' for participating in the dummy
struggle, the hold of the ruling classes has
been fortified manifold. To put the fact blunt-
ly, Ehsan Jafri too was one such beneficiary
of the party of fake freedom fighters.
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Cartoons 1, 17
National 3-21
14 International 22-26
4,6 Speaking Out 14
13 Newsmakers 16
7 Community News 18-21
1,10,14 Islamic Perspectives 28
4,15 Classifieds 29
9,14 Letters 30-31
Incidentally, the counsel tasked with the job of managing
death sentence to the SC-appointed team by the same court is
Ram Jethmalani. The dignitary has been Law Minister in the
regime of NDA coalition headed by BJP. His evil genius has saved
many Congress ministers from being brought to justice. And, he is
sure to emerge victorious in the current assignment too.
Party bigwigs standing by Modi have always maintained that
he could hardly have done any better or worse under the circum-
stances. To some extent, they are right. It is difficult to precisely
predict where and when there would be a burst in the communal
cauldron that India is caught in. It was deliberately left simmering
when the British colony was inherited by a system founded on
deceit and inequity in the guise of outwardly equality. The BJP is
openly advocating a return to pure overlordism that prevailed in
medieval times and some sort of ethnic cleansing while the
Congress has been contributing to the same objective on the sly.
Rajiv Pratap Rudy, BJP spokesperson, declared after the SIT
development: "The government of Gujarat has made it clear that
it shall act as per the law. This government has always support-
ed and respected the law and will abide by it. It has the highest
respect for the Supreme Court order." At the same time, he
alleged that the whole process might be an attempt to tarnish Mr.
Modi. Interestingly, the judiciary would have cried "contempt" if
the imputation had come from a small fry like Zakira. The teenage
witness to the burning to death of all her relatives during the 2002
pogrom was sentenced by the honorable judges for succumbing
to tremendous pressure after wasting their precious time!
Modi maintained a stoic silence all through until after it was
time for SIT Chief to "see what could be done" when he failed to
turn up. He then turned the tables on SIT, saying, "I am not aware
of anything regarding it (letter asking him to appear before SIT)."
In a statement issued after a lot of "agonizing", the CM said:
"After the 2002 Godhra riots, I had categorically said in the
Vidhan Sabha and in public that no one is above the Indian
Constitution and the law even if he happens to be the chief min-
ister of a state. These are not mere words. My actions have
reflected this statement in its true spirit. I assure you that this
would be my stand in the future."
This clearly is a potent trump card to blackmail his adver-
saries threatening them that they should not be above law too. He
has perhaps retained some legal luminary to demand constitution
of SITs to "look into" complaints of commissions and omissions in
earlier massacres. It would not be difficult to argue that bigwigs
like Kalyan Singh, Sajjan Kumar, Bal Thackeray etc - heroes of
1984, 1992 etc - must naturally take precedence over their client.
One should not be surprised if the UPA bosses unceremoni-
ously back off and put the SC in wilderness for exceeding its pow-
ers. After all, massacre masters in India's polity have "the highest
respect for the Supreme Court order and directions" and whole-
heartedly support and "respect the law and would abide by it."
However, they know it is beyond the country's legal and political
system to bring them to justice!
The fate of ruling party ex-MP must open the eyes of current-
day intellectuals who profess loyalty to the system that shame-
lessly reinforces the social Darwinism. Dissipating the energy to
inflict pinpricks on individual manifestations of the system, like
Modi, cannot go far. The need is to focus on the fundamental
issue of shortchanging massive sections of society and denying
them a meaningful role in governance. This is at the root of indis-
criminate targeting of Muslim youth after umpteen terror attacks -
probably stage-managed. This is routinely indulged in by all
regimes irrespective of political affiliations. One only hopes that
the entire system would get drastically overhauled before hun-
dreds of million people lose their faith in it and resort to tactics
that could devastate the country in no time.
The author is an analyst from Ahmedabad, writing on
South Asian affairs.He may be contacted at samexotic@gmail.com
2 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010

ISSUES / OPINION
Women Reservation Bill: an attempt to stifle Muslim voice
NAVAID HAMID and share in decision-making to the underprivi- state's total population. It was amusing to hear the fate of the Muslim community by moving
navaidhamid@gmail.com leged and minorities. These privileged men and the fractured and distorted argument put for- amendments to abolish Muslim reservation, this
women have successfully imitated and copied the ward by female face of the CPM in the Rajya year saw the failure of dozens of Muslim repre-
very new day has its own significance maneuverings of the white elites of the United Sabha, Mrs. Brinda Karat, that the women sentatives in safeguarding the democratic inter-

E and if one goes into the history of

human evolution, one finds that a good
number of dates have left a mark on the
history of civilisations. Some dates have dra-
matically changed the course of history while-
some others have shamed humanity.
If we scrutinise the "9th of March" in the his-
tory of civilisations, we get the glimpse of its
impact on human history. It was on 9th March
1496 when the Jews were expelled from
Austria. On this day the State of Naples banned
kissing in public with death for the offenders. On
this day in 1841, the US Supreme Court ruled
that blacks are free. Same day in 1893 wit-
nessed the killings of thousands of Arabs by
Congo cannibals. The Russian Bolshevik Party
became the Communist Party on the 9th of
March 1918 and in neighbouring Ukraine, mobs
massacred Jews of Seredino Buda on the
same day and year. This day in 1935 saw the
launching of a new air force by Adolf Hitler. It
was on 9th March 1945 when America started a
fresh offensive against Japan and Tokyo was
carpeted with 2,000 bombs killing more than
80,000 residents. In the year 1956, this day saw
the military might of USSR suppress popular
demonstrations in Georgia. It was again 9th
March but of the year 1959 which saw the debut
of the Barbie doll in the American markets.
With the passage of the Women
Reservation Bill by the Upper House of the
Indian Parliament, 9th March 2010 would also be
remembered in history for a number of reasons.
This day would be remembered for the his-
toric decision to take Indian women from the
confines of home and families to the legislature
to play their role in defining the destiny of this
States who have exploited gender discrimination
by clubbing it with racial discrimination and there-
by decimating Afro-American groups.
This day would also be remembered for
ignoring the hard fact that during the last 60
years, national polity has failed to honour the
promises and assurances of none other than
the stalwarts of the freedom struggle, Pandit
Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,
given in the Constituent Assembly to the minori-
ties after Muslim members Begum Aizaz Rasool
and Hafiz Tajammul Hussain moved amend-
ments to exclude Muslims from the provisions of
reservation in May 1949, that the nation would
give fair justice to the minorities.
Who can deny that Muslims are the most dec-
imated community today, educationally, economi-
cally and politically. They have less than one-third
of their due representation in Lok Sabha.
In West Bengal which is under the rule of an
ultra secular Left alliance for close to three
decades, the condition of Muslims is worse
because of the deliberate attempts of the Left
leaders to exploit the issue of security to deprive
the Muslims of WB of their educational, eco-
nomic and political rights. Sachar Committee
pointed out the plight of the Muslims of West
Bengal. The percentage of Muslims in the WB
state legislature stands at around four percent
while they represent over a quarter of that
The Women’s Bill would further shrink Muslim political space
M. BURHANUDDIN QASMI
manager@markazulmaarif.org
he specious argument that Muslims can-
reservation at the local bodies level had indeed
empowered Muslim women as 10 out of 50
women elected in Hyderabad Municipal
Corporation were Muslims. What she failed to
mention was that all these seats are predomi-
nantly Muslim-dominated. How can a municipal
corporation seat having around 5000 or so vot-
ers be compared with sprawling assembly and
Parliamentary seats?
For two consecutive terms, the state legisla-
ture of Madhya Pradesh, where Muslims consti-
tute about nine percent of the total population,
the representation of Muslims in the state legis-
lature has been nil.
Even in Delhi, the capital of the nation,
where the Muslim population stands over 12
percent of the total population, their representa-
tion is just seven percent in state legislature.
Out of Delhi's seven members in the Lok Sabha,
Muslims have none in spite of the fact that
Muslims constitute more than 27 percent of the
total voters in the North East Delhi.
This day would also be remembered for the
true exposure of Muslim representatives in dif-
ferent political parties and their lack of courage
by remaining mute spectators when history was
inked with legislative provision to shrink the
political space for the future generations of the
Muslim community in a democratic nation. In
1949, two Muslim representatives had sealed
vation in Andra Pradesh then how 33 per cent
more can be ensured in India where already
seats are reserved for SCs and STs? Majority of
assembly and parliamentary constituencies
ests of their coming generations.
Who can deny that during elections, political
parties deny tickets to Muslim aspirants on the
ground that winnabilty is the deciding factor and
not a candidate's religion. Yet, it is an irony that a
stalwart of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's stature
was asked to contest from the Muslim-dominated
constituency of Rampur and the national icon
Azharuddin was morphed into a "Muslim candi-
date" in Moradabad during the last general elec-
tions. The examples of Maulana Azad and
Azharuddin show the real face of our secular poli-
ty. This demonstrates the weaknesses of the
democratic process and the prejudices Muslims
have to face from time to time on such occasions.
This day would also be remembered for the
second constitutional provison in the history of
young India which would shrink the share of
Muslims in the fruits of power after the imposi-
tion of the religious restriction on Article 341 of
the Indian Constitution way back in 1950 in the
shape of a presidential order that defined that
only believers in a certain faith were entitled to
reservation.
No doubt, the Bill in its present form, would
further alienate Muslims and create deep mis-
trust and frustration in the minds of younger
generations. This day would be one of the
sadest in the history of the evolution of a strong,
vibrant, secular and inclusive India.

get this benefit because of their religion. Even
conversion of an SC or ST individual to other
religion deprives him of the caste benefit!
Sachar Committee in its analysis of reserva-

young nation for many generations to come.
The day would also be remembered for rail-
roading an important legislation to safeguard
the interests of the privileged classes which
have felt the heat of a silent social renaissance
in Indian society in the wake of the implementa-
tion of the Mandal report and for trying to negate
the fruits of social justice which Other Backward
Classes have started enjoying as a result of the
implementation of the Mandal Report.
The day would be also be remembered for
gagging the voices of sanity and banning frank
and free discussion and the right to vote according
to one's conscience. Threats of disqualification
from the membership of Rajya Sabha coupled with
the stick of whips issued to members of various
parties also played their role in moving this legisla-
tion making a farce of democratic values.
The day would be also be remembered for
the famous quote of Arun Jaitely, leader of the
opposition, that the majority of the upper house,
Rajya Sabha, is in favour of the Women
Reservation Bill without sub-quotas for Other
Backward Classes and SCs and STs. What he
failed to mention was the elitist character of the
present Rajya Sabha where privileged classes
dominate as far as the numerical strength is
concerned. With this farce the nation has wit-
nessed a live demonstration of 'might is right'...
The day would also be remembered for the
misuse and exploitation of the issue of gender jus-
tice by members of the elite and privileged class-
es who control national parties from Right to Left
to Centre, who are hell-bent to deny just rights
T
not be granted quota because it would
go against the secular nature of the
Constitution can no longer hold water. If
the Bill gets through the Lok Sabha and
becomes law, it would be a historical blunder
that would further reduce representation of
Muslims in Parliament.
It is an unfortunate fact that in a democracy
nothing is achievable without united agitations.
This time again the Muslim social and political
leadership in India is failing to unite strongly
against a very genuine demand and clear
hypocrisy against them in guise of women
empowerment.
Electronic media too seems part of the
mockery being played by the UPA chief Sonia
Gandhi to over-throw her Party’s weaknesses in
the Parliament. One wonders, why the 24 hours
by seven media houses not genuinely debating
on the theme argued by SP, RJD, BSP, TCM,
AIUDF and MIM in the parliament?
If religion-based reservation is unaccept-
able for the majority when it comes to political
empowerment of minorities which is overdue for
last 63 years, then how a gender based case
become rational? Reservation be offered to the
weaker sections of the society to genuinely
empower them and Muslims are the weakest
community by all arguments and statistics. Thus
logically reservation bill for Muslim empower-
ment must come first.
If reservation can not go over 50 per cent of
total as in the case of 5 per cent Muslim reser-
where a Muslim could easily win from any party
if they were general are presently under ST or
SC reserved categories. Take the case of
Karimganj in Assam, for instance, where around
60 per cent voters are Muslim with only 20 per
cent STs and SCs is a reserved seat since
Independence.
Who knows the remaining Muslim majority
voters’ seats will not be reserved for women
only – making way for strong Hindu woman to
defeat her weak counterpart in the election
while enjoying 'women empowerment'?
If we can and we have to go through a major
Constitutional amendment to legalize gender-
based reservation then why we cannot make
the same constitutional amendment for a reli-
gion-based reservation for Muslims – say
Muslim women in this case?
Do not forget! Contrary to the recent gen-
der-based women reservation bill, passed unde-
mocratically by the Upper House of Indian par-
liament on 9th March 2010, a religion-based
political reservation Bill was passed by the
Parliament in the very early days of our republi-
can and democratic India. It was 28th August
1947, just after 12 days following Independence
a bill was passed to ensure political reservation
for scheduled castes (SCs) and the Muslims.
Reservation, actually, began on the basis of
religion, in the first place. An individual enjoys
schedule caste (SC) status if he is a Hindu or
Buddhist – that is his religion is the deciding fac-
tor. Muslims and Christians SC peoples do not
tion in the three states of Bihar, UP and West
Bengal has shown that how constituencies with
3-32 per cent Muslim population and 47-67 per
cent SC population were kept general while
constituencies with 32-60 per cent Muslim pop-
ulation and 10-26 per cent SC population were
reserved for SCs. Thus the majority of the con-
stituencies where Muslims can win have already
been reserved for SCs and STs and Muslims
can never fight in these constituencies, come
what may.
In West Bengal, Sagardghi Assembly con-
stituency with 62 per cent Muslim population
and 18 per cent SC population is an SC
reserved seat while Sitai Assembly constituency
with 67 per cent SC population and 27 per cent
Muslim population is kept unreserved.
In Uttar Pradesh, Jansath Assembly con-
stituency with 16 SC and 37 per cent Muslim
population is a reserved seat while Marihan with
49 SC and 3 per cent Muslim has been kept
open.
In Bihar, Dhuraiya with 10 SC and 30
Muslim per cent population is kept reserved
while Dumaria with 39 SC and 13 per cent
respectively have been kept unreserved.
These are the hard facts which largely go
unnoticed while talking about appeasement of
Muslims or while initiating 'affirmative actions' by
a 'secular' Government since Independence. I
think it would be another historic blunder repeat-
ed by this country if the bill went through the Lok
Sabha to become a law.

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Muslim Personal Law Board’s 21st Conference
ll India Muslim Personal Law Board's 3-
A day 21st Conference was held at
Lucknow's Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama
during 19-21 March. The first two-days
were devoted to administrative and other matters
pertaining to the Board. On the third and final day,
21 March, a public conference chaired by the
Board's President Maulana Rabey Hasani Nadwi
demanded that the Communal Violence
(Prevention & Rehabilitation of Victims) Bill 2009
should either be withdrawn or redrafted as the
proposed bill in its present form creates fear in the
minds of Muslims because more arbitrary powers
are proposed to be given to police and magis-
trates. The Board's spokesman, Abdur-Rahim
Qureshi, said that various enquiry commissions
have highlighted the biased and prejudiced
behaviour of the police and magistracy towards
Muslims in communal riots. He said that for build-
ing public opinion against this bill, the Board will
discuss it with secular people and political parties.
He said that an amended version of the bill would
be sent to the central government. He added that
Muslim organisations and representative bodies
of Muslims will be asked to oppose this bill as long
as it is not withdrawn or drastically amended. He
condemned the practice of associating all cases
of terrorism with Muslims and assailed the arrest
of innocent Muslim youths and even the elderly
and religious leaders. He said that the Board was
of the firm view that Muslims were being targeted
with the motive of spreading hatred against the
community. He said that the Board wanted police
and the administration to be accountable for false-
ly arresting and harassing innocent people with-
out any evidence. The Bill should contain the pro-
vision that such officers should be punished and
the victims given compensation if found innocent.
The Board also criticised the role of Delhi police in
the Batla House encounter of September 2008.
On Babri Masjid issue the spokesman said on
behalf of the Board that a day-to-day hearing of
the case should be held to expedite the matter
and the FIRs should be filed against all those who
are named in Liberhan Commission's report. He
further said that the Board has resolved to oppose
interference by any government authority or
courts in matters of Shariat and Darul Qazas
(Islamic arbitration committees) in the country.
Two more editions of Who Killed Karkare?
New Delhi: Two more editions of the
myth-shattering book Who Killed
Karkare? have just been published, one
in Malyalam and the other in Kannada
language.
A book release function of the Kannada
edition was held in Bangalore’s NGO
Hall, opp M.S.Building, near Cubbon
Park) on 25 March. The Kannada edition,
titled Karkareyannu kondavaru yaaru?
has been brought out by Prasthutha
Kannada Fortnightly of Mangalore. It has
been translated by Suresh Bhat Kannada edition
Bakrabail and published by Sthuthi
Publications and Infromation Trust, 9-9-481/2(2), 5th Cross,
J.M.Road, Bunder, Mangalore-01, Teliphone : 0824- 2410454;
Email : stuthipublication@gmail.com. Copy price is Rs 200. In
Bangalore the book is available from Lankesh Prakashana, No.9,
E.A.T.Road, Basavana Gudi, Bangalore- 560004. For more
details and to order copies please
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The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010 3
NATIONAL
Zanzibar
links between the IB and Israel’s
University
Mossad and ignoring Mahatma
Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru's poli-
cy of opposition to Israel and promot-
ing friendly relations with Palestine
and supporting its cause. The Board requires
(Tanzania)
took exception to India’s purchase of
defence equipment from Israel on
the advice of USA and said that LECTURER
instead of promoting the interests of
Israel and USA, it should promote IN ECONOMICS
the country's own interests. It asked
the Indian government to put pres- who can also teach
sure on Israel to desist from damag-
Special references were made to the recent ing Masjid Aqsa and establishing Islamic economics
Kerala High Court and Supreme Court verdicts in Jewish settlements. The Board assailed Arab
divorce and iddat matters and payment of subsis- countries for not taking a strong position on
PhD a must.
tence allowance etc. which are against Shariat. Dr Masjid Aqsa issue.
Qasim Rasool Ilyas of the Board said that The total strength of Board members is 251.
University level
because of some lacunae in Section 124 of There was a shortage of 10 members whose elec- teaching experi-
Muslim Women's Act of 1986 passed after Shah tions took place in this conference. Among those
Bano's case, courts frequently interfere in Shariat elected in this conference are Maulana Asrarul ence preferred
matters. In view of this, the Board decided that a Haque Qasmi (MP), Asaduddin Owaisi, Maulana
strong plea will be made to the government to Arshad Madni, Darul Uloom Deoband's Maulana
make necessary amendments in this Act so that Ghulam Rasool 'Khamosh', Darul Uloom
courts may not be able to get an opportunity to Hyderabad's Rahimuddin Ansari, Kerala's Mufti Apply with full details
interfere in Shariat matters, otherwise a country- Abdul Shakoor and others.
wide movement against this will be started. A notable feature in this conference of AIM- and copies of supporting
It was also decided that the Board's activities PLB was that the number of women in its documents to:
will be extended to the seven states of North-East Executive Council, the highest decision-making
India and Ladakh and the Board's committees will body, was increased from only one to five.
be made more active so that they will be working Previously, Begum Naseem Iqtedar Ali was the
all the year round for bringing about social reform. only female member. The four new female mem- THE VC, ZANZIBAR UNI.
Muslims will be urged to approach Darul Qazas bers are Rukhsana Lari, Safia Naseem (both from
for the settlement of their family disputes. Lucknow), Noorjahan Shakeel (Kolkata) and
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Emphasis will also be laid to promote communal Asma Zehra (Hyderabad). Begum Naseem D-84 Abul Fazal Enclave-I,
peace and harmony as part of social reform in Iqtedar will continue in the EC. Represenatives
which women can play more effective role partic- from the seven North Eastern states were also
Jamia Nagar
ularly in directing children to follow the right path. elected. Maulana Rabey Hasani Nadwi was re- New Delhi 110 025
Kamal Farooqi, Board member, among others, elected as President of AIMPLB for the third time
pointed out that the Board should confine itself to consecutively. For an increase in the number of info@pharosmedia.com
its original mission, i.e., protection of the religious women, its constitution was
identity of Muslims and sharaee affairs only and amended. All the five ses-
shoudl not extend its activities to other spheres, sions of the Board were held Bohra Muslims invite Modi!
otherwise it will get involved in various problems in Nadwatul Ulama premis- Ahmedabad: A group of Dawoodi Bohra
facing Muslims and will deviate from its original es. On the final day, the gen- Muslim leaders visited Gujarat Chief
mission. eral meeting was held at Minister Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar on
The Board expressed its concern over India's Lucknow's Aish Bagh . (NA 22 March and invited him to grace the
growing relations with Israel particularly the close Ansari) Dawoodi Bohra Chief Priest Dr. Saiyadna
Saheb’s 99th Birthday celebrations as a
Chief Guest. A grand birthday celebration
of Saiyadna Saheb will be held on 4 April
2010. The Bohra leaders thanked Gujarat
Chief Minister for the appointment of Rukaiyaben Gulam
Meanwhile a Malyalam edition, titled Husainwala, a leading Bohra community member, as BJP’s
Karkaraye Konnatharu, has been Panchamahal district national council member. Sheikh
brought out in 243 pages by Thejas Imranbhai, Abbasbhai, Dr. Nuruddin were part of the delegation.
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4 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010
NATIONAL
France to lift Sikh turban ban
Delhi: According to minister of state for external affairs Preneet
Kaur, India has taken up the Sikh turban issue with the French
authorities taking photographs as identity markers and con-
veyed to Paris that if Sikhs are photographed without turbans, it
would create a faulty database. Kaur said the Indian demand of
allowing turbans in France was under active consideration and
the matter was likely to be resolved soon. Kaur said the fact that
a turbaned Sikh - PM Manmohan Singh - was a chief guest in
France recently was a strong message by the French govern-
ment that it was not averse to turbans. "The matter is being pur-
sued and we are hopeful it will be resolved," she added. In
March 2004, the French Parliament had passed a law banning
all ostentatious religious symbols and signs in all public places
such as schools, hospitals and town halls. So far, all attempts
made by the 4,000-strong Sikh community in France to convince
the French government have failed.
RSS Vidyalayas to reach one lakh tribal villages
A massive Ekal Kumbh organized by Ekal Vidyalayas was inau-
gurated by the Sarsanghchalak of the RSS Shri Mohan Bhagwat
in Delhi recently. More than 12,000 vanvasis & girivasis (Forest
& Mountain dwellers) of Ekal Vidyalayas assembled in Swarna
Jayanti Park of Rohini in North West Delhi. Vanvasis from
almost all the states of India participated in the three-day con-
clave. Eight townships were setup in the 24 acres of land in
Swarna Jayanti Park. A common conference hall, grand exhibi-
tion hall, reception booth, health centre and office etc. occupied
another 20 acres of the park area. Speaking on the occasion
Shri Mohan Bhagwat appreciated the work being done by Ekal
Volunteers in providing education in the remote areas of India.
He said, "It is only education that would make the country great.
In fact, through Ekal Vidyalayas, we are not only running
schools but trying to make India of our dreams". Addressing the
gathering Baba Ramdev described the Ekal Movement as a
Master Plan for country's integrated development "The body of
a human being is nothing but a temple and Ekal Vidyalaya is
nothing but worship of God", he added. Vishwa Hindu Parishad
(VHP) President Shri Ashok Singhal expressed his concern say-
ing that the benefits of Independence have not reached the vil-
lages whereas 60 percent of national resources should have
reached there.
Started in 1988 from Jharkhand, the Ekal Vidyalaya
Movement has made its presence in 27110 villages of 22 states
of India. Presently. 7,78,965 students are getting their education
through these schools. With the objective of making India
`Sikshit, swasth and samridh' (literate, healthy and prosperous),
the Ekal Vidyalaya has also undertaken the responsibility of
imparting education, health care, community development and
promoting village folk for constructive activities. The conclave
concluded with the address of Sadhvi Ritambhara, with the
resolve to reach out to one lakh tribal villages.
In our judiciary, anybody can be bought: Gujarat CJ
Ahmedabad: Chief Justice S J Mukhopadhyay expressed con-
cern over the future of Gujarat judiciary when hearing the case
of termination of ad hoc fasttrack court judges (FCT). The high
court and the state government discontinued services of 56
judges last November. Discussing charges of corruption in
cases of some of judicial officers on 5 March, Justice
Mukhopadhaya said: ''We are concerned about the future of
Gujarat judiciary, where money has become the main source
and where you can buy anybody with the power of money.'
Justice Mukhopadhyay insisted on maintaining transparen-
cy in judiciary in order to uphold its credibility among people. He
asked the lawyers representing the FCT judges how else the
high court could have reacted to allegations of corruption lev-
elled against the judicial officers.
The FCT judges were relieved from service last year with a
remark in their termination letter that they were found 'unsuit-
able'. The judge was of the opinion that issuance of a show-
cause notice to the judges concerned would have served no
purpose. He also made it clear that he was discussing the issue
in the context of the judiciary across the nation, and not strictly
pertaining to Gujarat.
Witness of Godhra carnage died 7 years before incident
Ahmedabad: Lawyers representing the accused of Godhra train
carnage said in the court that one of the witnesses who “testi-
fied” before investigating officer then had died seven years
before the 2002 incident. The fact came to light after the court
issued summons to one Malaji Odaji Marwadi, who had testified
on recovery of weapons from some of the accused in the case
in 2002. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the
case tried to trace Marwadi, a resident of Bambhroli village of
Godhra taluka in Panchmahal district.
But when SIT could not find him the prosecution filed a report
before designated Judge P. R. Patel hearing the case, stating
that Marwadi could not be traced and there was a possibility that
he might have died during the course of trail. However, defence
lawyers Yusuf Charkha and others obtained records from the
Godhra Municipality and brought it to the notice of the court that
Marwadi had not died during the course of trial. "The municipal-
ity records showed that Marwadi, who was one of the witnesses
for recovery of weapons from accused had died in 1995, seven
years before the Godhra train burning incident and we have put
the records before the court," said Mr. Charkha. Marwadi's
statement was recorded by Deputy Superintendent of Police P.
K. C. Bawa, a former investigating officer in the case.
total assets under management for Shariah-complaint funds are
Rape worse crime than murder: HC
Mumbai: Rape is a more heinous crime even undertrials in bomb blast cases sent a hand-written application through
than murder, observed a two-judge were not compelled to wear uniforms. the jail authorities challenging rule 4 of
bench of the Bombay high court on Observing that crimes like bomb the Maharashtra Prisons Act, 1965. In his
Friday. The observation came in the con- blasts and rape were more heinous, the application, he referred to an earlier order
text of a petition challenging the rules high court directed the state government of the high court which ruled that under-
under the Maharashtra Prisons Act, to file its reply in two weeks. Varma fur- trials need not wear jail uniforms.
1965, which compel murder undertrials to ther told the court that rule 6 of the "I had given an application to the jail
wear jail uniforms, but not rapists or Maharashtra Prisons Act allowed under- superintendent, Thane, along with a copy
bomb blast accused. trials in cases attracting rigorous impris- of the high court order and requested him
The petition was filed by a murder onment to wear civil clothes. to exempt me from wearing jail uniform,
undertrial, Dhanesh Shivdasan. Under the same rule, convicted per- but still I was not allowed to wear civil
"Rape is a worse crime than murder. sons in cases involving simple imprison- clothes," said Shivdasan's application.
A rape victim is made to suffer in society ment were allowed to wear private The high court had converted his applica-
even after the accused faces punish- clothes. This was also discriminatory. tion into a petition.
ment. There is a point to the petitioner's Additional public prosecutor Vitthal In February, 2009, a division bench of
argument: Why are only murder undertri- Konde-Deshmukh argued that the said justice Bilal Nazki (who retired in
als compelled to wear uniforms?" asked rules were made in order to maintain dis- November, 2009) and justice AR Joshi
justices Ranjana Desai and Mridula cipline in jails. had ruled that undertrials should not be
Bhatkar. "This (to make murder undertrials compelled to wear jail uniforms. Citing
The court observed that one is inno- wear jail uniforms) helped in identifying the said order, Shivdasan had
cent until the crime is proved and he/she the accused and also in maintaining jail approached the high court for relief.
is convicted for the offence. "Then why discipline," Konde-Deshmukh told the "The said rule is prima facie discrimi-
such discrimination between a murder court. The petition was filed by natory. We feel that a balance needs to
undertrial and a rape undertrial? We do Shivdasan, an undertrial in a murder be struck between undertrials in murder
not understand ?" the judges remarked. case, who has been lodged in Thane and other crimes. A balance needs to be
The court was more surprised when the Central prison since March 1, 2006. maintained between prisoners' rights,"
petitioner's legal aide, Indu Varma, said Shivdasan had in January, 2009, observed the court.

Equal Opportunities Bill waiting for opportunity to surface
New Delhi:The Equal Opportunities Bill, which was supposed to Miniority Affairs Minister Salman Khursheed is of the view
have been introduced at the budget session of Parliament, has that the EOC will be a unique Committee from the existing one
been post-ponned. In order to reslove the impasse it is believed for it aims to look upon the problem and grievances of the
that the Prime Minister may have to see to it so that there might groups rather than individual ones. Sachar Committee in its
be an unanimity over the issue. report had recommended EOC to provide a legal platform to the
Ministry of Finance has raised question as more money being deprived groups, which is now considerd for minorities only.
spent to create such Commission when there are already
Commissions like NHRC and NCW. Home ministry has also asked
for clarification on the issue of cases of a group or a class action 245 militants killed in J&K in 2009
nature that the EOC will take up instead of individual cases. New Delhi: According to official sources, 245 militants/terrorists
Earlier the proposal had to go through rough weather as it were killed by security forces in Jammu & Kashmir last year,
was caught up in inter ministerial consultation with the different despite the slight decrease in the attempt by terrorists from
ministries. Arjun Singh the then HRD Ministry in the year 2008 Pakistan to illegally enter India accros the LoC. Minister of State
had termed the proposed commission to be undesirable for he for Home Affairs, Ajay Makan said that in 2008, 342 attempts of
felt that several national level bodies and panels exist for affirma- intrusion were recorded whereas in 2009, 485 such attempts
tive action. were made. In 2008 there was appreciable decrease in terrorist
In a reverse mode the present HRD minister Kapil Sibal does activities in Jammu & Kashmir. As per the statistics provided by
not have any objection so far it does not create any hurdle on the Defence Ministry 425 militants were killed in J&K in 2009 and
powers and functions of National Commission on Minority upto 21 February 2010, 27 terrorists were killed. According to the
Educational Institutes (NCMEI). EOC after having cleared so minister, the government has adopted multi-pronged policy to
many hurdles was put to clarification and is being considered by control intrusion from across the border and that arrangements
various ministeries through the Empowered group of Ministers have been made to install barbed wires, acquisition and use of
EGoM. In this regard a group of ministers was appointed for rec- latest arms to control the illegal intruders from Pakistan into India.
ommendations on the juridical powers of the EOC. Group of min-
isters comprise 11 cabinet ministers and they are AK Antony
(defence minister), P Chidambaram (home affairs), Mamta
58 militants undergoing
Banerjee (railways), Veerappa Moily (law), Malikarjun Kharge convictions in J&K
(labour and employement), Kapil Sibal (human resources devel- Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir government on 24 March that 58
opment), Anand Sharma (commerce), Kumari Selja (housing and ultras, including 43 foreign mercenaries, were undergoing convic-
urban poverty alleviation), Mukul Wasnik (social justice and tions for indulging in militancy-related incidents in the state. "At
empowerment), Kantilal Bhuria (tribal affairs), and Montek Singh present 43 foreigners and 15 local militants are undergoing con-
Ahluwalia (deputy chairman, Planning Commission). They were victions for indulging in militancy-related activities in Jammu and
expected to look into recommendations made by the Ranganath Kashmir", Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said in an official
Mishra Commission report also. release.

Shariah funds see above average returns
Kolkata: This may come as a surprise. But Shariah or ethical around Rs 418 crore and returns have been extremely high. For
funds, which are compliant with Islamic investment laws and instance, the Pure Stock Fund garnered a 97% return in compar-
available from only two insurers - Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance ison to the Nifty index fund which was 72% in the last six
and Tata AIG Life Insurance - are doing much better in terms of months," said Mr Krishnan. Tata AIG recently entered the fray
returns on investment (RoI) than a host of traditional funds. with three funds. "We have already mopped up around Rs 105
Though total assets under management for these funds in crore for these funds in about a year”.
the insurance sector are a modest Rs 525 crore, which has been These funds offered a 10% higher return than the Shariah
mopped up over the last 3-4 years, returns were as high as 500 Index," said Tata AIG Life chief investment officer Saravana
109% compared to the CNX NSE Nifty Index, which registered a Kumar Ananthan. "Insurance, per se, does not comply with
70% growth during the same period. Shariah laws, and hence, we do not have a Shariah-certified
Islamic investment laws, popularly known as 'Sharia', disallow insurance policy that is linked to any of our ethical funds. But we
profitmaking from interest. Neither can these funds invest in equi- have launched a pension plan that is Shariah certified. It is a
ties of companies that are into gambling, lottery /contests, animal niche product but the fund is doing very well," added Mr
produce, liquor, tobacco, entertainment like films, or in hotels, Krishnan.
banks and financial institutions. Such lines of business are consid- "Ethical funds do not invest in sectors considered 'haram'.
ered 'Haram' - as in 'forbidden' under Islamic Laws, which is why And in case any portion of the fund earns any interest while it
all Shariah-complaint funds (ethical funds) do not invest in them. is lying with banks even for a brief period of time, we purge the
"Interestingly, India offers more Shariah-compliant stocks than interest by donating it to charitable institutions. These funds
any Islamic country, and according to Taqwaa Advisory and Sharia cannot be invested in any interestbearing instruments, bonds
Investment Solutions (TASIS) - the leading agency for making or debt products. They can only be invested in pure equities,
financial instruments Shariah-compliant , 20% of the market cap in that too the sectors allowed by the Islamic law," said Mr
BSE as well as NSE are from Shariat-compliant stocks," said Krishnan.
Sashi Krishnan, chief investment officer at Bajaj Allianz. Although the potential is huge in India with its near 160 mil-
"Bajaj Allianz has been managing its Pure Stock and Pure lion-strong Muslim population (the secondlargest after
Equity Fund for over five years, which are based on ethical Indonesia), investment avenues are limited despite the strong
investment principles similar to Shariah norms. The company's demand for Shariah- compliant products. Also, there's also a
lack of awareness across the targeted segment of population.

 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010 5

NATIONAL

Batla House fake encounter confirmed

Atif and Sajid were hit ante-mortem by blunt weapon and then shot PIL exposes true story

MUMTAZ ALAM FALAHI
New Delhi: Batla House encounter victims Atif
Ameen and Mohd Sajid were hit by 'blunt force
impact by object or surface', besides multiple
gunshot wounds. The post-mortem report, a
copy of which is with TwoCircles.net, has con-
firmed this.
The family members and relatives of the two
terror suspects of Azamgarh, who gave them
last bath, had claimed the bodies had multiple
injuries of brutal beating. The million dollar
question: why the police had to resort to beating
of the suspects during a 'genuine' encounter?
Whether Atif Ameen and Mohd Sajid were
involved in terror activities only the court can
decide. But genuineness of the September 2008
Batla House encounter in which the two
Azamgarh youths were killed has been contest-
ed since the day one on various counts. The
injury marks other than the gunshot wounds on
their bodies were presented by the families and
several independent fact finding teams and
human rights activists as strong proof that the
encounter was fake and the duo were killed
pointblank.
This is the first time since the encounter that
the post-mortem report has come up for public
scrutiny thanks to tireless efforts of RTI activist
Afroz Alam Sahil, a Jamia Millia Islamia student.
To get this post-mortem report he knocked at
every possible door – Delhi police, AIIMS,
Central Information Commission and National
Human Rights Commission, but was shunted
out on one ground or the other. Ultimately on 17
March he received the report from NHRC.
The four-page post-mortem report of Atif
Ameen says the cause of death was "shock and
haemorrhage as a result of multiple injuries as
described. All the 1-12 are produced by firearm ammunition while
injuries are pro- injuries no. 13 and 14 are produced by blunt
duced by firearm force impact on surface or by object," confirms
ammunition except the report adding all the injuries were ante-
injury no 7 which is mortem in nature.
produced by blunt Describing injury no. 13 the report says it
force impact by was "4x2 cm abrasion, red in colour over back
object or surface." In of chest in midline" and injury no. 14 was "lacer-
total the 24-year-old ation of size 3.5x2cm horizontally over front of
had 21 injuries on right leg in the middle." Of 14, he had 11 gun-
his body and all the shot wounds.
injuries were "ante- The two-page report of Inspector Mohan
mortem in nature," Chand Sharma who sustained bullet injuries
says the report. Of during the shootout mentions the cause of death
21, the number of as "haemorrhagic shock due to firearm injury to
gunshot wounds abdomen."
was 16. While mentioning antemortem injuries on
Describing the Inspector Sharma, the report prominently says
injury no 7, the report says it was "reddish brown the entry wound on left shoulder and left upper
abrasion of 1.5x1 cm over outer and interior arm was explored and debrided. Similarly, the
aspect of right knee cap." exit wound on left arm and 10 cm below left
Similarly, Mohd Sajid, who had five bullet shoulder top and 8 cm above left elbow joint was
holes on the upper side of the head, was also also explored and debrided. The post mortem
beaten with blunt object. report also says that it is alleged the deceased
His four-page post-mortem report mentions sustained injuries during cross firing in a police
the cause of death was "craniocerebral damage encounter in Jamia Nagar on 19/09/2008, he
as a result of gunshot injuries to head." was taken to Holy Family hospital where he died
Sajid had 14 injuries on his body. "Injury no. the same day at 7 pm. (TCN)

Arrested Azamgarh youth Salman a minor

MAHTAB ALAM
New Delhi: While negating the police claims and
media reports that Salman is 21-years-old and pointing
the gross violation of rights of minors by security forces in
the case arrest of Salman Ahmad of Azamgarh, Jamia
Teachers' Solidarity Association (JTSA) wrote a letter to
Special Commissioner on Juvenile Justice, Harsh
Mandar and urged him to consider this case with the
extreme urgency.
Salman has been arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-
Terror Squad claiming his involvement in bomb blasts.
The police claimed that, Salman on the directions of Atif
Ameen( alleged IM mastermind killed in the 'encounter' at
Batla House) planted bombs in Varanasi's Court room on
November 23rd, 2007, in Gorakhpur on May 22nd, 2007,
in Jaipur on May 13th, 2008, in Ahmedabad on July 26th,
2008 and in Delhi on September 13th, 2008.
According to high school
marksheet of Salman, he was
born on October 3, 1992 conclu-
sively establishing that he is a 17
years old hence he is a minor [a
copy of his certificate is available
with TwoCircles.net]. This also
means that Salman was just 15 or
16 when he was alleged to have
been planted bombs. Salman
Ahmad was arrested on March
6th from Siddharthnagar, UP.
In its letter, JTSA writes, "We
object to the remand of the boy
granted to the Delhi Police, espe-
Shahid Azmi remembered in Azamgarh
Azamgarh: A condolence meeting for martyr Shahid Azmi advocate of Mumbai
cially since the specific purpose was held here on 13 March at the Shah Abdul Khaliq Musafirkhana. The meet-
of the remand was for "interroga- ing was jointly organized by Muslim Majlis U. P., Association for Welfare, Medical,
tion". A minor cannot be left Educational and Legal Assistance (AWMELA), Minorities Lawyer's Association
unprotected in the hands of an and Millat Congress. The meeting was chaired by Dr Feroze Talat of Muslim
agency, which has unbridled Majlis UP. Strongly condemning the brutal murder of a champion of human rights
powers of inflicting violence – we
and a great source of comfort for oppressed people, the meeting unanimously
are only too aware how 'interrogation' routinely involves
passed a resolution demanding a time-bound high-level probe in the daring mur-
brutal mental and physical torture".
JTSA feared, if necessary action is not taken then der of a young advocate. It also demanded investigation of all seemingly fake
deliberate lies and misinformation may rob a minor of his encounters and protection to the lawyers taking up the cases of victims of terror.
basic rights. The Letter is signed by its President Dr. The meeting was addressed by Dr. Javed Akhtar, President AWMELA, Dr A.
Manisha Sethi on behalf of Adil Mehdi, Ahmed Sohaib, Abdullah, Mr Ravindra Rai (Editor, Samaik karavan), Mr. Shesh Nath Singh
Ghazi Shahnawaz, Farah Farooqi, Azra Razzak, Anwar (Editor, Jan Morcha), Dr. Fareed (Millat Congress), Mr Wasi Haider Advocate
Alam, Tanweer Fazal, Sanghamitra Misra, Ambarien Al- (Muslim Majlis, Kanpur) and Mr Khan Atif (President, Muslim Majlis UP). The
Qadar, Shakeb Ahmed, Arshad Alam and others. (TCN) meeting was conducted by Mr Abdul Khaliq Advocate. (Salman Sultan)
6 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010

NATIONAL
Media must not play the judge: Minister
New Delhi: Union Minister of State for
Home Affairs Mullapally Ramachandran
said media should not try the accused
and pass verdict on them. He was inau-
gurating a dialogue on "Media and
Human Rights: Trends and Challenges"
organised by the Delhi chapter of
Dialogue Centre Kerala at Constitution
Club here on 13 March.
Mr. Ramachandran said media-trials
are on the rise in the country and this
dangerous tendency must end since it
often leads to violation of human rights.
The task of passing verdicts should be
left to the courts. Media should give
equal room for the voices of both the
accuser and the accused. They should
try to go beyond the obvious and find out what leads certain sec-
tions of society to extremism and bloodshed. In fact, a good
media person must essentially be a good human being, he
stressed.
Business interests often prompt corporate media to turn a
blind eye on ethics, opined Frontline magazine's Deputy Editor
Venkitesh Ramakrishnan who was the moderator of the dialogue.
"Media have been used for commercial purposes and to suit the
interests of the proprietors. This tendency needs to be checked.
It's when the managements use media for their own vested inter-
ests that malpractices like 'paid news' take place," said
Ramakrishnan.
Prof. MD Nalapat, who has held top editorial positions at the
Times of India and Mathrubhumi, said that almost hundred per
cent of mediapersons rely solely on the official sources for news.
"Nobody wants to hear non-official sources. So, it is easy for the
police to get the public to believe their cooked-up versions," he
said. Nalapat also stressed the need for scrapping the age-old
draconian laws made by the British, “if we honestly want to check
human rights violations.”
Commenting on the way the media handled the 'Love Jihad'
canard, Prof. AK Ramakrishnan of the Jawaharlal Nehru
University said the media were actually volunteering for Pramod
Muthalik's Sri Rama Sena. This, he continued, led to a situation
where a Muslim student gets beaten up if he is found talking to a
Hindu girl.
Prof. KA Siddique Hassan, Deputy Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami
Hind, said the media have snowballed to become the 'first estate'
that influences all other estates namely the legislature, judiciary
and the executive. The media, which reproduced the police ver-
sion word for word in the Ishrat Jahan case, had to eat its own
words when a judicial enquiry commission proved that the inci-
dent was a fake encounter. Prof. Hassan accused the media of
ignoring the 'other voices' with respect to the Batla House
encounter case and the terror charges slapped on Sufiya
Ma'adani.
Prof. TK Oommen of the Jawaharlal Nehru University was of
the opinion that caste system is largely responsible for the human
rights violations in India and everyone including the media must
be ready for introspection.
Concluding the programme, Dr. Yaseen Ashraf, Associate
Editor of Madhyamam daily, said the total number of media con-
glomerates in the world has alarmingly plunged from fifteen to five
and this has resulted in the homogenisation of the media content
all over the world, marginalising the divergent voices.
Dialogue Centre was set up by the Kerala wing of Jamaat-e-
Islami Hind with a view of dispelling mutual misgivings and suspi-
cions between different religious communities and fostering amity
and cooperation. It organises various programmes like talks,
seminars, symposia, and debates and also brings out relevant
books. (T. Riyas Babu)

ATTACKS ON CHRISTIANS ON THE RISE standalone government in a south Indian state.

Karnataka is fast evolving into a hub of Hindu fanatics
Bangalore: There have been over one thousand
anti-Christian atatcks in North Karnataka in the
past 500 days, reports the EFI News.
Most recently, on March 17, around 150
people allegedly led by Right-wing Hindu
extremist groups stormed the funeral of a 50-
year-old Christian man at St. Thomas Church
near Arsikere town in Hassan district. The mob
pulled the coffin apart and desecrated the cross,
threw the body in a tractor and dumped it out-
side, saying his burial would have contaminated
the Indian soil and his body should be buried in
Rome or America.
According to the report of an independent
enquiry conducted by a former judge of the
Karnataka High Court, Justice Michael F.
Saldanha, the 1,000th attack in the state took
place in Mysore city on January 26, the day
India celebrated the coming in force of the
Constitution, which guarantees religious free-
dom to all communities. The incident of attacks
suddenly rose in September 2008, even as
Christians were being hacked to death and their
houses burnt in the anti-Christian bloodbath in
eastern Orissa state following the death of
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Swami
Laxmanananda Saraswati by Maoists.
While the mainstream national media is
shockingly silent about the unprecedented per-
secution of minority Christians in Karnataka, the
state government has allegedly bought over
sections of the local media so that they under-
play such incidents, suggests Justice
Saldanha’s report.
The report we are referring to carries the
findings of the People’s Tribunal Enquiry by
Justice Michael F. Saldanha on behalf of the
People’s Union for Civil Liberties’ Dakshina
Kannada district chapter, the Catholic
Association of South Kanara and the Karnataka
Chapter of Transparency International.
It is not coincidence that Christian persecu-
tion rose to new heights soon after the
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in
the state. While the BJP had a 20-month rule in
alliance with the regional Janata Dal – (Secular)
(JD-S) party since February 2006, it came to
power on its own in May 2008 – the party’s first
That Karnataka – once a symbol of India’s
economic progress – has now become a hub of
Right-wing Hindu extremism, is not worrisome
only for Christians. It is a cause for concern for
all Indians, as communal disturbance is harmful
for all communities; it benefits only politicians
seeking narrow gains.
Religious intolerance also risks India’s inter-
national reputation. It is also betrayal of people’s
mandate on the part of the state government, as
the Indian voter has clearly shown door to the
divisive politics of the BJP in both 2004 and
2009 general elections. But the shortsighted
BJP does not see an immediate threat to its
government in Karnataka, thanks to the weak-
ness of the two main opposition parties, the
Congress and the JD-S. However, the people of
the state are unhappy with the growing lawless-
ness.

“Sir, don’t..I am not a terrorist”: Déjà Vu Terrorism

MUSTAFA KHAN the Aristotelian thesis of impossible probability being more effec- and pocket the bonanza of promotion and be cavalier with pro-
tive theme of tragedy. viding evidence.
hat is happening in the country is nothing short of So much depends on a phone call! The erstwhile approver

W déjà vu terrorism. The kind of opinion that the police

and investigation agencies create by sensationaliz-
ing leaks released to the media and how the media
people fall for the “scoop” that makes Muslims en masse look as
terrorists. As in the case of every other shining brand, “Muslim
terrorism” has also become a brand commodity for marketing.
The duo Riyaz Rehan and Abdul Latif Guddu were arrested
in Mumbai on suspicion that they were about to burn a cloth mar-
ket, an office of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC),
and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. Their weapon was a
match box to set the targets on fire as getting RDX had become
so difficult. How could it be so difficult for them in Mumbai and at
the same time so easy for Indian Mujahideen in Pune is some-
thing only ATS under KP Raghuvanshi knows very well or their
The “uncle” connection
The supposed "uncle" has to be based in Karachi as the "Karachi
project" is currently in fashion. That we are fighting shy of joint
investigation with Pakistan is convenient to assert anything and
say the other side is not cooperating. What harm is there in call-
ing a mastermind "uncle". This uncle has been deciphered to be,
of course, you are right. He's Dawood Ibrahim. The tall and stur-
dy man in Pune who has been described as Mithun Chakraborty
and who has handed over bombs to Nanded accused of bomb-
ing mosques in Parbhani, Purna, Jalna and also others has been
called as "sir". Within the homeland we have not been able to
decipher this "sir" let alone arrest him. He must be the true mas-
termind based in Pune.
t is no mere coincidence that a rickshaw driver was shown on
Abrar Ahmed says that SP Rajwardhan gave him the cell phone
no. 9823436801. He gave him a paper on which he had written
"Mader chod, jitna bolna that tu bol chuka ab sun ham log ko jitna
saman gayab karna tha kar chuke mager ham is ko gaon main
nahi la sake"(mother fucker, whatever you wanted to say you
have said, now listen whatever material we want to remove we
have done it, but we could not bring it into the town.) He instruct-
ed to Abrar to have the sentence uttered from a public phone
booth as the SP wanted it recorded on the phone Abrar had got
from him. Abrar claims that the sentence was uttered by Hamid
Hussain Javid Iqbal from Pahelwan Restaurant on Kidwai road,
Malegaon. But the police along with ATS and CBI maintain that
the sentence was uttered by Jahid who they say planted one of
the bombs on September 8, 2006. As a matter of truth Jahid had
led Friday prayer at Phool Sngvi in Yawatmal district five hundred

higher ups in Intelligence Bureau.
But the theory fell on its face when it came to light that Rehan
was in love with a Gujarati Jain girl. Her father reportedly used
police influence to forestall the affair from climaxing into mar-
riage. The kind of work that Babu Bajrangi is also doing for a
higher premium, of course. That the police are also past masters
in doing the same kind of social engineering is proven in the case
of Priyanka Todi and Rizwanur Rehman. The police got him
crushed under train. It is ironic that Shah Rukh Khan chose his
cricket team to put on the sports-wear of Ashok Todi's Lux Cosy.
The People in Kolkata would not have this badge of shame. In
their mind Rizwan Khan and Rizwan Rehman are the same. The
assertion of the film dialogue also militates against it, My name
is Khan and I am not a terrorist.
Rehan too was credit worthy as a merchant. Panit Prajapati
told the people about steady service and noble character of
Rehan. The police (read KP Raghuvanshi) were carried off their
feet by the new brand in vogue in the market. How could these
two burn so much of property and area by simple match box is
I
a popular TV channel on the day when blasts rocked
Malegaon on September 8, 2006. He carried two people who
had alighted from a bus from Malegaon. They had reached Pune
from Malegaon and were wondering how (the blasts) had taken
place in the mid day for they were set to go off in the night when
the crowd in graveyard in Malegaon would be mammoth. The
rickshaw driver told the anchor that he overheard their conversa-
tion. This footage was shown in the evening as well as at night.
Till today the ATS has not bothered to trace out the rickshaw driv-
er. On the contrary, Raghuvanshi has gone on air, on radio,
exhorting rickshaw drivers to help investigate the Pune blast. So
it is easier to locate an uncle in Karachi and Indian Mujahideen
in Pune. K.P. Raghuvanshi personally conducted the raid and
arrest of the duo in Mumbai. Then, went public with the finding.
Of course, he did not say anything about la affaire de amour.
Thus it is facile to conceptualize terror and terrorists as former
RAW chief Vikram Sood said: "Concepts are always good but the
devil is in the detail". Our agencies are finding it easier to do it
miles away from Malegaon. As compared to this the phone call
the duo in Mumabai made to the "uncle" is to Karachi much
longer distance and hence the need for a more cogent proof.
In the Malegaon case the ATS has failed to obtain the phone
transcript of 9823436801 although by the order of the Chief
Assistant Secretary (Home) they were duty bound to do so. Till
February 12, 2010 they had not done so. Therefore it would be
in the fitness of things that in the case of three weeks of phone
conversation with the "uncle" of the duo should be made public
lest the stipulated period of one year given to the phone compa-
ny passes and they destroy the evidence.
The shooting of ATS inspector Shabbir Ali Sayyad of Gujarat
is another déjà vu terrorism. He was playing the role of observer
in a mock rehearsal of terrorist attack at an airport in Surat. DCP
Subhash Trivedi shot him twice in his stomach from a close
range. Trivedi was roleacting as a doctor. The popular conceptu-
alizing of Muslims as terrorists seemed to have spawned this cul-
ture in the mind set of everyone.

With best compliments from

Kaleem Kawaja Washington DC

Withdraw Communal Violence Bill: AIMPLB
MASOOD HASAN
Lucknow: The All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (an apex
decision- making body of the Muslims) has urged the Central
Government to withdraw the proposed Communal Violence Bill in
toto and redraft it before being tabled in Parliament. The Muslim
Personal Law Board opined that the Bill should be redrafted with
the opinion sought from the ulama, scholars and academicians.
The resolution passed at the general session of the Law
Board will now be known as Lucknow declaration that has also
made an appeal to the Central Government to snap ties with
Israel.
After the meeting, a grand convention held at Eidgah
Aishbagh in Lucknow in which speaker after speaker opposed the
Women Reservation Bill describing it a well planned conspiracy
of the Central Government to harm the interests of the Muslim
community. They say that Islam gives unprecedented rights to
women.
The Board will not accept the Bill in any form till the govern-
ment officials are held responsible for any outbreak of communal
violence in the country. The Centre has proposed to bring a
Communal Violence Bill through the Action Taken Report (ATR)
tabled in the Parliament along with the Liberhan Commission
report over Babri Masjid demolition.
Opposing the Communal Violence Bill, the AIMPLB called
upon the Muslims, secular political and non-political organizations
to oppose the Bill and start agitation till it is changed from its pres-
ent form. The decision to oppose the bill was taken at thet nation-
al general session of the Law Board that concluded in Lucknow.
The Law Board has also decided to send a delegation to
meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and others in the UPA
Government. The delegation will make an appeal to them not to
bring the Bill in its present form because it will create unprece-
dented problems for Muslims. The Law Board has also urged the
Muslim and secular Members of Parliament to oppose the bill. A
meeting of members of Parliament has been called in New Delhi
to discuss the issue.
Shahabuddin’s open letter to the Board Chairman
My dear President, As-Salam-u-Aalaikum
I have seen the press reports on the Lucknow Declaration
released by the Board on 21 March, 2010 the press has head-
lined the stand Board has taken on the Communal Violence Bill.
It is unfortunate that the Board has, against the advice of sev-
eral members including myself plunged headlong into a new &
unfamiliar terrain which has nothing to do with the original object
and purpose of the Board. The Common Violence Bill pending
since 2005 has been handled seriously by several Muslim organ-
izations of national eminence, like the AIMMM, the AIMC, the JIH
& the JUH & prominent individuals including Justice Ahmedi, not
to speak of official bodies like the National integration Council
and the National Commission for Minorities which had rejected
its earlier version.
The real object and purpose and, therefore, the legitimate
function of the Board is the defence of the Shariat. That is why,
though communal violence has been rampant in the country
Government’s propaganda on minority schemes exposed
Syed Shahabuddin, President All India Muslim Majlis-e-
Mushawarat (AIMMM) has issued the following statement.
The full page advertisement by the Ministry of Minority Affairs
on 18 February, 2010 on its achievements under Prime Minister's
15 Point Programme for the Welfare of the Minorities has been
designed to misinform the public and to bluff the minorities and
particularly hoodwink the Muslims. Indeed, the Advertisement
conceals more than it reveals.
Religious minorities constitute clearly 20 % of the national
population, of which nearly 15 % are Muslims. The Advertisement
speaks repeatedly of 'minority concentration districts ( MCD) but
to cover up poor performance in Muslims concentration districts
or their proportionate under-coverage the Advertisement gives no
information about Muslim concentration districts. This deliberate
omission is evident from the following item-wise analysis.
I. Bank Branches: 1562 public sector bank branches are
claimed to have been opened since 2007-08, but neither their
location nor the community-wise break-up of the number of
accounts and credit flow are revealed.
2. New Schools: 8764 new schools are said to have been
opened upto 30.09.09. But whether they are primary/ middle /
secondary schools is not mentioned nor their number in Muslims
areas nor the extent to which they cover school deficit compared
to national norms.
3. Institutional Allocation: Increase in the Share capital of
NMDFC and the corpus of Maulana Azad Education Foundation
is given. But actual disbursements year-wise are not.
4. Multi-sectorial Devolvement Programmme:Rs 807.01
crores are said to have been released to States/ UTs up to
01.01.2010 for 90 MCDs but readers are not informed of how
much has been actually utilized and the programme taken up,
district-wise.
The assistant general secretary of the Muslim Personal Law
Board Mohammad Abdur Rahim Qureshi told newsmen about the
resolution passed at the meeting of the Law Board in Lucknow
that it would not accept the Bill till the magistrates are being held
collectively responsible for the violence. The Bill if passed will
give unbridled power to the police and will increase harassment
and atrocities of the Muslims, he said.
II
Don’t meddle in deeni education!
Lucknow: The president of the All-India Muslim Personal Law
Board (AIMPLB) Maulana Syed Rabey Hasani Nadvi has made it
clear that interference by the Central Government in the Muslim
Personal Laws would not be tolerated. He said that Indian
Muslims would resolve their problems pertaining to religious and
other issues in accordance with Islamic laws.
In his presidential address at the 21st conference of the All-
India Muslim Personal Law Board at Nadwatul Ulama in
Lucknow, the Maulana said that Muslims get deeni and Islami
education in madarsas and interference in it by the Government
would not be tolerated. He said that the proposal for setting up a
Central Madarsa Board was against the interests of the commu-
nity and the the Law Board had already taken up various meas-
ures to improve the education system. He advised Muslim lead-
ers that they should not take any such step that harms the right
of the community as the Board is bound to protect the religious
rights of the Muslim samaj for which it had been working for the
last 38 years.
The secretary general of the AIMPLB Mohammad Abdur
Rahim Quereshi said that the slow progress in the cases handled
by the CBI in Rae Bareli and Lucknow courts indicated the
Government's attitude.
He said that the Law Board would specially discuss the report
of the Liberhan Commission that probed the demolition of the
Babri mosque in Ayodhya and the Communal Violence Bill. He
said that the Liberhan Commission had exposed the conspiracy
since right after independence, to my knowledge it had not taken
up this question so far.
I feel sorry that while the Board has not successfully carried
out the campaigns which it had legitimately launched, while the
Board had not implemented its resolutions to a successful conclu-
sion, while it has not presented the questions related to defence
of the Shariat and Muslim personal Law which it had taken up,
including even the major question relating to Maintenance of
Muslim divorcees ( Shah Bano Case), it has been paying attention
to other areas in which its lacks knowledge and experience. At
same time the Board also duplicates the work being done by other
Muslim organizations. It has also neglected its major responsibil-
ity since 1985, the Codification of Muslim Personal Law and its
statutory recognition. Indeed this great responsibility has not been
touched so far. The new enterprise is nothing but a confession of
failure in its real tasks and a diversion to cover them.
For the Board to take up the legal work relating to the Babri
5. Increase in Plan Provision for Ministry: It is well known that
every year the Ministry has failed to utilize the allocation fully.
Earmarking of 15 % of Outlay for Muslims, Scheme-wise alloca-
tion and the number of total & Muslim beneficiaries are not pro-
vided.
6. Awards of 22, 23,841 Scholarships to Minority students:
The status of awards to Muslim community, state-wise, is not
given nor the number of scholarships & amounts which have
been actually disbursed.
7. Indira Awas Yojana: 9,29,141 Minority BPL families are said
to have benefited but district-wise or community-wise break-up is
not given.
8. Swarn Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana: 1,46,090 beneficiar-
ies form minorities are claimed but the number of Muslims is not
given.
9. Swarn Jayanti Garam Swarozgar Yojna: 4,75,253 persons
form minorities are said to be beneficiaries but the number of
Muslims is not given.
10. Free Coaching: 14,966 students have been coached at the
cost of RS 20.75 crore but the break-up, course-wise, state-wise
or community-wise are not given.
11. Recruitment of Minorities Government: The advertisement
claims advance to 9.18 % share in recruitment in 2008-09 over
one year but does not give the total number of Muslims actually
recruited in government or public sector, level-wise, Moreover,
the cumulative representation of Muslims in any department or
paramilitary force is not revealed nor their current % in the total.
Conclusion: The net impact of the advertisement confirms the
doubts in the mind of the Muslims that they have made no real
progress nor received their due share of development benefit or
place in governance.
To remove the credibility gap, the AIMMM urges the
The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010 7
NATIONAL
behind the demolition.
III
Nadvi reelected President for third time
Lucknow: Maulana Syed Rabey Hasani Nadvi was unanimously
elected as president of the All- India Muslim Personal Law Board
for the third consecutive term. The Board has also, for the first
time, increased the number of women members from one to five
in the 251-member Law Board.
The unanimous election of Maulana Syed Rabey Hasani as
the president of the Board was announced by Zafaryab Jilani at a
press conference in Lucknow. Two of the four women members
belonged to Lucknow. Naseem Iqtidar Ali, was the lone member
in the Law Board. Dr. Rukhsana Lari and Dr. Safia Naseem
(Lucknow), Dr Noor Jahan Shakeel and Dr. Asma Zehra were
elected as the executive members of the Board.
He said that forty-one members were unanimously elected
and ten members would be nominated by the president of the
AIMPL Board.
The spokesperson of the Board, Qasim Rasool Illiyas told
newsmen after the conference that any leader irrespective of his
party affiliation, would be given representation in the Law Board
if he agrees to abide by the rules and regulations of the Law
Board. He said that the representation to states like Meghalaya,
Tripura and Laddak were given at this conference that were left
out earlier.
Ghulam Hussain, who is a member of Parliament, was nom-
inated as a member of the Law Board. He belonged to Laddak.
There was a demand for a long time that the number of
women members should be increased in the Law Board. Dr
Kalbey Sadiq who is the vice-president of the Board had also
demanded at conference of women held in Lucknow some
months ago that the representation of women should be
increased in the Board.

Masjid title suit in 1993 was a need of the hour, as the Babri
Masjid Movement stood divided and the community felt demoral-
ized. Let me add, in all seriousness, that any expansion of the
Board's field of operation and activity can only further dilute its
performance in any campaigns it has launched on problems con-
nected directly with Shariat and Muslim Personal Law.
Please forgive me, but I am forced to say that the Board
appears to have lost its way in the thick jungle of problems that
the Community faces and that the Board must confine itself strict-
ly to the questions related to the Shariat, social reform & alterna-
tive adjudication.
Similarly, what the Declaration says on Israel or on Terrorism
has been repeatedly and forcefully said by other Muslim organi-
zations and spokesmen, I wonder what purpose it serves for the
Board to take up the questions connected with foreign affairs &
national security.
With kind regards, Yours sincerely,
Syed Shahabuddin
syedshahabuddinexmp@gmail.com
Government that the statistics should be transparent and give
both the overall picture of total& Muslim share representation, as
well as the increase recorded in given year over the last year.
It is also suggested that to establish its credibility, the Ministry
should publish brochure on progress made by community in
2009-10, under UPA II.
As it is, this advertisement only serves to provide material for
anti-Muslim propaganda by the communal forces that Muslims
are being appeased.

Agra police picked up Tablighi Jamaat
innocent member from mosque
Agra: Agra police, simply for winning praise, unnecessarily
picked up an innocent member of Tablighi Jama’t from a
mosque and falsely accused him of being the criminal brother
of Rahman, another criminal who carries an award of Rs 10,000
on his head. In order to pressurise Rahman, the police took
him to police station and insulted him publicly. The matter has
now taken a serious turn and the police is now in an awkward
position.
It may be mentioned that Hari Parbat Thana police had
arrested Muhammad Shahzad, who had come in a Tablighi
Jama’t group from Aligarh, from Rakab Ganj Thana area. His
arrest has created a wave of anger among Muslims who took
to street in protest against police high handedness. They sur-
rounded the Thana and enforced a traffic jam on MG Road.
Ultimately, under pressure, the police had to release him.
According to police, Shahzad’s brother Rahman had
allegedly taken some amount forcibly from Agra Public
School’s manager. Police say that they could not locate
Rahman. Many people of all communities led by local MLA
Zulfiqar Ahmad Bhutto met DIG Dipesh Juneja and apprised
him of the true position. DIG ordered Shahzad’s release and
also ordered an enquiry into the case.

8 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010
NATIONAL
Modi and Varun: shades of Gadkari's political script
MOHAMMAD NAUSHAD KHAN
ulogizing Narendra Modi soon after SIT summons and
E
before finalising his new team which now also includes
one time isolated and cornered Varun Gandhi by his own
partymen after his hate speech is now made secretary
which itself speakes volumes about the new BJP President Nitin
Gadkari’s political ambitions and strategy. It appears that from
now onwards the RSS will be the engine of the BJP's political
express. The onus on him was to stop infighting but dissatisfied
leaders have started raising their voice against the composition of
Gadkari's new team.
It seems Gadkari has been assigned to hypnotise the BJP
cadres in order to enthuse the ideology of the RSS across party
lines. It becomes apparent from what he has said about Narendra
Modi and Varun Gandhi.
In his recent interview Gadkari said about Modi "He has the
capability, capacity and potential to lead this country. He is a role
model for development politics. Look at what he has done for
Gujarat. A descion on the party's prime ministerial candidate will be
taken by senior leaders and the parliamentary body, but Modi is fully
competent."
On Varun Gandhi he has said that he is an able and intelligent
leader and must be given a chance. One can agree for a while that
they are capable and intelligent but it is also true that thay are using
their capability and intelligence to incite hatred among the people, to
divide communities on religious line. Ironically Gadkari, who is also
the author of the book titled "Politics of Development" chose Varun
Gandhi as secretary, known for his hate speeches. It could have
been difficult for Gadkari to ignore Varun as he is a regular visitor of
RSS citadel.
Team Gadkari
Gadkari's new team comprises of 13 vice presidents, 10 general
secretaries, 15 secretaries, 12 members in high profile parliamen-
tary board and one treasurer. Initially it was believed that the team
Gadkari will have some big surprises as prior to announcing his
team he was with RSS leaders in Nagpur but still came out with the
combination of old and new faces. In order to take credit for the
Women's Reservation Bill, out of 121-member national executive 40
are women. Many leaders of the BJP feel let down upon the
PFI takes out march demanding Muslim Reservation
T. RIYAS BABU
New Delhi: Popular Front of India (PFI) took out “Parliament
march” on Monday 15 March to press the demand for reservation
to Muslims in Government services and in admission to educa-
tional institutions.
The march started from Mandi House area of the capital with
participants carrying banners and placards calling for justice to
Muslims. They raised slogans that Muslims are not asking for any
favour, but demanding a constitutional right. They asked if Sachar
Committee proved that Muslims are most backward, why reser-
vation is denied only to Muslims. The march stopped at Jantar
Mantar where leaders addressed the protesters.
The march was notable for its participation by people from
different parts of the country. PFI chairman EM Abdul Rahiman
delivered the keynote speech. He stated that Justice Ranganath
Misra Commission has prescribed the real remedy for Muslim
backwardness by recommending 10% reservation to Muslims all
over India in government services and educational institutions.
The government need not even wait for an approval of Parliament
for giving reservation to Muslims. If the nuclear deal can be
signed without the consent of Parliament, why the Prime Minister
seeks a national consensus on the Muslim reservation issue?
How can a secular government wait for consent from the commu-
nal BJP and its allies?, Rahiman asked.
Syed Shahabuddin, president of All India Muslim Majlis-e-
Mushawarat (AIMMM), called upon the community not to vote for
Congress if they do not give quota. “Muslims need reservation in gov-
ernment jobs and educational institutions. If somebody approaches
us for votes at the time of election, we should say 'no reservation, no
vote.' AIMMM will extend all help to this effort,” he said.
Tej Singh, president of Ambedkar Samaj Party said that
Muslims and Dalits should not refrain from this issue at any cost.
“Reservation is the right of Muslims and Dalits. We constitute a
major per cent of the Indian population. We will not vote for
Congress if they do not give reservation,” he asserted.
Udit Raj, president of Indian Justice Party, said that the
Women's Bill in the present form is a threat to the backward
classes. “If Women's Bill is passed in Lok Sabha too, all the elite
women will reach the Parliament. Then Dalits and other backward
classes will have no voice in the Sabha. So this has to be
opposed,” he said adding Indian Justice Party will always be with
Muslims.
Thol Thirumavalavan, MP, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi
President, called upon Muslims and Dalits to stand united. “We
have to stand together for success. We are united not only for
reservation, but also for political power. If we catch power, we will
no more need to request someone for reservation. Instead we
announcement of the team. Some believe that those who deserve
space in the hierarchy are left out while those unimportant have
been unduly rewarded. Leaders of the BJP Bihar unit are out in the
open and the flames of revolt can be seen from the statement made
by the left-out leaders or not adequately honoured ones. Bihar was,
in a way, considered to be on the top of priority as it is to go for the
polls this year. Shahnawaz Hussain, Satrughan Sinha, Yashwant
Sinha and C.P Thakur have raised the banner of revolt.
Among the handful of Muslim leaders of the BJP Shahnawaz,
the only elected Muslim candidate, is disappointed as he was hop-
ping to get general secretary’s post. His feelings became apparent
when he said "The BJP does not practise appeasement on caste
and communal lines. He has also skipped one meeting after the
announcement of the team. Some of them have made surprise entry
and they are J.K Jain, Mahesh Jethmalani, and Kirori Singh
Bainsala along with few surprise choices in the form of Najma
Heptullah and BS Koshiari as vice-presidents. Former Rajasthan
chief minister Vasundhra Raje who had earlier virtually defied party
whip especially Rajnath Singh has been made general secretary.
Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie could not find any organisa-
tional post for they had rebelled in the aftermath of the Lok Sabha
election particularly against L.KAdvani.
Karnataka that is considered to be the gateway of the BJP to the
south is not adequately represented. Two other prominent figures
like Rajiv Pratap Rudy and Prakash Javadekar are ignored while
preparing the list of spokesman. These leaders are also against the
dominance of leaders from Maharashtra, more than 25 in the new
team. Leaders with RSS background like Bhagat Singh Koshiyari,
Murlidhar Rao and Tarun Vijay have been inducted in the new team,
while V Satish and Saudan Singh have been retained. Earlier in one
of his televised interviews Gadkari had expressed his wish to work
honestly for the minorities but the way he has been projecting
Narendra Modi and Varun Gandhi belies his honest assertion.
Youth, no matter Hindu or Muslim who constitute the lion's share
of our population are hardly concerned about ideology no matter
hardline or soft, but what they are really concerned about is the
overall growth and development which provides an atmosphere for
anyone to live in harmony in order to attain prosperity. This is the
fine line BJP seems to to have been missing while preparing the
script for their political journey ahead.
can implement it ourselves,” he said,
adding that reservation was not a favour
but the fundamental right of Muslims and
Dalits.
Dr. Zafarul-Islam Khan, editor of The
Milli Gazette, addressing the gathering,
said that reservation for Muslims is not a
new concept in India. “Muslims had reser-
vation under the British rule. But after
Independence, the Congress convinced
Begum Aizaz Rasul and made her state in
the Constituent Assembly that Muslims do
not need reservation. Consequently, the
reservation for Muslims was abolished
while Congress leaders like Patel and
Nehru declared that Muslims would be given more than they
expected. Now it is clear what Muslims have been given so far,”
said Dr. Khan. “So do not think that we are demanding something
new. We just want the government to give us the reservation
back,” he added.
Sultan Ahmed, Union Minister of State for Tourism and
Sharad Yadav of Janata Dal (United) also addressed the gather-
ing. The presence of various political party leaders gave a clear
warning to the government on the issue.
SDPI President E Abubacker, Prof. Muhammad Sulaiman,
President Indian National League, V P Nasaruddeen, President,
PFI Kerala, Fr. Dominique Emmanuel and Navaid Hamid also
spoke to the gathering. PFI General Secretary K M Shareef wel-
comed the gathering.
Author of Who Killed
Karkare? faces threat to life
Mumbai: Former Special
Inspector General of
Police, retired IPS
Officer, SM Mushrif who
made startling and sen-
sational revelations
about the death of for-
mer ATS chief of
Mumbai, Hemant
Karkare, during terrorists
attacks on Mumbai on
26 November '08 in his
book 'Who killed
Karkare?' is facing dan-
ger to his life, according to his letter to Maharashtra Chief
Minister, Ashok Chavan.
In a 2-page confidential letter to the chief minister he
has expressed serious apprehensions about safety of his
life and has requested him to provide proper security to him
(Mushrif). This letter written in English with the subject
'Danger to life - Request for Armed Protection' was
received in CM's office on 23 February '10 and in which
while expressing his views on the murder of lawyer Shahid
Azmi, he had concluded that whoever might have killed him
(Azmi), his real killers are the same forces who are respon-
sible for the murder of Hemant Karkare.
Mushirf wrote in his letter to CM that ever since his
book 'Who killed Karkare?' was published in October 2009,
forces whom he made responsible for Karkare's murder,
particularly Intelligence Bureau, are feeling disgraced and
he fears that being angry and frustrated 'they may physical-
ly harm me'. This letter further says that in recent times and
particularly after advocate Shahid Azmi was shot dead on
11 February '10 'my doubt is further strengthened and now
I am feeling serious danger to my life'.
It may be stated, incidentally, that Mushrif of
Maharashtra cadre sought voluntary retirement from IP
Service in October 2005 and has been residing in Pune

ever since.

A delegation of Popular Front later submitted a memorandum
to the Prime Minister urging an early executive order earmarking
10% reservation for Muslims in central services and educational
institutions.
The march was held as part of PFI’s Campaign for Muslim
Reservation during the months of February and March. Various
public awareness programmes such as street meetings, vehicle
caravans, rallies, seminars, street plays, pamphlets, posters,
exhibitions and cultural shows were held state wide in Tamil
Nadu, Kerala, Pondicherry, Karnataka, Goa, Andhra Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Manipur, West
Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi. The campaign
meetings and rallies witnessed large turnout of masses in all
parts of the country.

 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010 9

NATIONAL
Rift for quota within quota: but no Muslims
Marad riots: nine get life-term legislators in Lalu's 15-year rule
The Yadavs have opened a Pandora’s box by opposing Women's Reservation
T. RIYAS BABU lives of three Hindus and two Muslims, was a sudden Bill, demanding quota within quota for Dalits Muslims, OBC and Muslims.
breach of peace that started due to scuffles between two But, on the contrary it has been found that there was not a single Muslim
pecial Additional Sessions Judge of Marad groups that began as a trivial altercation over drinking

S
woman legislator during the period of Yadav's rule. Since Independence there
Special Court KP Prasanna Kumari on water at the public tap. The murders consequently trig- have been only six Muslim women legislators there. The present Bihar
Wednesday 18 March sentenced 14 convicts gered the worst retaliatory attack; the Second Marad Assembly does have altogether 26 women legislators and shockingly not even
finding them guilty of murdering 45-year-old Riots, that killed nine Hindu anglers and a Muslim youth
a single Muslim woman. The Yadav combine, Lalu, Mulayam and Sharad
Thekkepurath Abubacker on January 4, 2002. The inci- which happened a year later in 2003. When eight of the
dent that happened eight years back at Marad, a costal victims belonged to majority community, one Muslim who Yadav, have been up in the arms and opposing the Women’s Reservation Bill in
village in Calicut district of Kerala, had led to a retalia- was also an accused was killed accidentally during the and out of the Parliament. Both Lalu and Sharad Yadav have declared that
tory attack which claimed the lives of nine people on attack which was carried out by assailants who reported- unless there is a quota within quota for Muslims, Dalit and OBCs, the bill can
May 2, 2003. ly arrived on the beach from across the Chaliyar River by only be passed over their dead bodies.
Abubacker was chased and hacked boat late evening on May 2, 2003. Muslim women have so far not won any Lok Sabha seats from Bihar. Zohra
to death in the wee hours of January 4, The court had last year sen- Ahmed had won the Patna Assembly seat in the year 1957. The total number of
2002 when he was on his way to pre- tenced 62 of the 139 defendants in elected women legislators between 1956 and 2005 is 205 and only six Muslim
pare for the funeral of two Muslim the second riots case to life imprison- women could make it to the state legislature. However, in the last Lok Sabha
youths killed in the communal clashes ment. All of them belonged to Marad, election, Rashtriya Janata Dal had given party ticket to Hina Sahab, wife of
the previous day which also took the the tiny fishing hamlet along the 1.5- Mohd Shahsbuddin from Siwan but she lost against an independent candidate,
lives of two Hindus. The court found 14 km coastline in the northern district of Om Prakash Yadav. A Local teacher, Akbari Khatoon, asked: "If Lalu Prasad is
people guilty of rioting armed with Calicut. When charges of murder had
weapons, deliberately causing grievous so serious about inclusion of Dalit, OBC and Muslims women, why was there
been framed against 62 of the con-
hurt with dangerous weapons which led victs, one had been held guilty of mis- not a single woman legislator in his entire rule? (Mohammad Naushad Khan)
to the death of the victim and rise of using a place of worship for carrying
enmity between different groups. out the attack. The accused were “Muslim appeasement” — a myth: Prof. Oommen
Among the convicts, charged under various sections of Hyderabad: Exclusion is a Universal Phenomenon. There is nothing extraordi-
Kothantakathuveetil Vipeesh (34), IPC, Arms Act, Explosive Substances nary about it. However, in a stratified & Hierarchical Society like India, social
Thekkethodi Shaji (35), Abubacker killed Act and the Religious Institution exclusion based on discrimination & prejudice takes the dangerous form of
Choichantakathu Renjith (34), during the Marad riot (Prevention of Misuse) Act. In all, 252 "externalization", said Prof. T. K. Oommen, an eminent sociologist. He was
Kolappantakathu Venkittan alias witnesses were cross-examined in delivering the key-note address at the Inaugural session of the 3-day National
Sajeevan (33), Thekkethodi Bijesh (31), Aavathan Purayil the case. Conference on "Exclusionary Perspectives for Muslims & Marginalized
Prahladan (32), Kolappantakathu Rajesh (34), This is the second verdict in the First Marad Riot case Groups", organised by the Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion & Inclusive
Eecharanpurayil Sasi (42) and Arayachantakathu where five people were killed. The court had earlier, in the Policy. Prof. K. R. Iqbal Ahmed, presided. Prof. Oommen, who had been a
Manikandan (33) were sentenced for life imprisonment same case, sentenced seven convicts of Thekkethodi member of Sachar Committee, said that the concept of "Muslim appeasement"
and a fine of 28000 rupees under Section- 302 of the Shimjith murder case to life imprisonment. is nothing but a myth. Had it not been so, the Muslim community wouldn't have
Indian Penal Code (murder). It is reprehensible that the police and the commission been in such a pathetic condition.
While four others including Thekkethodi Sureshan who probed into the case took eight long years to finalise In the contemporary Indian Society there is an attempt to regard the
(56), the second convict and the then State Secretary of the procedure. There were allegations against the Police Muslims as "Cultural Outsiders". This is a sort of "humiliating exclusion".
Hindu Aikya Vedi were sentenced for five years in jail and for not booking the culprits soon after the first riots. The Dealing with the issue of Reservation for minorities, particularly for Muslim com-
a fine of 18000 rupees for grievously injuring the police was also blamed for their inaction when large-scale munity, he said that Sachar Committee and Ranganath Mishra Commission
deceased under Section-326 of the IPC (causing serious destruction of property occurred following the second have recommended for reservations.
injury), the punishment of the first convict in the case and riots. It invited criticism from all the concerned parties and Referring to the state of Urdu language, Prof. Oommen referred to several
the then president of the Araya Samajam Thekkethodi different sects when the judiciary was dragging the case factors which contributed to the present state of neglect. It has been forced to
Sreedharan (56) was curtailed to three years and fine of indefinitely without even allowing bail for the 134 arrested suffer from "cultural disability" despite being the sixth biggest language of the
18000 rupees as he was a cardiac patient. He was also of the second riots, in spite of continuous requests. country.
ordered to be released on bail. However the court acquit- The communal violence, worst-ever in the state's his- Dr. Amirullah Khan, Dean, Bangalore Management Academy raised various
ted Kothantakathu Sumesh, the eighth accused in the tory, made a totally insecure place for the inhabitants of questions with regard to the efficiency of the Reservation policy. Quoting statis-
case for want of evidence. Out of the fine collected from Marad and deeply divided the two communities in the tics he said that service sector in India covers only 7% of the work force. There
the convicts, Rs 200,000 would be given to the next of kin hamlet. The situation still continues despite best efforts by is a strong need to analyze & review the benefits of the reservation policy.
of Abu backer. the authorities and social workers to find a solution.
Earlier, Prof. K. R. Iqbal Ahmed referred to social exculsion of Muslims and said
The riot, known as First Marad Riot that claimed the that caste system was one of them.

Different styles of investigating terror

MUSTAFA KHAN
Imtiyaz Dharkar's "the terrorist at my dining
table" must be amused by the storm in the cup
of tea before him. The chacha who served the
tea chose to leave his trail there this time. Who
could be this “chacha” that has turned the morn-
ing tea into a cause for uneasiness between the
central government and the Maharashtra ATS
chief Krish Pal Raghuvanshi?
For quite sometimes now people were
much agitated over the loose talk of KPR. In the
case of Nanded blast he referred in a mocking
tone that the bombs that blew up killing
Himanshu Panse and Naresh Rajkondwar
could not have been meant for pooja. What his
tongue-in-cheek interaction with media did was
to lift the veil of secrecy a little. That the bombs
the Hindu extremists of RSS and Bajang Dal
were handling were destined to blow up in
mosques. (In the subsequent narco test analy-
sis of Sanjay Chaudhai and Rahul Pande it
came out that the bombs were meant for blow-
ing up the Aurangabad railway station mosque.)
They were not to be taken to temple to perform
pooja there.
That was April 5, 2006. On September 8,
2006 four bombs exploded in Malegaon killing
31 people and injuring more than two hundred.
In the initial stage of investigation the police
questioned some twenty Hindus and then sud-
denly this line was abandoned in favour of hunt-
ing the SIMI involvement. (In the current termi-
nology of the duo and the “chacha”, the trail in
the Malegaon case went cold.) KPR and his
sleuths made arrests. In the meantime, Hemant
Karkare took over the reign of ATS and till the
middle of August 2008 he could not find the
trace of SIMI anywhere. The very next month
Malegaon was visited by another terrorist attack
at Bhiku Chowk that changed the history of
investigation. Or was it a detour, a brief interrup- recent upheaval was the exit of Shivraj Patil and whom the police grilled for three days without
tion, a tragic peripeteia? the induction of P Chidambaram as the Home proper arrest. There were indications that the
In his letter from prison Fahim Ansari claims Minister. With more equanimity of mind than accusing finger had started pointing towards
that Karkare had given him clean chit regarding many others, Chidambaram showed objective Sanathan Sanstha and Abhinav Bharat. The
11/7 (Urdu Times, March 8, 2010). But ATS has involvement. When media claimed that the ter- spokespersons of these went all out to brow-
also accused him for his involvement in 26/11. rorists bought 50 hand gliders from Europe to beat the investigation agencies. The intimidato-
He says that the police tortured him excessive- attack us from the air, Chidambaram ordered ry tactics worked.
ly, took him out in the middle of urgent inquiry. The truth The Home Minister was already in a huff
the night and threatened to The Home Minister was came out that only three when KPR and his men went for the duo in
shoot him in a fake encounter. already in a huff when hand gliders were bought Mumbai to stave off the situation or divert atten-
Therefore, he did what they KPR and his men went from China. This prompt tion. Then, the usual practice of connecting the
told him to do, draw a map of for the duo in Mumbai to finding indicates the arrest of "Uncle" Bashir Khan in Gujarat with the
important strategic places in stave off the situation or direction in which the duo in their alleged incendiary intent. Rehan
Mumbai. Truth can be estab-
lished by the court of law and
divert attention. Then, the home minister wishes to
go, rather than toeing the
and Latif would rot in jail for years when it would
be at long last found that it was not this Pepsi
the circumstantial proofs. The usual practice of con- line that concocted bomber but after all the other "Uncle", Dawood
FBI also interrogated Fahim necting the arrest of reports intelligence agen- Ibrahim. Their youth would have lapsed into old
for three days but could not "Uncle" Bashir Khan in cies leak to the media for age by then.
find any incriminating role for Gujarat with the duo in reason best known to Now that David Headley's involvement in
him. He does not figure in their their alleged incendiary them. 26/11 is on record in courts of America, the suf-
chargesheet for 26/11 while intent. Rehan and Latif Karkare too was fering and incarceration caused to Fahim Ansari
David Headley and Tahawwar
Rana do.
would rot in jail for years Chidambaram, he Like
objective.
was
by the IB, ATS and others including courts have
come home to roost. In contrast, no one from
Another circumstantial when it would be at long not captive to ideology. In Abhinav Bharat or Sanatan Sanstha has been
evidence is that Ajmal Kasab last found that it was not his last interview to Indian arrested although their roles are evolving and
does not know him. That really this Pepsi bomber but Express he exclaimed, "I are not just restricted to Goa, Vashi, Thane and
astonished Judge Tahilyani. after all the other don't know why this case Malegaon 2008 cases. Has the state home min-
Then the judge personally "Uncle", Dawood has become so political." istry's inability to sack KPR anything to do with
questioned him and he main- Ibrahim... He was talking about this? Some aspects of terror are too over-
tained that he did not know Malegaon blast of 2008 whelming to find one's way through while inves-
either Fahim or Saba, but the judge did not take and was constrained to admit the difficulty cre- tigating. Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit had
this on record! Fahim has also revealed that his ated by the Hindutva groups including BJP, organized training of Abhinav Bharat activists at
lawyer Shahid Azmi stopped meeting him RSS, Shiv Sena, etc. "The pressure is tremen- Nasik’s Bhonsla Military School with the help of
because the crime branch police threatened dous and I am wondering how to extricate it the commandant of the school, retired Colonel
him with dire consequence if he pleaded from all the politics." SS Raikar (a former intelligence officer, while
Fahim's case. Judge Tahilyani, of course, The situation in Pune also veered towards Purohit was serving intelligence officer) and
rejected his bail application. He wanted to come that kind of imbroglio. First, the police thought it retired General Ramesh Upadhya. Karkare was
out on bail to search a lawyer to defend him. was gas cylinder burst and asked the firefighter a man of sterling qualities and saw his way
In this insistence on local connection in the to wash the German bakery for about ninety even in the hour of mortal threat to his life!
investigation of ATS at times we smell a rat. minutes. What clues could remain there? Then Karkare, thou shouldst be living now, India hast
Among the most seminal changes during this came the bungle over the arrest of Arif Pathan need of thee!

10 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010
NATIONAL
Modi ducked SIT on 21, said to appear on 27
ABDUL HAFIZ LAKHANI
AHMEDABAD
Chief Minister Narendra Modi did not appear before the
Special Investigation Team (SIT) on 21st March which had
summoned him for questioning in connection with post-
Godhra riots case.The office of the SIT in Gandhinagar was
kept open but the chief minister chose to ignore the sum-
mons. The SIT has also not received any communication
from the state government regarding the summons issued
on March 11, sources said.
Official sources said that Modi has in a huff sought
legal alternatives in response to SIT summons. It was for
the first time that the chief minister was being called for
questioning in connection with the riots. Modi was sum-
moned with regard to a complaint filed by Zakia Jaffery. A
ghost-written letter was later issued to the press (show-
cased in full by the Hindu as main front page news on 23
March) in which the Nero of Gujarat said that he will appear
before the SIT on 27 March. (As MG goes to press on the
25th of March, we will report on his appearance in the next
issue).
Why SIT has called CM
It is alleged that Modi had called a meeting with top officials of the
state on February 27, the day four bogies of Sabarmati Express
was were ablaze at Godhra. However, Modi has denied any such
meeting. The state Assembly record of March 14, 2002, cites the
then home minister Gordhan Zadaphia's statement that chief min-
ister had called a meeting to review the situation in the state.
Another allegation against Modi is that he had apparently
asked top cops to remain inactive for three days, after the large
scale violence broke out on February 28 across the state. Modi
had called Godhra carnage a pre-planned terrorist act.
The SIT wants to ask Modi on what grounds did he make
such statement.
It was the first time that the 59-year-old Chief Minister had
been called for questioning in connection with the riots. Modi was
summoned by the SIT with regard to a complaint filed by Zakia
Jafri, wife of former Congress MP Eshan Jafri, who was killed in
the Gulberg Society massacre in February 2002 along with 69
others. Legal activist Mukul Sinha, who is fighting a legal battle for
the 2002 riot victims, believes the SIT cannot compel Modi to
answer the summons. "The entire exercise could prove futile...
What Modi has been issued is only a notice for appearence with-
out any force of law instead of a proper summons under Section
160 of the CrPC. This itself shows how serious the SIT really is
about questioning Modi," he said.
The Supreme Court, on April 27 last year, asked the SIT to
inquire into Zakia Jafri's complaint in which she alleged that Modi
and 62 others, including his Cabinet colleagues, police officials
and senior bureaucrats aided and abetted the riots.
Zakia accused Modi of conspiring and giving instructions to
the then director general of police and other senior officials to
allow Hindus to give vent to their anger against Muslims.
Out of the 62 named in the petition, the SIT has already ques-
tioned a number of politicians and police officers, including the
then minister of state for Home Gordhan Zadafia, former BJP
leader Suresh Mehta, and senior cops Rahul Sharma and R B
Sreekumar.
The Congress attacked Modi for not appearing before the
SIT, saying it was "contemptuous" and showed that he "loves to
hide".
"The SIT's direction to Narendra Modi to appear before it
shows the seriousness and importance attached to the issue by
the apex court," party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said in
New Delhi. "For Modi to avoid appearing on any ground or pre-
text is contemptuous and would show that he loves to hide."
BJP spokesman Rajiv Pratap Rudy evaded a direct reply.
"The government of Gujarat has made it clear that it shall act as
per the law... This government has always supported and
respected the law and will abide by it. It has the highest respect
for the Supreme Court order and directions," he said.
Questions SIT has for the CM
* After passing a resolution condemning the deaths of 58 people
in the Godhra train carnage in the Gujarat Assembly on February
28, 2002, Modi delivered a speech in the House describing the
incident as a pre-planned terror conspiracy. How did he know
that?

On February 27, then home minister Gordhan Zadafia was
scheduled to go to Godhra. Why did Modi go there instead?

Did the Assembly pass a resolution condemning the deaths
of those who died in the post-Godhra riots? If not, why?

When exactly did the RAF and Central forces arrive?
There are two theories doing the round: One, because of the
above mentioned reasons, he orchestrated the Gujurat riots in
2002. And if ultimately the findings of the investigating agencies
come true, this notion will be held correct.
The second theory which doesn't find many takers, the
Gujarat riots were a blessing in disguise for him. History will vouch
the fact that when the Ram-Janam-Bhumi episode erupted, it cat-
apulted names like L.K.Advani, Uma Bharati, Murli Manohar Joshi,
to name a few. Till that time, no body knew these names.
Over the years, BJP had learnt too well how to fan religious
Some of the crucial and pertinent issues raised
by Zakia Jafri in her 100-page complaint in 2006:

Why were bodies of Godhra train victims paraded on the
streets of Ahmedabad?

Why was the bandh called by the Sangh Parivar on Feb 27,
2002, not stopped?

Why are there no records of the meetings held by Modi Feb
27, 2002, onwards?

Why were no minutes of the meetings held by the chief
minister and other senior officers for review of the situation
from Feb 27, 2002, onwards prepared and circulated to the
concerned officials?

Why were bodies of the Godhra train fire victims paraded
through the streets of Ahmedabad city and that too when
over 50 percent of the dead belonged to places outside
Ahmedabad city and a few bodies were not even identified
at that juncture
hatred between Hindus and Muslims. It also saw how one Ram-
Janam-Bhumi episode gave the power in no time to rule the
nation for many years!
And Narendra Modi being a good student, did learn the tricks
of the trade in a short span of time. In recent years, his clout in
BJP domain had reached such a height where top-rank leaders of
BJP were found unwilling to attend certain functions where Modi
would be present. And the reason was sheer fear psychosis of
Modi's growing image.
If the truth about Gujarat is ever to emerge, the SIT must be
allowed to conduct its investigations without fear or favour. It must
Victims have no hope in Gujarat justice
Can SIT ever make up for what we have lost? SIT summoning
Modi makes no difference to us. It has been more than 8 years
since the massacre. We don't expect justice anymore.
- Zubeida Bibi Sheikh, riot victim, Gulbarg Society
BJP ruled the state when riots took place. BJP still rules. We
doubt if SIT will do anything. How does summoning anyone
after eight years help?
- Ismail Sheikh, riot victim, Chamanpura
- SIT had previously summoned Maya Kodnani and Jaideep
Patel as well. And now Modi is being called. SIT can summon
anyone it wants but what of it? We have no faith in anyone
- Fatima Bibi Kathiyara, riot victim, Naroda Patiya
be free from the pressure of the establishment as well as
activists, some of whom have levelled baseless and even over-
the-top charges against it.
Modi must face SIT and prove his innocence: victims
Survivors-victims of the 2002 post-Godhra riots in Gujarat urged
Chief Minister Narendra Modi to depose before the Special
Investigation Team (SIT) to explain his position regarding the
riots. The summons to chief minister Narendra Modi on charges
of mass murder and criminal conspiracy is historic and unprece-
dented. There is enough prima facie evidence to lodge an FIR
against the accused that includes the chief minister. The present
complaint against Narendra Modi and 61 others is being investi-
gated by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) following an order
of the Supreme Court of India in SLP 1088/2008 filed by Smt
Zakia Ahsan Jafri and Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) ask-
ing for registration of an FIR on charges of mass murder and
criminal conspiracy. This complaint was dated June 8, 2006 and
went uninvestigated and non-registered by the Gujarat police who
was, by the time it was sent, headed by Shri PC Pande, former
Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad, by then promoted to sen-
ior-most police officer, Director General of Police, Gujarat.
The appeal came closely after Mr Modi failed to turn up before the
SIT on 22nd March in response to the summons issued by the
panel investigating into nine major cases during the riots, that
claimed more than 1000 lives, after the Godhra train carnage on
February 27, 2002.
About a dozen victim-survivors of Naroda Patia and Gulbarg
Society massacres during post-Godhra riots aired their griev-
ances at a media conference, organised by 'Citizens for Justice
and Peace', a voluntary organisation, here. Demanding justice
from the chief minister, the victims called upon Mr Modi not to shy
away from the legal process and appear before the SIT to explain
his position on his role during the riots. ''If his conscience is clear
in this regard, then why he is wary of deposing before the SIT?'',
asked Imtiaz Pathan, a former resident of Gulbarg Society,
Ahmedabad.
Another survivor, Rupa Mody, whose son is missing since the
riots, said 'If we fail to appear before the SIT, we are warned with
an issuance of warrant. Now as Mr Modi has failed to appear
before it, why no action is being contemplated. Why this discrim-
ination. Mr Modi should come forward with an explanation and
extend all co-operation in meting out justice to the vicitms''.
Meanwhile, prominent human rights activist Teesta Setalvad,
secretary, Citizens for Justice and Peace, today released some
selected portions of CDs of 'Tehelka' sting operation which the
weekly conducted in 2007. The weekly came out with video
footages of various people allegedly involved in the riots.
Releasing the details of the 'Operation Kalank' and some
footage of the tapes, Tehelka had claimed at that time that it had
'irrefutable' evidence that the killings of Muslims in post-Godhra
riots in Gujarat was 'not a spontaneous swell of anger but a geno-
cide' planned and executed by top functionaries of the Sangh
Parivar and state authorities 'with the sanction' of Chief Minister
Narendra Modi.
The weekly had carried out the sting operation by talking to a
number of Sangh Parivar leaders, including Godhra BJP MLA
Haresh Bhatt, Shiv Sena leader Babu Bajrangi, who was earlier
in the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and VHP leaders Anil Patel and
Dhawal Jayanti Patel, 'to bring out the truth.'
"Eight years have passed, but we have not got justice. Modi
says he is working for the betterment of 5 crore people of Gujarat.
Are we not residents of the state?" enquired Imtiyaz Pathan, a
survivor of the Gulbarg Society massacre in which former MP
Ahsan Jafri and 68 others were killed. "What is Modi scared of?
Is he a coward?" Pathan was Jafri's neighbour. He alleges that
Modi abused the former minister when the latter called for help on
February 28, 2002.
Saira Sandhi said that the summon issued by SIT was an
opportunity for Modi to clear his tainted image. "He says he is with
the victims of the communal violence. This is the best time to show
solidarity with us," she said. "Why is he avoiding the investigation
agency? He should appear before it and improve his image."
A survivor of the Naroda Patiya violence, Dildar Sayyad, said
that riot victims would lose hope of getting justice if Modi didn't
face questioning by SIT. "Many accused are still out. Our hopes
are pinned on SIT and the chief minister," Sayyad, who is a key
witness in the Naroda Patiya case, said.
Janat Bibi Sheikh urged Modi to appear before SIT. "You are
our chief minister. If you don't support the investigation process,
whom will we demand justice from?" she enquired. Fakir
Mohammed Sayyad concurred with Sheikh. "My 42-year-old son
was killed in the riots. I hope his killers are punished," Sayyad said.
Method in madness
Mr. Modi and the Gujarat government have always denied that
there was any method in the madness that convulsed their State
in 2002. But the failure to ensure proper investigation of the
shocking crimes committed under their watch suggests a pattern
of behaviour that needs thorough probing.
A diligent investigation would look at the phone records of the
Chief Minister and his closest associates to try and get a fix on
the persons they remained in touch with during those days.
Already, the SIT has established a prima facie case against one
of his senior Ministers, Maya Kodnani, as well as various leaders
of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.
Since it is reasonable to assume that a man of Mr. Modi's
intelligence and authority must have been aware of what his polit-
ical associates were doing then, the SIT needs to establish why
he never saw fit to get the police to act against them or the oth-
ers against whom cases are now being filed. Was the de facto
legal protection that was provided to rioters and their ringleaders
the product of oversight, indifference, callousness, or complicity?
This is a question the people of Gujarat, and the whole of India,
want an answer for.
Modhvadia hits out Modi
People whom the chief minister doesn't like have been framed by
the police, alleged senior opposition leader Arjun Modhvadia dur-
ing a discussion by the home department in the Gujarat
Assembly. Modhvadia was referring to artiste Mallika Sarabhai's
case. He said, "Noted scientist Vikram Sarabhai's daughter
Mallika Sarabhai had raised her voice against Narendra Modi
over the communal riots. However, this was not to Modi's liking.
So, he and Home Minister Amit Shah gave specific instructions to
the police to put her in jail."
However, the investigating officer refused to put her behind
bars, saying there was no basis for any case, neither did the
police have any evidence to prove it, the opposition leader said.
When protestors burn Modi's effigy, action is taken against
them. But, when BJP members burn the prime minister's effigy,
no action is taken against them, he said.
Modhvadia said, "The investigating officer at the time, who
had refused to take action against Mallika without proof, was
additional DG, CID (crime in railway) Kuldeep Sharma."
Sharma had wanted to go on deputation to the central gov-
ernment. However, his application was rejected by the govern-
ment. Instead he was appointed as the managing director of
Sheep and Wool Development Corporation, a post usually occu-
pied by IAS officers.
On January 28, 2010, Kuldeep Sharma had filed an affidavit
before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). Modhvadia told
Mirror that on page number 54 of the affidavit, Sharma has writ-
ten, "CID took over the case on September 20, 2004.
"However, investigation by CID revealed no offence was
made out. Despite this, respondent Number 2 (Amit Shah), was
bringing in pressure to arrest and chargesheet Sarabhai.
However, applicant, as per evidence, closed the case.
"By this action of the applicant (Sharma), not only was
respondent number 2 resentful, but even respondent number 3
(Narendra Modi) too expressed his displeasure about it later on
when the applicant had an occasion to meet him in person on
August 18, 2006."But the allegation was seen by many as a price
Sarabhai had to pay for criticising Chief Minister Narendra Modi's
role during the communal violence in Gujarat in 2002. 

ISRO: “terror attack” or hallucination?
MAJID JAHANGIR
New Delhi: On 16 March 2010 a security guard at ISRO
near Bangalore claimed that two armed men from a
short distance fired at the centre and then fled. He also
claimed that in retaliation, he fired two rounds at the
suspected persons. But highly placed police officers
denied that any terrorist attack took place and said that
the guard was creating the story of terrorist attack in his
imagination.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) con-
stable Jadhav Bhagwan had also claimed that he had
fired back forcing the attackers to flee. According to the
CISF report, the event is claimed to have taken place at
3.20 am outside the maingate of the ISRO facility, 40 km
from Bangalore. The Indian Deep Space Network facili-
ty was set up in 2007 to receive data and images from
the country's first unmanned lunar mission.
It is reported that the guard Jadhav Bagwan spotted
two men wearing police uniform. One of them was
standing on a mound while the other was sitting, peer-
ing into the facility through binoculars. The guard also
claimed that they fled under the cover of darkness.
Police officials, however, said that the shootout
story seemed to be a figment of his imagination. The
first question is how come neither Jadhav nor the
assailants were injured when ten rounds were
exchanged.
Bangalore's Additional Director General of Police
A.R. Infant said: "Our in-depth investigations so far indi-
cate that no shots were fired from outside on the con-
stable and there are no traces of an exchange of gun-
fire either at the place.
It is interesting to mention that following the incident
the CISF authorities refused to handover the constable
to the police for interrogation and also kept him away
from media glare.
Trashing the constable's theory of a terrorist attack
India fighting America’s disinformation war
MUSTAFA KHAN
Will the modern day Neros now in Delhi fiddle away
precious time as the country is inching towards disas-
ter one after another? The same kind of handling of
investigation by the local police and then the ATS and
then the CBI that leads to prolonging the agony of the
innocents rubbing their heels away in gruel pain and ad
absurdum waiting in prisons across the country. The
classic example of Samjhauta Express blast 2007
investigation has become a kind of archetype pattern.
It has made us the laughing stock of the world in our so
much vaunted fight against terror a la USA.
It is common knowledge that the Haryana police
had almost come to a breakthrough in their investiga-
tion when the National Security Advisor MK Narayanan
stepped in and told the government that it would
expose army involvement (Lt Col Shrikant Prasad
Purohit!) and expose our Achilles' heel to Pakistan.
That produced what can be understood by changing
horses in flooded mid-stream. The insensate horses of
ATS, IB, and the Special Cells of police have been
swept away by powerful undercurrents. The undercur-
rents are of ideology, stereotyping, and the juggernaut
of office promotion, racketeering, bias and partiality.
It is strange that India should be following USA in
tandem. As the Americans are fighting information war
through their war on terror, India is doing that in copy
cat manner. Their latest fight in Marja in Afghanistan
made the cluster of farm houses there into a big city
with 80,000 people under the sway of the Talibans.
When the journalists lifted the veil of secrecy of the
government agencies they discovered Marja to be not
even like a small town, let alone a city. The fertile agri-
cultural land is busy with farmers producing food for
stomach and not fodder for cannons. The secret agen-
cies in America know how gullible the people are to
believe what heroic work their soldiers are engaged in
while fighting in that far away god forsaken land of
Afghanistan.
In India also we are fighting information war. If the
bravado of the right-wing groups is indicative of any-
thing, it surely has enough steam to propel the police
and the investigation agencies to continue their charge
like that of Don Quixote against the windmill.
Why did Home Secretary GK Pillai suggest that the
probe in Pune blast would be conducted by the ATS?
Did he not get the wind that ATS under KP
Raghuvanshi was not competent enough to move an
inch in the investigation of Malegaon blast of 2008 after
a senior police officer said that it was a clear case of hal-
lucination. "When security personnel are on night duty
for longer periods of time, hallucinations do occur. Many
security personnel report such incidents under stress.
But here the constable went ahead and opened fire on
assailants who were never there. The evidence is
clear."
Pointing out contradictions and discrepancies in the
statement of Jadhav, Bangalore police said: "The con-
stable claimed he fired eight rounds at the gunmen but
we found only five empty cartridges. Had the gunmen
really opened fire, there would have been physical
marks on the ground, compound or on the gate of the
ISRO facility. "Referring to forensic experts, Infant said:
"Our forensic experts did not find anything. Besides, the
bullets of empty cartridges allegedly fired by the gun-
men have not been found so far.
It is also interesting that at the main gate of the cen-
tre no CCTV cameras are installed which surprised the
police. In this regard a police officer said that "the iden-
tity of the assailants could have been known if there
were any cameras. But the centre had not installed any.
More questionable on the part of center's officers is why
they refused to handover the constable to the police for
interrogation?
The second disturbing thing on the part of ISRO offi-
cials is why they kept away Jadhave from media. Why
the matter has been wrapped into the secrecy carpet? Is
there anything behind the scene? It may also be asked
that at a time when our country is deeply concerned with
the growing terror menace, and millions and trillions are
being spent on security and anti-terror activities, why the
constable in not being questioned? Why government or
our home minister did not interfere in the matter? Why
the minister is not interested? And when police officials
did not support or believe the constable's claims it is per-
tinent to investigate the motive behind this fabrication.
the assassination of Hemant Karkare? In fact, whatev-
er Karkare had fearlessly and fairly discovered through
his inquiry has been brushed under the carpet of the
new dispensation of KP Raghuvanshi. The letter of
Fahim Ansari (Urdu Times March 8, 2010) from prison
rings in stentorian voice with truth of his assertion and
claim that Karkare had found him innocent in the case
of the serial blasts of 2007 in the Mumbai local trains.
Karkare had remarked to the police and the ATS sub-
ordinates to see that Fahim is set free. It is also on
record that Karkare did not find any SIMI involvement
in the 2006 Malegaon blast. He was most professional
and objective in his attitude and work.
Pune bomb blast and Bhiku chowk (Malegaon)
bomb blast of 2008 are alike. In both the cases the
police mischievously gave out that it was gas cylinder
explosion. Tiny iron balls had pierced walls, shop shut-
ters and human bodies at Bhiku chowk and yet the
police willfully persisted for quite some times in claiming
that it was cylinder blast. The people were so angered
that they started violent protest and the police had to
shoot the protesters to bring the situation under control.
Luckily, Sadhvi Pragyasingh's motorcycle revealed the
truth. In Pune the fire fighters washed the German bak-
ery as if they were engaged in the Herculean task of
washing the Augean stables. They left no stone
unturned to wipe out the traces. At whose behest?
For quite some time nobody had claimed responsi-
bility for Malegaon 2008 blast, just like in the Pune
case. The police were agog with their inability to appre-
hend anyone in both the cases. Unlike Malegaon, in
Pune they dug out an old phone call to Arif Pathan: "An
officer who identified himself as 'Tayde' alog with three
others took me to Pune and I was constantly asked
about a particular phone number from which I must
have received calls two years back." Pathan said. "The
police did not tell me whose number it was nor the con-
text in which it had been tracked."(Yahoo, Sunday 7,
2010). For three days he was interrogated at an
unknown place where there were also four youths held
whom the police wanted him to identify. All this reminds
one of the almost extraordinary renditions that the
Hyderabad police were engaged in sometime back.
Arif's fate would still be shrouded in mystery of dis-
appearance had not his family created a stir and his
connection to such a well known figure like Sanjay Dutt
created yet another enigma. But then the million dollar
question is: Is ATS ingenuous enough to say that it was
really sidelined and the fiasco over Arif Pathan planted
to discredit it?  exhumed the body after getting permission from the district administration. 
The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010 11
HUMAN RIGHTS
“Biotech Bill more draconian than TADA”
New Delhi: “We don't need a Bill that encourages free entry of GM (genetically
modified) food into India, without ensuring health safety of the people,” said the
General Secretary of Urdu Editors Guild, Asghar Ansari. The statement refers to
the recent controversy on the entry of GM foods in India and the Bill on it to be
introduced in Parliament. Asghar Ansari referred to the work done by Jairam
Ramesh in putting moratorium on the introduction of BT Brinjal will go waste if the
Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill 2009' (BRAI) is passed by
Parliament. The bill proposes to gag the media (Section 63) and this infringes
upon the Fundamental Right of Freedom of Speech. The penalty for creating
awareness (“misleading the public”) about the ill-effects of Genetically Modified
issues may lead to an imprisonment, from a minimum of six months to a maxi-
mum of one year with a fine of 2 lakh rupees. The clauses of this bill are dracon-
ian and more stringent than even the repealed acts like POTA, TADA etc.
There is no provision for action against a GM company for concealment of
facts (ill-effects) as it happened in case of tobacco in USA where courts fined
heavily to the tune of US dollars 250 billion. Furthermore, the entire process and
working of GM companies would be veiled under the clause of 'Confidential
Commercial Information' (Sections 2 (h) and 27) which keeps the entire opera-
tion outside the purview of RTI Act. Unfortunately, the Gene terminator is used to
terminate the germination quality of the seeds so that farmers have to buy new
seeds every year. The terminated seeds of the GM crops are dumped into the
soil for destruction. In the process gene terminator poisons the soil whose side
effects may be known only years later.
A few years back, BT Cotton was introduced in India without thorough
research and experimentation. Its negative fallouts are now being revealed in
many places in Punjab, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Farm labourers who work as
cotton pickers develop allergy and rash on their skins. It is high time to conduct
a thorough investigation and contain the problem before it is unleashed on an
ususpecting public.
GM crops should be introduced in our country only after proven tests and
experiments. European countries have barrred USA companies from introducing
GM crops. Here it is a fight between USA and Europe being fought on on our soil.
Top scientists in India, USA and Europe have spoken against the effects of GM
crops on human health and urged to conduct full and thorough investigations. The
nature of a welfare state should not be to gag people but to accommodate the
voices of dissent and concern before framing up any public policy or bill.
Bomb blast on Howrah-Mumbai rail line
Train services on the Howrah-Mumbai main line were suspended for nearly two
hours following a bomb blast between Bhalulata and Bisra, about 30 kilometers
from Rourkela early on 20 March. GRP sources said the explosion occurred far
from the railway line near Kataranda village bordering Jharkhand and there was
no damage to railway track. No loss of life was reported. Railway authorities con-
ducted a thorough check on the track and train services were suspended from
4.30 a. m. to 6.30 a. m. Normal service has since been restored on the main
Howrah-Bombay line.
STF officer, men held for extortion
Chandigarh, 15 March: Seven members of the Haryana Police. Sepcial Task
Force, including an ASP were detained on 15 March, following allegations of
extorting money from two Panipat businessmen. Threatening to implicate the
businessmen infalse cases, the STF personnel demanded Rs. ten lakhs, and
after negotiations, the deal was settled at Rs. six lakhs, according to Panipat SP
Rajindar Singh. A cash-down payment of Rs. one lakh was made to the ASP
Ashok Sheoran. Unfortunately for the extortionists the entire episode was on the
CCTV installed at the Jewellary shop and that gave them out.
Custodial deaths: nine policemen arrested
Lucknow: Nine policemen in Allahabad district were booked for allegedly beating
to death two men in custody. The duo had reportedly been picked up for "con-
spiracy" to loot a beer shop in Allahabad Sanjay Nishad 22, and Ashok NIshad
29, died reportedly after being beaten inside Allahabad's Ghoorpur police station.
According to Raj Kumar Nishad, a relative of the victims "Sanjay and Ashok
had gone to the beer shop to make some purchase when two-three policemen
suddenly appeared on the scene and started beating up all and sundry around
the shop. They picked up five people, including Sanjay and Ashok, and took them
to the police station where they where subjected to physical torture."
Sanjay and Ashok were later taken to the district hospital where they were
declared "brought dead". In this connection nine policemen of the Ghoorpur
police station have now been placed under suspension and charged with culpa-
ble homicide not amounting to murder, under section 304 of the Indian panel
Code. Post-mortem reports confirmed the duo died of brain wounds and rupture
of intestines because of torture for over 12 hours. The other youth, Mukesh Singh
of Chhota Kanjasan and Devanand Goswami of Bikargaon, bore wound marks
too. Sanjay's sister Sunita said she had gone to the police station to find out why
her brother had been detained. "They had tied my brother and the other youth to
a tree and were beating."
Custodial death case: four cops suspended
Kanpu: Four police personnel were suspended on 16 March in connection with
the alleged custodial death of a person, detained for interrogation in Kanpur, offi-
cials said. Mukesh, a resident of the city, was allegedly picked up by police from
Anandpuri area here on March 4 and detained for interrogation in a case related
to the trade of narcotic substance. His body was later found in a village of Kanpur
(Dehat) district on March 10. A panel of three doctors which performed the post
mortem of the body had confirmed that Mukesh had been strangled to death.
"Four police personnel of Rail Bazar police station have been suspended in con-
nection with the alleged custodial death of Mukesh," Kanpur DIG Prem Prakash
said. Inspector of Rail Bazar police station J.B. Pandey has already been arrest-
ed on March 14 on charges of kidnapping and killing Mukesh. Police on 15 March
12 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010
ISSUES
Personal Law Board - an overview
SYED SHAHABUDDIN who has seen the board from close quarters for over two decades takes a hard look at its triumphs and failures
The All India Muslim
Personal Law Board
was established in 1972
in Mumbai, its Dastoor
(constitution) was adopt-
ed in 1973 in Hyderabad
and since then between
1975 & 2010 it has regu-
larly held 18 sessions roughly at intervals of two
years. Its Working Committee has met general-
ly once in every quarter. The last session of the
Board was held in Kolkata in 2008 and the next
is being held in Lucknow in March 2010. The
Board consist of about 250 members some for
life, others for a fixed term. The Board fills the
vacancy and the members together elect the
President who nominates 51 members of the
working committee including office bearers.
1. Defence of the Shariat
The primary objective behind the formation of
the Board was the defence of the Shariat against
the threat of any encroachment by the state or
any misrepresentative by the vested interests.
We know that the Central Government has not
repealed the Shariat Act 1937. It has also with-
stood pressure for introduction of the Uniform
Civil Code (UCC) under Article 44 of the
Constitution and maintained that it shall not inter-
fere with the Muslim personal law unless the
community itself took the initiative to ask for a
change. However, the Board has never chal-
lenged the proponents of the UCC to produce a
workable draft! Nor has it ever demanded a
Uniform Financial Code to establish the anti-sec-
ular privileges enjoyed by the Hindu community.
In a sense, independent India has remained
faithful to the pledges given by the Congress or
the government, before and after Independence.
Politically, it is not possible for any government,
secular or otherwise, to interfere with the Muslim
personal law. Largely, the Board engages in
shadow boxing. 'Shariat in danger' is the slogan
which justifies the existence of the Board. But,
there is no real threat and the Board thus keeps
the government on the defensive, gains some
concessions and some privileges, if the govern-
ment feels that the Board may use its influence
to create difficulties. Some times judicial authori-
ties ironically give a twist to the personal law as
practiced to bring it in line with the mandates of
the Holy Qur'an!
2. Review of working & achievement since
formation
On several occasions, it has been suggested
that the Board should review its working and
take stock of its achievements and failures
since its formation. At the last meeting of the
Board in Lucknow in December 2009, a senior
member, Maulana Ahmad Ali Qasmi, raised a
pertinent question that the Board has, over the
years, taken upon itself many issues but lost
track of the basic objective behind its establish-
ment, practically in all important matters related
to the Shariat, the sanctity of the Masjid, the
construction of Masjids on wakf land, perform-
ance of namaz in Protected Masjids, castigation
of Islam and the Quran and the vilification of the
Holy Prophet, the hostile propaganda against
the madrasa as an institution, the inclusion of
anti-Islamic material in school textbooks, & the
propagation of Hindu culture to children in
schools, government or private and steady
Hinduisation of Muslim society through the
mass media – all have been completely
ignored. It appears to many of us that the Board
has deviated from its basic purpose and objec-
tive which was the defence of the Shariat
against any interference by the state or civil
society. The Board has launched social reform
movement for propagation of virtue and good
conduct in the Muslim community and to per-
suade them to abide by the Shariat in their per-
sonal and collective life. But the Board has
never studied their impact on Muslim Indian
Society. On the contrary, there are clear indica-
tion of its increasing deviation from the path of
the Shariat.
3. Unrepresentative character & loss of influ-
ence
Of late, the Board has been claiming to be a
representative, if not 'the most representative
body' of the Indian Muslims This is questionable
because in its composition (present & past) in
term of numbers it has been dominated by the
Ulema of the Hanafi School with marginal pres-
ence of all other schools, namely, Shafii, Maliki,
Hambali and Jafri. It has very few ulema from
the Barelvi or the Ahle Hadees, which are both
also Sunnis. Secondly, its members are largely
the products of two seminaries, namely the
Darul Uloom, Deoband, and the Nadwatul
Ulema, Lucknow. Thirdly, there are very few
representatives of Muslim organisatiions of
national eminence such Jamaat-e-Islami Hind,
Jamiatul Ulema-e-Hind, All India Shia
Conference or the Jamaat Ahle Hadees.
Although the Dastoor reserves some places for
Muslim Women (who form 50% of the Muslim
population), there have been just a handful.
Fourthly, the Board does not include eminent
jurists, social scientists or political personalities,
even Members of Parliament whose services it
requisitions when it faces the Government. It
has not even established a dialogue with emi-
nent Muslim jurists and intellectuals. Far from
being admitted as members, they have not even
been invited to advise the Board or to place
their suggestions and proposals before the
Board, although the list of invitees at every ses-
sion exceeds the number of regular members.
Finally, there is no balance between the Muslim
population in various States of Muslim concen-
tration (there are 15 of them which have more
than 1.0 million Muslims (or at least 1% of the
national Muslim population) and the number of
members who originate from or are domiciled in
those states. Indeed the members are predom-
inately from UP & Bihar. All this together consti-
tute a serious lacuna in the representative char-
acter of the Board. Much effort has been made
by some members to make it truly representa-
tive of all denominations and all states but it was
like hitting the head against a wall. On the other
hand, the Board includes many relatively
unknown Ulema who have been inducted
because they happen to be pupils or spiritual
followers of some leading members.
The Board must change the procedure for
electing its office bearers and selecting the
members of the Board and the Working
Committee not in open majlis but transparently
through secret ballot, with reservation for states,
maslaks & occupations.
The result is that the Board is losing influ-
ence and parallel personal law boards are
emerging on the scene; in particular, the Muslim
Women's Personal Law Board, the Sunni and
the Shia Personal Law Boards the All India
Muslim Personal Law Board (Jadid). If this
process intensifies, it will result in virtual disinte-
gration of the Board, sect-wise & gender-wise.
The Board has not made any effort to establish
a dialogue with the parallel Boards or to co-opt
their active members.
4. Working of the major organs of the Board
Organizationally even the minutes of the Board
and the Working Committee leave much to be
desired, the essence of the issues raised and
the lines of action adopted are lost in the jungle
of verbiage and names of speakers. When
essential inaccuracies are brought to the
Board's notice, no corrections are made. At the
meetings of the Board and the Working
Committee same platitudes are repeated with-
out any forward movement and new sugges-
tions are scoffed at; in any case since they are
not welcome, there is never any response. This
is true of both the Board, the Working
Committee & of the Committees created by the
Board.
At every meeting of the Board and the
Working Committee new ideas are brought up
but even if endorsed, there is no follow-up. For
example, it was decided that the Board should
submit its views on amendments to the Wakf
Act, 1995, or proposals for amendment to the
Muslim Women (Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986,
to the Government in order to seek amend-
ments but no action was taken. Sometimes the
inaction had grave and serious consequences.
Indeed, the Board has never published an
Annual Directory to give its Dastoor, the current
composition of the Board, the Working
Committee and its current Committees and the
progress on important decisions taken since the
last session.
The Board cherishes & highlights the lavish
meetings organized in various cities by the local
Reception Committees. They collect generous
contribution and make excellent arrangements
for boarding and lodging of the members and
invitees. One wishes that the lakhs spent on dis-
play were used for more constructive purposes.
Some members question whether the hosts
should not be asked to cut down the expenses
on the session and offer the amount so saved to
the Board as donation for strengthening its
Central Office and expand its activities, to pre-
pare proper training institutions and to establish
branches in all states of Muslim concentration.
This has been an outstanding demand but
ignored because centralisation is the universal-
ly accepted norm for those in authority.
6. Non-functional central office
Apart from its composition, a major weaknesses
of the Board lies in its Central Office which oper-
ates from four places, namely, Lucknow, the
seat of the President, Patna, the seat of the
General Secretary, Hyderabad, the seat of the
all powerful Secretary( self-designated as
Deputy General Secretary), and the Central
Office in Delhi. Although the Treasurer is
presently from Delhi, he has not been assigned
any responsibility to oversee the working of the
Central Office. The Central Office works in Urdu
& has no translation facility; in English or Hindi;
it does not monitor the English or the Hindi
papers or in any regional language such as
Bengali or Gujarati or Marathi or the electronic
media, thus, absolving itself of the responsibility
of making due & timely response. The Board
simply stuffs its ears and closes its eyes and
smugly feels that nothing is happening.
The fact is that the Central Office-bearers
are not prepared to engage in dialogue with
their own members. Generally they do not even
acknowledge letters from them or thank them
for information on local development. The mem-
bers who are active cannot speak frankly at the
meetings of the Board or the Working
Committee because often the meetings have
more invitees than members!
The Central Office must be well-organised
and well-staffed, working under the direct
supervision of a Vice President, if not the
President or the General Secretary himself, with
adequate facilities for translation from
English/Hindi/other regional languages to Urdu
and vice versa, for expeditious response to the
media and maintenance of constant liaison with
the Government, the political parties and indi-
vidual MPs as well as senior members of the
bureaucracy and the members of various
Muslim Jamaats. It must have state branches to
monitor developments in all states of Muslim
concentration and to build the next line of lead-
ership. It must publish its literature at least in
English, Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi and
Malayalam in large editions in order to reach out
not only to the cross section of the Muslim com-
munity but also to the opinion-makers and deci-
sion-makers of the nation. The Central Office
must organize monthly interactions of interested
members with Muslim & non-Muslim intelli-
gentsia and the NGO's; it should hold monthly
meetings of the members of the Working
Committee and the Board who live in or are in
Delhi at the time.
Those who are in charge of various cam-
paigns like establishment of the Darul Qaza or
Social Reform or of monitoring cases pending in
the Supreme Court and the High Courts should
submit brief monthly reports on their activities to
the Central Office for circulation & action.
The Board must react immediately to any
development of interest to the community and
the Dy. General Secretary in charge of Central
Office should brief the press as well as electron-
ic media.
With the use of computers, internet, e-mail
and fax machines the Central Office can consult
all office bearers as well as other active mem-
bers and seek their opinion in no time and to the
extent possible, secure their participation when-
ever formal consultation is needed & high level
contact with the Government, the bureaucracy
or the political parties is contemplated. Today, it
has self-appointed spokesmen and chooses its
delegates for high level meetings in an ad hoc
manner.
6. Ineffective performance: accounts of the
Board
Annual Accounts are being, of late, presented
and duly approved but they have little trans-
parency because neither the donations are indi-
cated nor the details of the establishment
expenditure including travel by office-bearers
are given. Perhaps neither the donors nor the
office-bearers like their names to be published.
Publications
Right from its inception the Board has published
a number of booklets on various relevant sub-
jects in mini edition, largely in Urdu, which make
little impact on the community far less on the
non-Muslims and the Government.
Of late, the Board has published a quarter-
ly Khabarnama (newsletters), in which the min-
utes of the Board are reproduced. This has also
a limited edition and only in Urdu.
Despite much demand the Board has not
compiled its Documents since it was estab-
lished and published them for reference and
historical purpose, & particularly the texts of the
presidential addresses, the resolutions adopted
& the minutes of the proceedings or and the
statements issued by the office bearers from
time to time as well as the memoranda submit-
ted to the Government and the legal submis-
sions on important cases to the High Courts and
the Supreme Court. They are virtually lost to
research workers.
The net result is ineffective impact on the
intelligentsia, the opinion makers & the Muslim
masses of various campaigns launched with
great fan-fare by the Board. For example, the
establishment of Dar-ul-Qada to provide a
forum for inexpensive & expeditious settlement
of family disputes, organizing the Tafhim-e-
Shariat for the benefit of the Muslim intelli-
gentsia, particularly the legal fraternity, promot-
ing Islah-e-Maashara to eliminate unislamic
customs & practices in the Muslim community,
all exist largely on paper and peter out after a
few meetings. There is no system of evaluating
their impact, even at the village or town level.
For example, the Board does not maintain
any data to tell the community of the number of
cases filed in each Darul Quza during the year,
the number of cases decided, the number of
decisions accepted by the both parties & num-
ber of cases pending at the end of the year; it
has no system of appeal, it does not monitor
whether the parties have rejected the decisions
& gone for litigation, the Board has no record of
the number of cases dealt with in the country as
a whole & year-wise. In brief, nearly all family
disputes finally end up in the courts.
Model Nikahnama
The Board spent years to formulate a model
Nikahnama which yet remains to be accepted
by the Community.
Social reform campaign
The most effective method of social reform
namely the Friday Khutba in Masjids has made
little headway because the Imams are reluctant
and appropriate texts are not readily available in
other languages except Urdu. The Board appar-
ently feels that a few speeches by visiting mem-
bers and distribution of some booklets(that too,
in limited numbers) can bring about social
reform and even change such core practices
like unbridled polygamy, instantaneous divorce
and refusal of maintenance to ex-wives and
children.
No statistics on any social vices or social
practices, which have taken root in the commu-
nity have ever been collected or published by
the Board or even presented to the Working
Committee or the Board itself. The Board can at
least undertake a limited survey in a few high
Muslim concentration districts or even Qasbas
& Mohallas e.g., in respect of, say, prevalence
of polygamy or incidence of dowry demands,
instantaneous divorce or lavish extravagance
on marriages.
As if rooting out those vices was not big
enough a responsibility, the Board has recently
launched yet another campaign against foeticide
& killing of newly born girls, which fortunately are
not much common in the Muslim Community.
To be continued in the next issue

Of Swamis, celibacy and sex scandals
RAM PUNIYANI
ram.puniyani@gmail.com
Many a sex scandals related to Holy men
have come to surface during last few
weeks (March 2010). Its not that these
are the first one's to catch social attention,
such incidents have been happening time
and over again. The present one' about
Swami Nityanand and Ichhchadhari Baba
(Bhimanand) has hit headlines and
became a blatant scandal.
One recalls many such cases, begin-
ning with allegation of a foreign writer against Satya Sai Baba,
then allegations against Gurmeet Ram Rahim, Santosh
Madhavan, happenings of the Kamkoti Peetham Shankarachrya
are green in public memory. From other religious traditions, one
recalls the recent book by Sister Jesme (Story of a Nun) and the
news that the Roman Catholic Church has sacked a priest
accused of being a paedophiliac as large number of complaints
were coming forth in Germany from people who were abused as
children. At another level the RSS pracharak (RSS pracharaks
are to remain bachelors for political reasons) Sanjay Joshi had
also to give up his political responsibility when a CD related to his
sexual exploits came to surface.
In all these cases the underlying mechanisms are different. In
Catholic establishment, to remain unmarried is the norm and
many cases have come to light, which have shamed the estab-
lishment. The Hindu godmen are all 'stand alone' systems, not an
organized Church. While comparing these may not be easy, what
is common in these is that the organizations where members
remain celibate to discharge their religiously or politically
ordained duties, many of them do get tainted by the fall out of
such acts.
What is different about the case of these godmen in particu-
lar is a deliberate misuse of their 'spiritual attainments' to indulge
in carnal pleasures, under the guise of spirituality, to the extent of
running sex rackets in association with those in power. Here is the
case of gross abuse of faith to the extent of deliberately setting up
a situation to exploit the women devotees. The methods used by
the swamis are diverse. This should come under a serious crime
not only at legal but also at social level to ensure that such gross
abuse of faith is brought under serious scanner.
As such the concept of celibacy in many a religious orders
had a spiritual base in the noble idea of renunciation and tran-
scending of the physical pleasures to attain the higher spiritual
realms. The religious Gurus have been of different types as far as
celibacy is concerned. In early India there were renouncers as
well as those who led a family life. Patanjali stated "swa-ang
jugupsa, parai asansargah', meaning that with increasing spiritu-
al insights, with mind achieving higher truth, apathy for physical
body comes in. This is what is supposed to have made celibacy
the path to sanyas. Celibacy, Brahmcharya has been highly
respectable in sections of society.
After 8th century, celibacy was taken to exalted levels into
Hindu tradition by Shankara, while he was leading the battle of
Hinduism against Buddhism. To attack Buddhism he adopted var-
ious concepts from Buddhism itself, e.g. the concept of renuncia-
tion of material wants, celibacy included. Today the idea of celiba-
cy is prevalent mainly in Buddhism, sects of Hinduism and
amongst Catholic priests. These three have base in religious tra-
ditions. For much different reasons, mainly political one's, organ-
ization like RSS has also brought this in for its propagators.
UP Muslims — target of
Police excesses
New Delhi: UP police is notorious for indulging in maximum
harassment of citizens, and exceeds all limits if the victims hap-
pen to be Muslims. This is evident from the fact that during the
year 2008-09 about 2250 complaints were received by National
Minorities Commission in Delhi, most of which were regarding
excesses and cruelties by police. Of these complaints, about
70% were from UP alone. Maharashtra and Bihar police too are
not lagging much behind. According to Commission's sources
during the current year i.e. 2009-10 total number of complaints
expected may be 3000 to 4000 and in this year also maximum
complaints are expected to be against UP police.
These complaints are mainly regarding police's unfair
behaviour. Complainants say that even in very small and minor
matters police behaves in cruel and inhuman way, properties
and other goods of complainants are grabbed by police and in
cases of riots etc police attitude is partisan and biased against
Muslims.
According to these sources, in the year 2009, 10 to 15 com-
plaints were from Azamgarh in which, after any case of terror-
ism, Muslim youths were targeted and atrocities committed on
them by police. The Commission has started a helpline from 26
November 2009 for helping the minorities. On this helpline about
432 complaints have been received of which people belonging
to minority community have sought protection from police's
harassment and their cruel behaviour. (NA Ansari)
The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010 13
ISSUES
One can also see the rise of religious Right here and in differ-
ent countries during this period. RSS is having a field day in cul-
turally Hinduizing the social space, and godmen are the major
players in the game. One can say that these swamis of the ilk of
Nityanad and Ichchhadhari are just the visible part of a larger phe-
Biological compulsions
Patanjali's argument is repeated by modern God-man, Sri Sri nomenon. These two cases also show the range of activities,
Ravishanker. According to him as you go to higher levels, body from the spiritual façade to downright sex racket.
becomes insignificant and interest in sex is reduced to nothing.
There have been dissenting notes from within the stable of god- Disturbing
men themselves. The major such voice was that of Osho, The broader picture of the phenomenon is much more disturbing.
Bhagwan Rajneesh. He argued that sex could be transcended Last three decades have been one of the most tragic periods of
only through experience; this was what human history for different reasons. It is this period when the
he preached and penned down in his global political and social phenome-
book, Sambhog se Samadhi (From Sex Globally, the US took on Russian non has adopted the language of the
to Superconsciousness). forces by promoting the conserva- religion. This language has created
These semi philosophical outpour- tive versions of Islam, used the multiple problems. On one hand, one
ings apart, the biological compulsions religious language to train Al major religious community has been
have always accompanied the celibates demonized, and on the other, there is
and the scandals have kept popping out Qaeda, and laced its ambitions for a big set back to the rational thinking
from such institutions and individuals, oil in the language of religion. Here and progressive values. When the
telling us that these sexual escapades in India those who were opposed language of religion is used with
are a rule than an exception. It may be in to social transformation of caste great aplomb, the reason is forced
the form of child abuse, same sex rela- on the back-foot and the suppression
tionships to downright cunning methods and gender, used Ram Temple type of human rights takes the garb of reli-
indulged in by godmen to trap the women issues, created mass hysteria gion. Since religion is accompanied
on the pretext of their 'spiritual' pursuits. around identity issues and have by faith, which in turn can create hys-
Different philosophical sounding argu- tried to push back the process of teria, the latter ensures that blind reli-
ments are dished out to the unsuspecting giosity and blind faith rule the roost.
social transformation.
laity. The beneficiaries of these arrange-
From last few decades these inci- ments are the entrenched social,
dents are coming more to the surface as the phenomenon of god- economic powers.
men has mushroomed all around. This phenomenon is an accom- Globally, the US took on Russian forces by promoting the
paniment of the existential anxieties of the globalized world, the conservative versions of Islam, used the religious language to
razor edge competitive era, where cut-throat competition at work train Al Qaeda, and laced its ambitions for oil in the language of
place, heightened consumerism and moving upward in the scale religion. Here in India those who were opposed to social transfor-
of financial earning is the only index of one's success. The need mation of caste and gender, used Ram Temple type issues, cre-
for emotional succor is leading to the rise of the industry of god- ated mass hysteria around identity issues and have tried to push
men. back the process of social transformation.
The godmen, belong to many categories, each having his/her The increased social presence of godmen is an accompani-
own entrepreneurial skills. Godmen put out their brand of spiritu- ment of this process. They have duel function. On one hand they
ality, which apparently gives solace to the aggrieved middle and aid in creating conservative values, refurbished caste and gender
lower middle classes in particular amongst others. Godmen have norms from Manusmiriti are propagated, and on the other they
set up institutions which cater vastly to expanding market. Meera exploit this situation for their material enhancement, sexual
Nanda in her book, the 'God Market' argues that there is an exploitation included. Interestingly the Godmen who talk of renun-
increased religiosity, collusion with the corporate world and the ciation and going to higher levels of spirituality are themselves the
state. In India in particular, a subtle Hindusization is going on as biggest beneficiaries of material riches. Society has to learn the
such and this has been aided by the private sector. There is an lessons from the sprawling wealth and sexual exploitation done
active promotion of religious tourism. Higher education has been by a section of godmen and to understand as to what is really tak-
handed over to private sector, some of whom use religious trusts ing place in the garb of holy clothes is a mere misuse of faith for
to run these institutions to impart 'value education'. State has crass selfishness. Nityanand and Icchadhari Baba are a sort of
been generous in giving away land at highly subsidized rates to barometer of the phenomenon which has gripped our society.
the Gurus and Godmen. (Issues in Secular Politics)
Milli Information Network
Time to network the community
The Muslim community”s many ills and problems stem from the fact that there is a marked lack of information-
sharing and dissemination. The leadership is limited to some big cities while the majority lives in thousands of
towns and lakhs of villages across the country. ... This makes it difficult to manage the two-way circulation of infor-
mation, from the leadership to the masses and from the masses to the leadership. To tackle this problem, a network
of information centres should be established all over the country. There should be one at least in each district head-
quarter, and more in larger towns and cities. These information centres will function from the offices of commu-
nity organisations or in libraries and reading rooms...
Acting upon the above editorial published in MG 16-31 Dec. 2007 we registered a website www.millinetwork.com.
We are in the process are developing a large network of milli NGOs. Kindly get yourself listed on the network.
Each listed organisation will have their own webpage on the network. Fill in the below form and send it to us by
email or post.
Name of Organisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pin Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Phone (std code) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Name of Main Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Geographical Reach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brief note of Nature of Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
............................................................................................
............................................................................................
............................................................................................
Category of Work: [Please encircle] Charity / Child Guidance Clinic / Children / Communal Harmony /
Community Development / Disabilities / Slum Children / Human Rights / Family Welfare / Literacy / Education
(scholarships/coaching) / Media / Medical / Orphan children / Religious / Social care / Social Justice / Social
Welfare / Vocational Training / Volunteer Mgmt / Widows / Women / Others
[Masjids and Madarasahs will also be listed on the network]
Any literature (brouchure, leaflets, audited accounts etc) may also be submitted.
The Milli Gazette, D-84 Abul Fazl Enclave - I, New Delhi 110025 Tel.: 2694 7483 mg@milligazette.com
Cut or photocopy
14 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010
ANALYSIS
Speaking Out Nilofar Suhrawardy
Judicial hammer
for Modi!
rrespective of whether the Gujarat Chief Minister
I Narendra Modi may or may not appear for questioning by
the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in conection with the
2002 carnage, legally, he may exercise all available
options to clear himself from allegations held against him
regarding his role and that of others, including members of
his government, senior bureaucrats and police officers.
Yes, even though the judicial process is playing its part
in not sparing Modi for his role in exciting the communal
frenzy, which targeted thousands of Muslims in 2002,
prospects of his actually facing any punishment remain as
non-existent today as they were eight years ago. Indeed, it is
not surprising, rather than display any repentance for
Gujarat-carnage, Modi has tried his hand at distracting peo-
ple's attention from his role in 2002 riots. He was supposed
to appear before SIT on March 21, but he did not. As the
Indian media questioned his failure to face SIT and the
Congress leaders criticized him for escaping law, Modi clari-
fied his stand the following day. Saying that he was a victim
of "conspiracy" and that SIT had not fixed March 21 as day
for his appearance, Modi said that he fully respected law and
dignity of the body (SIT), appointed by Supreme Court and
would cooperate with it.
How serious is America in mending fences with the Muslim World?
Farah Pandit: she came, she saw, er, she left...
IFTIKHAR GILANI
New Delhi: She came, she saw, er she left. Breaking hopes and
dreams, this decorous US representative for Muslim world, Farah
Pandit, left, failing to inspire during her three day visit. Even while
interacting with selected group of journalists and intelligentsia off-
record, she avoided crucial questions on Palestine, Afghanistan
and Iraq in a brazen tactless manner. In contrast, her accomplice,
Uzra Zeya, Political Minister-counselor in US Embassy, displayed
typical diplomatic acumen to cover Pandit's uninspiring and un-
diplomatic persona.
Her ardour got finally punctured at the only public function
arranged for her at the India Islamic Culture Centre (IICC), which
was devoid of any intellectual content. All manner of camera
teams, scribblers, acolytes and stargazers had assembled for an
audience to seek glimpse and hear President Obama's envoy, a
purported hope for new world.
Just before she was to arrive at the IICC, almost everybody
in the audience was trying to dig contacts with Kashmir's apple
rich Sopore, her ancestral town. With a camera in hand, a
Kashmiri member of IICC, Dr. Asrar Sultanpuri was attempting to
persuade host Siraj Qureshi to permit him to present a bouquet.
The list of persons holding bouquets had already exceeded a
hundred. Still hoping to get a call for bouquet, Sultanpuri was
pleading handful of front-benchers to click him while rubbing
shoulders with Pandit. But the compere Wasi Nomani just ignored
'mazloom Kashmiri', breaking a fragile heart in the process. What
was his Sopore connection? Sultanpuri retorted, Samad Talkies
was my destination almost every week. And she owes me a salu-
tation as Farah's grandfather was the owner of that theatre,
North-Kashmir's first.
A moment of embarrassment was when former top bureau-
crat Mehmood-u-Rahman prolonged his lacklustre eulogies. His
connection with Sopore was that he had visited grandfather of
Farah, Khawaja Abdul Samad Pandit in a dak bunglow. He
touched issues of terrorism and destruction in Kashmir. As home
secretary, he had briefed Robin Raffel and attempted to switch
her sympathies. But definitely he had failed, which he forgot to
mention.
Tracing history, he began analysing battles of Chengiz Khan
and his invasion of Central Asia. Actually Chengiz Khan was to
invade Europe, but settled for Iran and Central Asia, he said.
Someone quipped form the audience, Chengiz Khan must have
got a home secretary like Mehmood-u-Rahman to guide him to
chastise Muslims than Christians in Europe.
In the midst of public function, the IICC president grabbed the
mike and called a 'sardarji' and introduced his as Dr. Risam the
leading heart specialist. But he was not there to attend hearts
which had been already broken. But to present his book, a novel
on terrorism, which he claimed has been selling like hot cakes.
He had brought a crate of books and it took him a while suppli-
cating beneath the skirts of Farah and Uzra to open the crate.
The crowd was in splits. The sardarji looked exploring some-
thing underneath with just his shaking pagdi visible from the floor
and the two ladies waiting on the dais for him. Qureshi claimed
the book has already crossed a million mark. The doctor had also
discovered his Sopore connection as a character of his book
comes from Sopore, a Muslim. Why Sopore? The livid doctor
raising his head questioned, why not? Sopore? Is it not a hotbed
of militancy? And where has his book been sold? He was more
The irony of the situation is in Modi talking about his
respect for the country's legal and judicial process. What
provoked him and his government to encourage those violat-
ing the country's law and order process, virtually permitting
aggressive mob to go around targeting Muslims? Why was
he not able to display respect for secular spirit of the coun-
try's constitution? Why did he and his associates instigate
communal frenzy?
These questions have been deliberately raised as now
Modi and his political friends are seeking cover to escape
punishment as per legal provisions of the same constitution,
they appeared to have no regard for eight years ago. In this
context, Modi and his partymen's argument that Gujarat-car-
nage was a reaction to the Godhra-incident, in which a few
dozen Hindu pilgrims were burnt alive in Sabarmati Express
train, simply falls flat – the view that a Muslim mob attack on
the train provoked communal reaction from Hindu mobs
across the state.
Well, taking into view the reports of the train-fire being an
accident, the "news" about a Muslim mob having attacked
the train was a concocted one. It was apparently concocted
as a part, of probably, Modi and his political friends' conspir-
acy to deliberately arouse communal frenzy targeting
Muslims. Why did they indulge in such horrendous activities
then? Irrespective of what had caused the fire, it was not for
the government and/or the mob to be guided by the "news"
fed to them. But violating and abusing the legal, political and
social norms and ethics, they attacked and killed Muslims
across the state, even though the ones targeted weren't even
present in Godhra when the accident took place.
purple and left in a huff. Later, it became known he was attending
hearts at Delhi's Batra hospital and for every headache or back-
ache he prescribes an open heart surgery to fill coffers of his
employers. And for this feat, he has also received a Padma Shri
aka Muma Kana, the counter-insurgent who received the same
award recently for killing scores back home in Kashmir.
From her interaction with Muslim journalists to interacting
with students in Jamia Millia Islamia Farah Pandit repeated the
cliché: to build partnerships with Muslim communities across the
globe on the basis of mutual interest and mutual respect.
President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are
more than serious about establishing good relations with the
Muslim communities on the basis of mutual interest and mutual
respect. We are engaging young Muslim generation in dialogues
and conversations to build trust and remove misunderstandings,
said Kashmir-born Farah Pandit. Asked how she thinks President
Barack Obama's outreach effort to the Muslim world is success-
ful, she said: We have continued our efforts to reach to the
Muslim communities and build relations and remove misconcep-
tions. We are not ticking box to list success points.
She took several questions from the journalists, most of them
were from Urdu media, but carefully avoided political issues when
repeatedly asked why the US needed to launch such outreach
efforts and a special portfolio of United States Special
Representative to Muslim Communities. When asked specifically
if the move is an admission that some of its foreign policies have
gone wrong, she again did not answer clearly.
One-fourth of the world population is Muslim, so United
States wants to build partnership with Muslim communities
across the planet on the basis of mutual interest and mutual
respect, she again repeated at IICC during her 5-minute speech.
“Since I assumed office last September I have been crisscross-
ing the Muslim World. I have visited Nigeria, Indonesia, Iraq and
many other Muslim countries. For us New Delhi is as much
Women Reservation Bill vis-à-vis Muslim Women
inally the decks have been cleared for the
F
passage of Women Reservation Bill, pro-
viding for 33 % reservation of the seats for
women in the Parliament and State legisla-
tures. The controversial Bill had been hanging fire
for the last 15 years, but now its enactment is
almost sure because as a part of deep-rooted con-
spiracy to further reduce the Muslim representa-
tion, the Congress and BJP have developed as
much bonhomie as to issue whips to their respec-
tive members.
While the concept of women empowerment is
laudable, but in the absence of a separate propor-
tionate quota for Muslim women, the measure in the
Indian context can be seen as nothing other than to
further weaken the Muslim community's representa-
tive character, and to stifle even those faint voices of
Muslim members who sometimes make a feeble
attempt to cut across the party lines against injus-
tices to the community.
It may be remembered that in the Mandal
Commission 27 % reservation was provided to the
REMORSELESS
If Modi and his government willed, the Godhra-accident
would not have been exploited and there would not have
been any Gujarat-carnage. Even if a select group of people
were pronounced guilty for having caused the train-fire, their
punishment would have been decided by the due process of
law. It was not Modi, his government or the mob's job/duty to
"decide" who were guilty and also "punish" them as they
willed. No. Where was Modi's "respect" for the country's law
and order, which he claims today of.
Without doubt, Modi has his constitutional right to seek
legal protection from being pronounced as guilty for having
failed to check communal riots in 2002 and provide due pro-
tection to Muslims being targeted. Even if Modi failed to exer-
cise his constitutional duty then, he still has the privilege and
the legal right to be viewed as "innocent" till he is pro-
nounced guilty for the 2002 Gujarat-carnage. And this is one
side of the entire politico-legal drama. The other is, how
much attention has Modi really paid to assure compensation
and resettlement of surviving Muslims? Has he ever
expressed any regret for what happened in 2002, regarded as
a dark chapter in India's secularism? Has he given any
thought for taking legal action against those responsible for
Gujarat-carnage? Not really.
Though it has taken eight years for him to realize the
importance of Indian law and order, he has done it so only
when he has been placed under the scrutiny of judicial eye.
Notwithstanding his actual role, legal loopholes may spare
Modi the judicial hammer. Even then Gujarat-carnage is like-
ly to chase and haunt Modi for quite some time.

important as any Muslim country because India has third largest
Muslim population in the World”, said she who had reached the
A
venue after visiting Jamia Millia Islamia where she gave a lecture
on Muslims in the US. As more than 25% of the world population
is below the age of 30, we want to engage youth of the Muslim
community, she said.
Earlier, welcoming Farah Pandit, IICC President and busi- I
nessman Sirajuddin Qureshi said that turning clash of civilizations s
into dialogue between civilizations is the hallmark of Obama's
regime. If the US could play effective role in resolving Palestine-
Israel conflict, it will be welcomed by the Muslim world. "I am
proud of being Indian and Muslim. I assure you of our full support
to Obama's vision," he said.
Prof. Akhtarul Wasey of Jamia Millia Islamia said world
Muslims have now high expectation from President Obama after
his speeches in his inauguration, in Turkey and Egypt where he
gave clear indication of shift in US approach to the Muslim world.
Now they are awaiting the day when Iraq and Afghanistan will be
completely free of foreign occupation, he said.
Ghulam Nabi Qazi, Vice Chancellor, Jamia Hamdard, said that
he being a scientist wants evidence to accept anything. "If things
are changing because of Obama's outreach efforts, they must be
seen happening," he said and urged the Obama Government to
normalize visa process for Muslims in India who want to visit US.
He narrated his personal incident wherein he, despite holding a
diplomatic passport, "was not given visa last year because he was ryi
Ghulam Nabi Qazi." If President Obama could do something on
this front, it will bring great change, he said.
Not a single word on Kashmir. When finally our Kashmiri
friend Sultanpuri managed to break cordons and conveyed salu-
tations from her cousins which he was specially carrying from
Srinagar, she just smiled and left. Sultanpuri's camera remained
hung from his shoulders without recording his rubbing of shoul-
ders with the prima donna of President Obama.

backward castes including those from amongst
Muslims, but its maximum benefit is being reaped by
Hindu backwards such as Ahirs, Lodhs and Kurmis
because of their comparative higher potential and
other extraneous considerations. Many Muslim
organizations made tireless efforts to persuade suc-
cessive governments in U.P. to provide 8.5% propor-
tionate quota for Muslim backwards within the ambit
of the 27% stipulated reservations. It is to be specif-
ically clarified that this quota, according to the
Supreme Court verdict, can be fixed through a sim-
ple government G.O.
In this context, the much-hailed Women
Reservation Bill, considered as a gift on the occasion
of International Women Day, is a ploy to turn
Parliament and state legislatures as a monopoly of
some specific Hindu high castes, and will definitely
prove a death-knell for the Muslims representative
capacity which is already almost extinct.
Dr. Mustafa Kamal Sherwani
Chairman, All India Muslim Forum, Lucknow
sherwanimk@yahoo. com

J&K: over 14,000 killed during 2002-2009
he report "Peace and Processes of Violence: An obser-
T vation on situation in Jammu and Kashmir from 2002 to
2009" by Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society
(JKCCS) says that more than 14,000 people including
security forces, militants, civilians, political activists and others
lost their lives, here during last seven years, says the report.
The conflict during this period has resulted in loss of life of
3404 civilians, 7504 militants, 2451 security forces and 674 oth-
ers.
"A large number of those killed are Kashmiris, which bur-
dens lives of survivors in society. The state of affairs continues.
Notwithstanding many public relation exercises, it seems that
no genuine effort to stop further bloodshed and suffering, has
been made, observes the 27-page report.
Insecurity at present, coupled with past anxieties, contin-
ues to darken future of majority of people, here. "The reason
for this insecurity and subsequent loss of lives merits immedi-
ate redress to arrive at peaceful resolution of conflict."
Based on media reports, it says that 225 custodial killings
and 360 persons have been subjected to enforced disappear-
ances during this period. It stated that 157 security forces com-
mitted suicide during 2004 to 2009 and 55 personnel have
been killed in fratricidal incidents.
"The data suggests high level of stress on soldiers in cur-
rent conditions. The magnitude of stress on civilian population
as a result of existing conditions of seige and insecurity can
only be guessed," it observed.
The report says that according to available data from 2002
to 2009, government ordered 140 probes on different human
rights abuses, out of which only 16 enquiries have been con-
cluded. "In just one case an army person accused of rape has
been punished for misbehavior and sent to rigorous imprison-
ment for a year."
The report observed that mysterious killings by unidentified
gunmen have resulted in killings of 47 persons in 2008 and 26
in the following year. It stated that conflict has resulted in death
of 258 children below age of 18, from January 2002 to
December 2009.
"Despite repeated pledges of zero tolerance to rights viola-
tions by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and former chief
minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and present chief minister Omar
Abdullah, 152 civilian killings have been reported in 2008 fol-
lowed by 84 in the following year and 13 custodial killings dur-
ing these two years," found the report.
It added that 1876 people including women and children
have been injured in the violence and as per hospital reports.
"640 persons out of them were operated upon and six were
amputated."
The report shows that two political activists of National
Conference (NC) and one each from Congress and Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) were killed in 2007, followed by two
political activists of PDP and Congress killed the following year
and five political activists of NC have been killed in 2009.
The report recommends an immediate end to hostilities
against people of Kashmir so as to create proper ambience for
resolution. "Any processes initiated by stakeholders for final
resolution of Jammu and Kashmir needs to acknowledge the
inalienable civil and political rights of the people, including right
to life.
Militants trigger over 11,000 blasts
In a change of strategy to avoid casualties in its ranks, militants
have triggered 11,876 explosions that claimed 1,754 lives while
15,589 others were injured during the last two decades in the
state of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the latest official data of state home ministry,
militants have now resorted to Improvised Explosive Devices
(IEDs) and grenade attacks to avoid direct conflict with securi-
ty forces in the state since 1990.
"Militants are using IEDs and grenades as a tool to cause
casualties to security forces and civilians, and thereby avoiding
direct conflict with security forces. This is part of their target
and hit strategy to avoid their own casualty," said a senior
police officer on conditions of anonymity.
Of these 11,876 explosions, 5,682 are reportedly caused
by IEDs and 6,194 by hurling of grenades. The highest number
of explosions that is, 1,522 took place in 1990, followed by
1,005 explosions in 1993, the report said.
Similarly, the maximum number of casualties reported was
153 and 1,021 injured in 1995. While 133 were killed and 1,443
injured in 2001, the report said, adding number of blasts in
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these two years are 945 and 775, respectively.
However, a fall in grenade attacks has been witnessed dur-
ing the past two years with 79 and 170 blasts in 2009 and
2008, respectively. Around 47 were killed and 208 injured in
these grenade attacks, the report added.
Women urged to venture into politics
Emphasizing the need for increased participation of women in
politics, Anjum Zamrooda Habib, patron, Muslim Khawatein
Markaz (MKM), said on March 8 that women ought to be encour-
aged to consider the politics as a profession.
"It is the need of hour," she said during a programme
'Women of Lost Paradise' that was organized to observe
International Women's day. "We can't forget brutalities commit-
ted against women, especially Kunan Poshpora and
Channapora gang rape incidents."
Her book 'Our Widows' was also released on the occasion.
Syeda Assiyah Andrabi, patron Duktaran-e-Milat, who was
the chief guest, said it was the society's duty to make women
politically active, adding, however, that it 'ought to be exercised
within religious limits.'
"Women are ignorant of health issues and healthcare facil-
ities available in the state," pointed out Dr Abdul Hamid Zargar,
Director, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences
(SKIMS), Soura, at a seminar 'Women's Health Rights and
Care' organized on the same day by the Department of
Students' Welfare, University of Kashmir, in collaboration with
the Women's Study Centre.
"Women here face several health problems due to chang-
ing lifestyles. Obesity, diabetes and infertility are on the rise,"
Dr Zargar said.
""The administration, academics and health experts should
join hands to address women's health-related issues," said
Naseema Lankar, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir.
Meanwhile, a meeting of social workers, village health
workers and voluntary organizations was held at the Jammu
and Kashmir Voluntary Health Association's (JKVHA) head-
quarters in Pandrethan.
The participants hoped that government would strive hard
to create a suitable environment for women empowerment.
They felt little progress had been made so far in rural areas.
They expressed concern regarding growing violence
against women and human rights issues in society. They also
felt that introduction of Women's Reservation Bill was a big
step and hoped that long-pending Domestic Violence Bill would
be approved by government during current state assembly ses-
sion. The meeting was presided over by A M Mir IAS (retd),
Executive Director of the organization.
A cultural programme was also organized at Tagore Hall,
here, by the 117 Batallion of Central Reserve Police Force
(CRPF) Srinagar. Director General Special CRPF N K Tripathi
was the chief guest.
Self-determination by deciding future
Mian Abdul Qayoom, President High Court Bar Association, on
March 7 said that settlement of Kashmir issue is possible only
when Government of India implements UN resolutions and gives
Kashmiris a chance to decide about their future by using their
right to self-determination.
Qayoom made these observations while addressing a
gathering at Dadsar-Tral in South Kashmir. Six houses were
razed to ground in Dadsar area recently during an encounter
between militants and security forces that lasted for almost 30
hours. Four militants and an army captain were killed in the
gun-battle.
The Bar Association President expressed solidarity with
affected families and said that 'sacrifices' of people wouldn't be
allowed to go waste. He said that Government of India cannot
'suppress' Kashmiris' resolve for 'freedom' by resorting to brute
force.
"We have been living in open since army and police sur-
rounded our house and asked us to come out," said
Mohammad Ashraf, a carpet seller, whose house was totally
damaged in the exchange of fire.
Saleema Akther, wife of Ghulam Mohammad Mir, in whose
house the slain militants had taken shelter, said, "What could
we've done. The heavily armed militants forcibly entered our
house. We asked them to leave, but they refused". A few hours
later, the security forces cordoned off the area and asked
inmates of house to come out.
After the encounter, police detained Mir and one of his
WORD OF MOUTH
The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010 15
JAMMU & KASHMIR
sons along with some other residents for questioning.
Meanwhile, addressing a press conference here, acting
chairman of Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), Mohammad
Abdullah Tari expressed serious concern over deteriorating
health of detained senior Hurriyat Conference (M) leader and
chairman DFP, Shabir Ahmed Shah. He warned India of dire
consequences if any thing untoward happens to the jailed
leader.
At the same time, speakers at a seminar organized here
maintained that true Kashmiri leadership should be included in
dialogue process between Pakistan and India to make it mean-
ingful and result-oriented.
The Joint Association of Kashmiri Affected Families in a
meeting here urged India to revoke all draconian laws including
Public Safety Act (PSA) and Armed Forces Special Powers Act
(AFSPA).
Over 32,000 widows, 97,000 orphans
Srinagar: There are over 32,000 widows and 97,000 orphaned
children in violence-battered Jammu and Kashmir, a new study
has found, suggesting that the unending conflict in the border
state has only made things worse for the vulnerable sections of
society. "There were 32,400 widows and 97,200 orphans in 2008
in Kashmir and the number is growing. With the continuity and
intensification of armed conflict, their life conditions have deteri-
orated to miserable sub- human levels," says the study conduct-
ed by valley-based known sociologist Bashir Ahmed Dabla. The
study says that widows and orphans in the state, which has been
battling a separatist war since 1989, have not received adequate
help from the government or NGOs. "Neither the state nor NGOs
have been able to help them in an organised and systematic
manner. The tragic aspect of the situation is that the state has
not adopted any specific social policy and programme in this
regard. Their problems accumulate and intensify day by day," it
says. "Individuals, society, community and the state must share
responsibilities in terms of coordination, organisation and effec-
tive implementation of relevant programmes," the study asserts.
219 Kashmiri Pandits killed by militants since 1989
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government on 23 March
said that 219 Kashmiri Pandits were killed by militants since
1989 while 24,202 families were among the total 38,119 families
which migrated out of the Valley due to turmoil. Revenue Minister
Raman Bhalla told the Assembly in Jammu that “219 Pandits
were killed in Kashmir from 1989 to 2004. From 2004, no killing
of any person from the community [Kashmiri Pandits] took place
till now,” Mr. Bhalla said. A total number of 38,119 families com-
prising 1,42,042 Kashmiri migrants were registered with the
Revenue and Relief Ministry till now. The Minister said the gov-
ernment had also paid an ex gratia of Rs.1 lakh for each death.
“Besides, an amount of Rs. 39,64,91,838 has been paid as com-
pensation to the Pandits on account of damage to their proper-
ties since the eruption of militancy,” he said. An amount of
Rs.71.95 crore was spent in providing relief and other facilities to
the Kashmiri migrants living in Jammu and other parts in 2007-
08, Rs.70.33 crore in 2008-09 and Rs.68.59 crore from 2009 up
to January, 2010. The minister added that the government has
decided to construct 200 flats at an estimated cost of Rs.22.90
crore at Sheikhpora Budgam in 2004. And 120 flats have so far
been completed of which possession of 60 flats was taken over
by the department and inspection of other 60 flats is going on.
The construction of remaining 80 flats shall be completed during
2010. Besides, 18 flats have also been constructed through the
Jammu and Kashmir Housing Board at Mattan Anantnag,” he
told the House. He said a a committee headed by M.L. Koul, the
then Finance Commissioner, Planning and Development
Department, recommended a package of Rs.2,799.11 crore for
the return of migrants. Mr. Bhalla said a special package of Rs.
1,618.40 crore was sanctioned by the Government of India for
the return and rehabilitation of the migrants. “Under this scheme,
3,000 supernumerary posts have been created, exclusively for
the Kashmiri migrants, willing to return to the Valley. These posts
have already been referred to the recruiting agencies and the
process for the selection of these posts is on,” he said. But,
despite all these rehabilitation packages, not a single Kashmiri
migrant has returned to the Valley, the Minister rued. He said that
808 Pandit families consisting of 3,445 people were still living in
the Valley. “These families have never migrated,” he said.

16 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010

NEWSMAKERS
MEN & WOMEN IN NEWS
Anna University student AISHA GHANAM
received Gold Medal and a check for Rs.
10,000 from the state Governor for having
topped the 2009 B. Arch.(5 yr) examination.
She studied in MIASI Academy and was the
first person to secure the first rank in
Tamilnadu State.
Senior Congress leader, Rajya Sabha MP
and a former Union Minister Mrs MOHSI-
NA QIDWAI has been elected Chairperson
of Haj Committee of India at a meeting held
at Hotel Samrat, New Delhi on 10 March in
which all the 22 members of Haj Committee
of India and high officials of External Affairs
Ministry were present. She is the first
woman to be elected to head the Haj
Committee of India defeating her rival,
Muhammad Ibrahim Sheikh, a senior mem-
ber of the Haj Committee by 10 votes to 6.
Along with her Mr. Hasan Ahmad, Delhi
MLA and Congress leader and Abu Bakar
of Kerala were elected vice-chairmen of the
Haj Committee. With their elections, recon-
stitution of the Haj Committee of India is
complete and regular work of Haj etc will
commence from 1st April in full swing. It
may be stated that the post of Chairman of
Haj Committee was lying vacant for about
two years.
Chaudhary AKRAM KHAN, BSP-MLA from
Jagadhri constituency was elected Deputy
Speaker of Haryana assembly. He is the lone
BSP member in Haryana assembly.
Justice SUNIL HALI and Justice MUZAF-
FAR HUSAIN ATTAR, Additional Judges of
Jammu & Kashmir's High Court who were
elevated by the President of India were
sworn in as Permanent Judges of J&K High
Court by Chief Justice of J&K High Court
Barin Ghosh on 5 March. With their appoint-
ment as judges, the strength of Permanent
Judges in J&K High Court including the Chief
Justice is 8 against the sanctioned strength
of 14. The remaining posts of judges are still
lying vacant.
Prof. SIBGHATULLAH FAROOQI, a senior
teacher in AMU's Department of Commerce
who has earlier been Provost of VM Hall and
MM Hall, member of Academic Council and
AMU Court also was appointed new Dean of
Commerce Faculty for a period of two years
in place of Prof. Ziauddin Khairuwala after
the completion of his term. He is also holding
different posts in Indian Commerce
Association.
Mrs SYEDA ANWARA TAIMUR, a former
chief minister of Assam and ABDUL
WAHAB PEEVEE of Kerala are among the
13 Rajya Sabha MPs who will be retiring on
2 April after completion of their term in the
Upper House of Parliament. The latter, in
whose favour another Rajya Sabha candi-
date from Kerala had withdrawn, has been
re-elected RS member for another term
whereas the former has been re-nominated
by Congress party from Punjab.
Karbala-e Talkatora.
in Delhi, West Beangal, Bihar etc and taught
OBITUARIES Bukhari Sharif for about four decades. He is sur-
HAKIM MOHAMMAD ASLAM SIDDIQI, Founder vived by his wife, three sons and two daughters.
Manager, Dawakhana Tibbiya College, AMU, Seventy-five year-old ABDUL WAHAB, a native of
Aligarh, died on 18 March. He was above 95. Born UP's Siddharth Nagar district and father of the
on 15th January, 1915 at Ghazipur (UP), he came to known religious scholar Maulana Abdul Hameed
Aligarh in 1935 to study Tibb-e Unani Medicine from Madni died in a freak accident on 14 March when
Tibbiya College (now Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College), two labourers working at upper storeys of a building
Aligarh University. After graduation in 1940, Shifaul
under construction at Okhla's Shaheen Bagh area
Mulk Hakim Abdul Latif Falsafi, to whom he was very accidentally fell on him. The labourers though
sincere, appointed him the first manager of the
injured, however, survived but Abdul Wahab died.
Dawakhana Tibbiya College. Hakim Mohammad His body was sent by police toAIIMs for post-
Aslam Siddiqi was quite active in the students' poli-
mortem.
tics, and then faculty's politics. He wrote seven ARIF SHAHID KHAN, India's ambassador to Italy
books on Tibb and Islamiyat. He is survived by son
died in Rome on 17 March at the age of 58 years.
Mr. Masood Siddiqi and four grandchildren. (Syed
A 1975-batch IFS officer, he was a patient of
Ziaur Rahman)
Cancer for the past about 6 months. Earlier he
ALLAMA SHAHABUDDIN QADIRI ASHRAFI, dis-
worked in different capacities in Indian embassies
tinguished religious scholar and teacher of Katihar
in USA, Syria, France etc and was appointed
died on 21 February. He was associated with reli-
India's ambassador to Italy about 1½ years ago. A
gious and Islamic educational institutions for more
native of Bhubaneshwar (Orissa) he was laid to rest
than 60 years and taught Qur'an, Hadith, Islamic
with state honours at Tikona Park graveyard near
jurisprudence and other related sciences. He was
Nizamuddin Oberoi Hotel. His last rites were
88 and his death was described as a great loss of
attended among many others by Vice President
the community and nation.
Hamid Ansari and Foreign Minister SM Krishna. He
MUHAMMAD HASAN GHANVI, a former MLA and
is survived by his wife, two sons and parents.
former Chairman of Fakhrudin Ali Ahmad Academy
ALYASA' RIZVI, journalist, advocate and Iran
died on 10 March in his home town in Saharanpur
Radio’s Uttar Pradesh bureau chief died on 11
district after a prolonged illness. He was associated
March in Vivekanand Polyclinic Hospital, Lucknow.
with a number of social and political organisations.
He was well-known for his efforts in protecting Shia
He was around 80 and is survived by two wives,
Waqf properties and mourning movement. He was
three sons and three daughters.
a man of principle and held in contempt those lead-
MAULANA ABUL IRFAN MUHAMMAD UMAR
ers who dance to the tune of governments and bow
RAHMANI, a senior religious scholar of Jama't Ahl-
to every act of governments. He was laid to rest at
e Hadith died in his home town in Balrampur district


of UP on 9 March. He taught at various madrasas

ries a cash prize of Rs 50, 000; Dr BANO SARTAJ, well-known and gold medals at film festivals held in different cities of the
AWARDS authoress and short story writer selected for producing children's world.
Prof. PEERZADA QASIM, a great poet and man of letters and literature. This Award also carries a cash prize of 50,000. Awards Prof SALAHUDIN SHAH of AMU's Z.H. College of Engineering
presently Vice Chancellor of Karachi University who was select- for best teacher, best journalist and for scientific literature have & Technology was honoured with Indian Geotechincal Society's
ed for being honoured with Third Firaq Gorakhpuri International been stopped and amounts of the above awards have been highest 'IGS: Prof AV Shroff Biennial Award' for his research trea-
Award by Chaturanshi, a literary and cultural organisation of Agra increased. Awards include in addition to cheques, shawl and cer- tise on Stabilization of Heavy Metal Containing Waste, using Fly
which honours eminent litterateurs who render valuable services tificates also. Date of award-giving function will be announced Ash and Cement which was considered the best research article.
to Urdu literature, was given this Award at a function held in Agra later. According to this article, about 3,880 lakh litres of polluted and
on 13 March. Prof. Peerzada Qasim was in Delhi recently for IMRAN AZMI, a prominent Urdu poet and advocate of Delhi High toxic water are produced in different industries and factories of
about a week. Earlier this Award was given to Bekal Utsahi and Court was honoured with Rashid Mas'ood Award 2010 for his India. According to his article, in Aligarh's lock industry alone, par-
Wasim Barelvi. Prof. Qasim is also an eminent scientist. excellent poetry. The Award consisted of a cash prize of Rs 11000 ticularly in electroplating industries, about 250 lakh litres of pollut-
Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy has selected Azad Hindustan mein and a shield. Author of four poetic collections and four books on ed and toxic water is produced daily. In his article he also pointed
Arabi Zuban wa Adab, a book written by Dr. MUHAMMAD research and literary criticism, he has also been honoured with out how to use portland cement and fly ash for preventing and
IRSHAD NADWI NAUGANVI, a research scholar who is present- many awards by official and non-official institutions and organisa- minimising water pollution. The Award was given to him at a func-
ly working as Arabic, Persian and English translator at Rampur's tions. tion held at Guntur (AP).
Raza Library, as the best research work and honoured its author, DR. SHA'ERULLAH KHAN, a well-known journalist, researcher Urdu Academy, Delhi's Executive Committee and Awards
Dr. Irshad Nauganvi with its Award of Rs 15000. He completed his and editor of a monthly literary and journalistic magazine was Committee in their joint meeting chaired by acting vice-Chairman
research treatise under the supervision of Prof Shah Abdus honoured with Muhammad Ali Jauhar Award by Muhammad Ali Syed Shariful Hasan Naqvi selected, out a list of 24 books pro-
Salam, former head of Lucknow University's Department of Jauhar Academy, Delhi at a function at Ghalib Academy, New posed for its 2009 Award, 14 books for being awarded. Of these,
Arabic and presently the OSD of Raza Library of Rampur. Delhi on 4 March. He is also the manager of Furqania Girls 4 books namely Kalam-e Faiz ke Angrezi Tarajim (SHAHEEN
Urdu Academy Delhi in a meeting chaired by Academy's School. KHAN), Qawaneen Hifzaan-e Sehat (Dr. ABDUL QAYYUM
Chairperson and Chief Minister of Delhi Mrs Shiela Dikshit select- MUSHTAQ DARBHANGVI, a renowned poet was honoured with QASMI), Tinka Tinka Fikr (PP SRIVASTAVA 'RIND') and Kuchh
ed five litterateurs for being honoured with its Literary Award Shah-e Adab Award by Bazm-e Wamiq in recognition of his valu- Din Global Gaon mein (Dr. FARYAD AAZAR) were selected for
2009. they are: Prof MASOOD HUSAIN KHAN, prominent litter- able contribution to Urdu literature. Author of many anthologies, the award of a cash prize of Rs 7, 100 each and 10 other books
ateur and intellectual who is honoured with All India Bahadur his two books titled La Ilah Il Lallah and Salle Ala Muhammad are were selected for a cash prize of Rs 5, 100 each. The awards
Shah Zafar Award which carries a cash prize os Rs 1, 50,000; Dr very famous and great assets for the community and country. (cash prizes) were given to the authors of these books at a func-
KHALIQUE ANJUM, Delhi's prominent critic and researcher hon- YAWAR ABBAS, great film maker, writer, poet and Urdu adver- tion held on 20 March at Urdu Academy's Qamar Raees Silver
oured with Pandit Brij Mohan Dattatriya Kaifi Award which also tiser was honoured with South Asia Cinema Foundation (SACF)'s Jubilee Auditorium.
carries a cash prize of Rs 1, 50,000; Dr. KASHMIRI LAL ZAKIR, Lifetime Achievement Award at a function held in Indian High Dr. SYED ABUL AQSA, Associate Professor of Chemistry in
famous poet, author and fiction writer selected for being hon- Commission's Nehru Cultural Centre, London on 13 March on the Madhubani's RK College who has been teaching in this College
oured with Creative Prose Award which carries a cash prize of Rs occasion of SACF's 10th foundation day, which is also its first since 1982 has been honoured with Bhartiya Vikas Ratn Award
50, 000; Mrs NOOR JAHAN SARWAT, famous mercia (dirge) Lifetime Achievement Award in 10 years. Ninety years old Yawar by Business Development Association at a function held at
poetess and journalist selected for Poetry Award which also car- Abbas who has so far made about 20 documentary films, which Madhubani on 17 March.

depict real life of different peoples of India, has won many awards
Funeral of Maulana Husami in Hyderabad respects. One of the key religious lead-
Maulana Naseer Ahmad Khan ers of Muslims in India, Moulana Aqil
was the founder head of Jamia Islamia
Rich tributes were paid to the memory of last days he followed in the footsteps of the Darul Uloom, a famous seat of Islamic
Maulana Naseer Ahmad Khan, former Shaikhul founders of this great seminary. learning in the city. He was also heading
Hadith of Darul Uloom, Deoband who passed He said that what is needed now is that the the United Muslim Forum, an apex body
away on 3 February (see MG, 16-28 Feb. 10, p. light of learning that he started should be spread of Muslim political and religious organi-
16). Speakers at the condolence meeting far and wide so that the present and future gen- sations, to fight for the interests of the
included Maulana Badruddin Ajmal Qasmi, MP, erations could benefit from this. Let us pray for community. It was formed in 2002 to
President of All India Democratic Front, peace to his departed soul, patience and fight against the harassment of innocent
Markazul Ma'arif Mumbai and Assam unit of strength to his bereaved family and his suitable Muslim youth by the police. He was also
Jamiatul Ulama and a member of Darul Uloom replacement to us. chairman of Deeni Madaris Federation,
Deoband's Majlis-e Shoora. The speakers Teachers and students of Markazul Ma'arif which he formed a decade ago to fight
stressed that the Maulana who during his sev- Education and Research Centre, Mumbai while the attempts to malign madrassas.
enty years of teaching and religious service expressing deep sorrow over his death, held at historical Makkah Masjid where thousands of Moulana Aqil and other Muslim leaders,
taught and trained about 2 lakh eighty thousand prayers on 4 February and also held a condo- his admires attended, presenting a Jumetul played a key role in the 2004 Andhra Pradesh
pupils who are spread in all corners of the world lence and prayer meeting along with the people vida. assembly elections when they declared support
and serving the cause of Islamic Umma. He of Mumbai after Maghrib namaz on 6 February AP Chief Minister Dr. K. Rosaiah visited his to the Congress and extracted a promise from
taught Hadith of Bukhari Sharif in Darul Uloom in the premises of Markazul Ma'arif. residence and paid rich tributes to the late Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy that he would provide
for 33 years and during his position as deputy (Muhammad Burhanuddin Qasmi) Muslims religious leader. His 'namaz-e-janaza' reservations to Muslims. After becoming chief
rector of this great seminary for 36 years, made (funeral prayer) was offered after Friday prayers minister, Reddy fulfilled the promise.
its all round progress the mission of his life, the MAULANA AQIL HUSAMI at the historic Makkah Masjid in Hyderabad and Chief Minister K. Rosaiah, Telugu Desam
result of which is before all of us to see. Hyderabad: Eminent Islamic scholar Moulana the burial took place at Hussamia Chaman, his Party (TDP) president N. Chandrababu Naidu,
Maulana Ajmal said that Maulana Naseer Hameeduddin Aqil Husami, who was also a ancestral graveyard in the old city. Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) president
Khan's living example of behaviour towards stu- member of the All India Muslim Personal Law The death of the leader sent shock waves and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi and emi-
dents and teachers is a bright chapter and dur- Board, passed away here on 12 March after a among the community across the state, espe- nent personalities from different walks of life con-
ing his student life in Darul Uloom Deoband he brief illness. He was 82. Moulana Aqil, was suf- cially in the Muslim majority old city of doled the death of Moulana Aqil. The Nizam,
(Maulana Ajmal) himself saw his busy life and fering from lung problem for the last few months. Hyderabad. Hundreds of his followers gathered Prince Mukarram Jah Bahadur along with his son
even in his old age in spite of weakness, till his The namaz-e-janazah of Maulana Aqil was held at his house in Panjesha locality to pay their last Prince Azmath Jah took part in the funeral.

 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010 17

SPECIAL REPORT

Celeberating Moosa Raza

SHAFEE AHMED KO
Chennai: Moosa Raza former I.A.S. officer who
served as principal secretary to the chief minister of
Gujarat and chief secretary of Jammu & Kashmir
government and as an advisor to the UP governor,
secretary to the government of India the cabinet
secretariat and the ministry of steel was recently
awarded the prestigious Padma Bhushan by the
ual of genu-flexing but "Strong committed and con-
comitant faith". Moosa referred to the Qur’an Verse
(Chapter 2:177)
"It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces
toward East or West; But it is righteousness - To
believe in Allah (The One and Only God) and the
Last Day and the angels and the Book."
"To spend of your substance out of love for Him;
for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the way-

Students Islamic Organisation of India demands

President of India.
The office bearers and members of "Forum for
Promotion of Moderate Thoughts in Islam" felicitat-
ed Moosa Raza on March 11 in Chennai at Hotel
Marina. Presently Mr.Moosa Raza is Chairman of
the Southern India Educational Trust (SIET). S.
Muthaia, renowned columnist, historian, Andrew T.
Simkin, Consul General of the U.S.A, and Mrs.
Simkin participated in the function. The President of
the Forum, Zackria Badsha, in his welcome
address, recollected his reminiscences and, show-
ered encomiums on the Chief Guest Moosa Raza.
The General Secretary of the Forum, Faizur
Rahman, said that he was inspired by Moosa Raza
for his ardent thirst for knowledge and love for poet-
ry. He said Moosa is fluent in Persian, Urdu, Arabic,
and Gujurati besides English.
Thanking for the felicitations, Moosa Raza
stressed that strong faith in God was the most
essential in life. He recalled his primary school days
wherein he happened to read numerous books on
astronomy, became a star gazer but at the same
time lost his faith in God being influenced by the
books he read and became an atheist. He narrated
how two of his school teachers changed again his
life into staunch believer in Allah. "My teacher
Khaleelur Rahman, deserted by his sons and beat-
en by inexorable fate was laid up in sick bed in a
congested Government General hospital," he recol-
lected. By seeing the pathetic and isolated condition
of the teacher, young Moosa asked his teacher:
"How you are able to be alone, Sir?"
"My teacher who appeared exuberant and joy-
ously unrestrained" said Mr. Raza, "Alone…who
said I am alone. My Allah is with me". Moved by the
confident utterance of the teacher, young Moosa felt
that his teacher was at least with Allah, "But I am
alone!!" Mr. Raza recalled another incident with his
other teacher Abdul Ali. When asked with regard to
faith in God, he replied that worship is not mere a rit-
MG/Yusuf
farer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of
slaves; To be steadfast in prayer and practice regu-
lar charity; To fulfill the contracts which ye have
made; And to be firm and patient in pain (or suffer-
ing) and adversity and throughout all periods of
panic. Such are the people of truth the Allah-fearing
(God-conscious)."
Neglect of Kashmir: He spoke at length about the
plight of Kashmir when he served as a Home
Secretary of the state. He gave the history of
Kashmir how the different rulers oppressed the
region. He recounted, "Moghuls, Afghans and Sikhs
oppressed the Kashmiris in different manners."
He wondered as to why the print and electronic
media rush to different parts of India when calamity
and catastrophe occur but consummately neglect to
visit Kashmir." Don't visit Kashmir as tourist but visit
Kashmir to understand it's a state of difficulty that
needs to be resolved" he said.
He narrated, “The people crossed over to
Pakistan where the per capita income was only
Rs.400, while India's per capita was 4 times more
i.e. Rs.1600". He briefed the horrible state how peo-
ple could live with undersized rooms by 120 sq.ft
with almost 12 members packed inside.
He further said, "The visiting officers never went
to the interior rural of Kashmir and after having
spent niceties of Kashmir they presented an opti-
mistic picture to the government and crores sanc-
tioned and were spent." He shared his experience
how he penetrated deep into the rural areas of
Kashmir with T.N.Sheshan, the then Cabinet
Secretary, and planned schemes for rural health
development, and educational programmes."
Moosa felt that our nation is facing a strong chal-
lenge for which we have to face it squarely forgetting
different factions like religion, regional differences
and linguistic feelings. "In a pluralistic India with var-
ied culture, language, cuisines, religions one should
know how to be united and unified." (TCN)
judicial probe in Batla House encounter
New Delhi: The Students Islamic
Organisation of India (SIOI), a forum of
Muslim students on 24 March sought judi-
cial probe in the high profile Batla House
encounter that took place in New Delhi in
September 2008, in which the Delhi Police
killed two suspected Indian Mujahideen mil-
itants and also lost one of its ace inspectors.
Over hundreds of SIOI activists took out a
rally through the streets in the vicinity of
Jamia Millia Islamia University that adjoins
Batla House terming the shootout as fake.
“We believe that the encounter is fake, this
is a cold-blooded murder and we believe
that these both (killed suspected militants)
were killed before bringing to the site of
shootout. The Delhi Police staged this entire
drama,” said SIOI National Secretary
AWMELA meets press
over Batla reports
Azamgarh (21st March 2010): A young
Muslim youth Afroz Alam Sahil, student of

Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, has sought
Post-mortem reports of Atif, Sajid and
Inspector Sharma (died as a result of Batla
House fake encounter) through RTI. When
his application was rejected, he appealed
to CIC. Court stayed the affirmative order of
CIC. It is creditable on part of Afroz that he
persisted with his efforts and ultimately
Post-mortem reports were released.
Strangely, when Twocircles.net broke the
news on its web site, the mainstream
media kept an enigmatic silence for almost
two days. Slowly TCN lead was followed
but no one acknowledged TCN except
Rashtriya Sahara (Urdu).
Dr. Javed Akhtar, President Association
for Welfare, Medical, Educational and
Legal Assistance (AWMELA) lead a dele-
gation to Sanjarpur to meet the parents of
martyred Atif and Sajid in the morning and
later held a Press Conference at 11:15 am
at the residence of a social activist Mr.
Qamruzzama, Millat Nagar, Azamgarh. The
Shahnawaz Ali Raihan.
“We demand that there should be
impartial probe by a sitting judge of the
Supreme Court and the truth should come
before us,” Raihan added.
The post-mortem reports of the two sus-
pected militants killed in the encounter,
obtained by a Jamia university student,
have raised many questions.
The four-page autopsy reports of the
suspects reveal that they had suffered
injuries by a blunt object apart from gunshot
wounds.
Two suspected Indian Mujahideen ter-
rorists who were killed were identified as Atif
Amin and Mohd Sajid. Two other IM sus-
pects Mohd Saif and Zeeshan were arrest-
ed from the Batla House area.
following Doctors accompanied Dr. Javed
Akhtar(Orthopedic Surgeon): Dr. Fakhre
Alam, Dr. Amir Alam (surgeon), Dr.
Mohammad Khalid, Dr. Nadim (Orthopedic
surgeon), Dr. Shishir Jaiswal (Neuro
Surgeon), Dr. Shahabuddin, Dr. Zorar, Dr.
Kamaluddin etc.
Dr. Javed Akhtar told that the brutal
torture prior to gunshots had become
known to relatives and others present at
the time of bath and ablution of dead bod-
ies of Atif and Sajid. The Batla House
Encounter, therefore, seemed fake but
now with these post-mortem reports it is
evident without an iota of doubt that the
encounter was stage managed and all the-
ories, which incidentally kept on changing,
put forward by the Police is nothing but
concoction. A demand of fair probe in the
whole Batla House episode was raised in
the Press Conference. It was also
demanded that now when there was no
encounter legal cases should be quickly
disposed to acquit all arrested Muslim
youths. (Salman Sultan)
18 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010
COMMUNITY NEWS
AIMPLB message to Muslims
Lucknow: The message given by the All India Muslim Personal
Law Board at its Lucknow session is loud and clear. On the con-
cluding day of the three-day session on March 21 the board urged
the government to desist from persuing policies inimical to Muslim
interests or be ready to face stiff resistence from the community.
At the same time the board advised Muslims to do some self-
instrospection regarding their Islamic character. “How can we
expect others to safeguard our Shariat and our interests when we
ourselves are not applying the teachings of Islam in our lives,” it
said in a declaration adding that a community that ignores its reli-
gion, culture and language is bound to lose its identity.
Pointing out some malaises that are eating into the vitals of
the community the board asked Muslims to shun un-Islamic prac-
tices in marriages and to stop indulging in talaq under social pres-
sure. It appealed to apply the way of Sunnah in ceremonies and
everyday life and called upon the community to avoid long litiga-
tions at high cost in courts and instead refer their family and social
disputes to Sharia arbitration committees (darul qazas).
Addressing the congregation of lakhs of Muslims on the occa-
sion, the board president Maulana Rabey Hasani Nadwi said,
“We will have to safeguard the Shariat through our actions
(amal)”. The observation is of great significance as in it lies the
remedy of all the ills afflicting not only the Muslim Millat but the
entire world.
Islam is a complete, all-embracing and comprehensive way of
life where individual versus society and material versus spiritual
are balanced in perfect harmony. It advocates world peace and
lays stress on justice, universal brotherhood and compassionate
dealings with neighbours, orphans and the poor. By incorporating
these traits in our lives and deeds we can set an example of true
Islamic values and lay the foundation of a society based on jus-
tice and peace - a society where violence, unrest and stress are
unknown.
But before we succeed in this mission, we will have to pres-
ent the Islamic life and message to the world honestly and forth-
rightly without indulging in apologetics and convert the nominal
Muslim into a true believer, one who does not change with the
changing times but forces the times to conform to his standards.
However, the task is not as easy as said. An organised cam-
paign at all levels to spread literacy and educate the masses is
required. No doubt the community today is in tatters.
The enthusiasm seen particularly among the youth and
ulama belonging to different schools of thought at the session
holds out hope. The board has taken the initiative. Now it is the
duty of intellectuals, volountry organisations and able Muslims to
contribute their share and help achieve the goal. For once we
embark on the mission and achieve the goal, “The world would
listen to us as we are listening now,” said the board declaration.
(Mohammad Shahid)
Islamic banking, not now
New Delhi: India has disapproved introduction of Islamic banking
at least for the time being. Union Minister of State for Finance,
Namo Narain Meena said in Lok Sabha on 5 March that under the
existing legal and regulatory conditions Islamic banking will not be
suitable in India. It may be noted that a committee that was set up
by Planning Commission to examine and consider reforms in
financial sector had recommended the introduction of Islamic
banking in the country with a view to encouraging interest-free
financial transactions.
Haj programme finalised: apply by 30 April
New Delhi: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Haj Committee of
India, Muhammad Owais said here that Haj Committee of India
(HCI) has finalised Haj progremme for the year 2010 and Haj
forms will be made available from 1 April onwards. He said that
the term of the old Committee had expired on 15 September '09
and the constitution of the new Haj Committee was delayed by
about six months because of some unavoidable reasons and
hence there was delay in finalising Haj programme. But, he
assured that the Haj Committee would do its best to ensure that
no difficulty of any kind is caused to prospective Hajis. It may be
noted that the term of former chairman of Haj Committee, Iqbal
Ahmad Sardagi expired last year and Mrs Mohsina Qidwai was
elected new chairperson of the Haj Committee only on 10 March
this year. Muhammad Owais also said that those intending Hajis
who had been applying for Haj for the past 3 years but could not
get selected through lottery system will be given priority this year
and first their applications will be considered. After their selection,
applications of other intending Hajis will be taken up for the
remaining quota and their names will be decided on lottery sys-
tem. Owais said that for general public Haj programme will be
advertised in newspapers. Forms will be available from 1st April
and Haj application forms will have to be deposited in HCI's office
on or before 30 April. He also said that like last years, Haj appli-
cation forms, after filling them up, will have to be submitted along
with a fee of Rs 200. Thereafter names of intending Hajis will be
decided through lottery system and those selected in this way will
have to fill up another form in detail. Similarly in different states if
applications of intending Hajis are received in excess of the pre-
scribed quota of that state, names will be decided on lottery basis.
Mock terror attack ends in point-blank shooting
Surat: Gujarat police had organised a mock terrorist attack on 24
February near Surat airport in which 'terrorists' had taken control
of a bus and made its passengers hostage. A rehearsal for this
operation was held and on the fateful day Deputy Commissioner
of Police (DCP) Subhash Trivedi caught hold of Inspector Shabbir
Ali Sayyad of ATS who, probably realizing Trivedi's intention,
shouted: 'Sir please don't shoot me. I am not a terrorist'. His dis-
tress request was heard by ATS but before any thing could be
done, he (DCP Trivedi) pumped two .38 bullets in Shabbir's stom-
ach which crossed his body. He fell unconscious and was taken
to hospital. Gujarat police ordered a departmental enquiry into
this incident.
After a few days when Shabbir's condition improved, a corre-
spondent of the English daily Indian Express interviewed him. He
told the correspondent that in this rehearsal of mock terrorist
attack, role of all police personnel was pre-determined. Shabbir's
role was that of an observer and that of Trivedi was of a doctor.
Some officers of ATS were playing the role of terrorists who had
taken the bus as hostage and the job of ATS team was to free the
bus from the clutches of terrorists. The mock attack and rehears-
al are now over. Commissioner of Surat told media persons that
some thing final can be said only after receipt of departmental
enquiry report. However, whatever the truth may be in this whole
episode, the statement of Inspector Shabbir raises many ques-
tions. It is stated that in rehearsal, no body was allowed to carry
arms. In spite of this clear order, the question arises why Trivedi
had taken his revolver when he was to play the role of a doctor,
as per Shabbir's statement. Secondly, all dramatis personae in
this mock drama must have been known to each other or that all
of them were police personnel. When Trivedi knew that all of
them, including Shabbir, were police officers / personnel, why did
he shoot him point-blank, not once but twice, as if he was a real
terrorist? All this needs to be critically and thoroughly examined,
particularly Trivedi's real intentions. According to subsequent
news, Union Ministry of Home Affairs has called for details of the
incident from Gjuarat police. (see comment on page 6)
Protest in Kolkata against transgender “marriage”
Kolkata: Accusing the Imam of the city's Tipu Sultan Masjid of
solemnising the marriage of a boy with a transgender, a section
of Muslims demanded here on Saturday that Maulana Noor-ur-
Rahman Barkati step down from his post. They insisted that the
West Bengal government take stern action against the Imam.
At a press meet, the protesters said solemnising such mar-
riages was against the Islamic law and sent out a wrong mes-
sage. Maulana Barkati solemnised the marriage on March 9 with
full knowledge of the facts but when the boy's family approached
the Imam, he put the blame on the muazzin (the person who
gives the prayer call), the protesters said. However, Mr. Barkati,
while admitting that he solemnised the marriage, said he was
ignorant of the fact that the bride was a transgender. He said the
entire episode was "politically motivated" and a "ploy to malign
him." "Since the bride has to be behind the purdah during the cer-
emony, I could not ascertain the person's sex. It is an evil deed of
some people who wanted to ridicule the religion and play political
games ahead of the crucial Kolkata Municipal Corporation elec-
tions," the Imam said.
Bail conditions of Soofia Madni relaxed
New Delhi: CBI's Special Court which is hearing cases of terror-
ism in Kerala has relaxed bail conditions of Soofia Madni, wife of
PDP leader Abdun Nasir Madni. The Court has directed her to
regularly keep the investigating agencies informed of her where-
abouts and not to influence government prosecutors or do any
thing else which may affect investigations. Earlier, Ernakulam's
Special Court had granted her conditional bail that she should not
go out of Ernakulam district and present herself before the
enquiry officer whenever needed.
In a petition to CBI Special Court she had pleaded that since
she wanted to go to see her ailing father, her bail conditions may
be relaxed. It may be stated in this connection that when bomb
blasts had taken place in Coimbatore sometime in 2005, her hus-
band Nasir Madni was arrested as a suspect along with many oth-
ers. His supporters had resorted to demonstrations in protest
against his (Nasir) arrest in which some vehicles including state
transport bus were set on fire. Soofia too was arrested.
Competitions under Urdu Academy
New Delhi: Urdu Academy, Delhi organised educational and cul-
tural competitions on 15 March in which about 800 boys and girls
from literacy centres run by Urdu Academy in Delhi took part. The
competitions were held in group songs, speeches, drama etc
which were held in Delhi Public Library near Old Delhi Railway
Station. In addition to the competitors and authorities of Urdu
Academy, those present on this occasion were Prof. Ibn Kanwal,
Dr. RG Kanwal, Dr Salma Shaheen, Dr Qudsia Qureshi, Dr
Banwari Lal, director of Delhi Public Library and others. Dr
Banwari Lal said on this occasion that for Urdu programmes, the
doors of 'our vast auditorium are always open.'
“My name is Khan” a box office hit
Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan starer film My name is Khan has by the
first week of March, earned a record income of about Rs 175
crores (1750 million) all over the world ever since its release on
12 February '10. In India alone it earned around Rs 102 crores
whereas in foreign countries its total earning was around Rs 72
crores, highest by any Bolywood film in about 3 weeks, according
to film distributors. In West Asian countries it earned about 3.3
million dollars which too is a record by any Bollywood film. On 10
March it was released in some more West Asian countries like
Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.The film is produced and directed by
Karan Johar and depicts the mental and psychological trauma
which Muslims in general all over the world are going through
after the 11 September 2001 terrorist attack on New York's World
Trade Tower and after which USA unleashed a propaganda war
to demonise Islam, Isalmic countries and Islam's followers and
attacked Afghanistan and Iraq and is creating condition for attack-
ing Iran also.
Mosque regained after 62 years in Punjab
Ludhiana: A mosque in Longowal, a city in Punjab which was
closed for about 6 decades and which was under the occupa-
tion by the local municipal committee was got vacated from
municipal committee's possession by Muslims and regained for
offering namaz. According to a press release issued by Majlis
Ahrar's office, when the ceiling of this mosque had collapsed,
municipal committee shifted its offices to the rooms of this
mosque and locked its central hall. Local Muslims for many
years had been requesting the municipal committee to vacate
it and had made several representations also to higher author-
ities, but without any result. When Majlis Ahrar Islam Hind's
general secretary and chairman of Punjab Waqf Board for reli-
gious affairs, Muhammad Usman Rahmani Ludhianvi came to
know about this, he directed local Muslims and Waqf board offi-
cials to immediately re-occupy the mosque by force in cooper-
ation with local Hindu and Sikh brethren. After this, the chief of
Langowal Majlis Ahrar, Maulana Nisar Ahmad, along with Abdul
Hamid, deputy chairman, Zafar Hussain and others rehabilitat-
ed the mosque along with about 200 local Muslims, reinstalled
the fallen roof and started regular namaz in it (photographs
below).
Though the municipal committee complained that Muslims
have occupied its premises local police investigated the matter
and after examining all records, site and documents it was con-
firmed that this place belongs to Muslims. Meanwhile, Punjab's
Shahi Imam Maulana Habibur Rahman Sani Ludhianvi was in
constant touch with Punjab chief minister's office and provided
government's help. Shahi Imam's son, Maulana Usman
Rahmani Ludhianvi who is also chairman of Punjab Waqf
Baord's religious affairs toured Longowal along with his Punjab
Waqf Board colleague Nadeem Anwar Khan and Shahi Imam's
principal secretary Muhammad Mustaqeem Ahrari on 15 March
where they were warmly received by local Muslims.
While congratulating local Ahrar volunteers and Muslims
for liberating the mosque by force and rehabilitating it, he said
that this is Allah's abode and those who have sacrificed for
rehabilitating it will definitely be rewarded by Him. He said that
Majlis Ahrar Islam's affiliation to Punjab government is for the
safety and survival of Islam. He expressed his thanks and
gratefulness to Punjab's deputy chief minister Sukhveer Singh
Badal's special cooperation for rehabilitation of this mosque.
Work for the construction of wazookhana and installation of
tubewell for supply of water for the mosque has been started by
Majlis Ahrar's Welfare institution Al Habib Charitable Trust and
will be completed soon. Since the building of the mosque has
become quite old, its rebuilding will Insha Allah be started soon.
He said that an amount of Rs one lakh is being released by
Punjab Waqf Board for religious affairs for immediate assis-
tance for the mosque. Longowal is a small yet famous town of
Punjab but Muslims of this city feel difficulties in performing
namaz and other religious rites.

Seminar discusses ideological waywardness
Bhatkal: An All India seminar was held at Maulana Abul Hasan Ali
Nadwi Islamic Academy here on 10 March in which the problem
of imparting basic Islamic education in modern schools and col-
leges and to run them from Islamic point of view was considered.
Speaking about the aims and objectives of the seminar,
Maulana Ilyas Nadwi, general secretary and founder of this
Academy said that the biggest problem of all Islamic countries
today, and which is a matter of great concern is that the new gen-
eration is unintentionally moving away from Islam and its values
which Maulana Ali Mian described in just two words i.e. 'ideolog-
ical apostasy'. He said that this problem is even worse than
Tartar's attack on Muslims. Majority of people especially of
younger generation have no knowledge about Islam and they
have begun to doubt Islamic beliefs. He said that ratio of literate
and educated people has increased but the number of those who
acquire Islamic education along with modern education has very
much gone down.
He said that this Academy from its very inception tried to pro-
vide religious education to Muslim students and to introduce
Islam to our countrymen. By the grace of God, today books of
Islamic syllabus are taught in 950 schools where the number of
students is more than 3 lakhs. Besides India such books are also
being taught in schools of Singapore, Australia, and Thailand etc.
He said that examinations in Islamic theology had started with
350 students whose number has now grown to 44600, according
to latest examination held in January this year. With some more
efforts better results can be obtained.
He said that first of all an essay competition on the topic of
'Message of peace in Prophet Muhammad's Teachings' was held
in Karnataka in which more than 1300 of our countrymen partici-
pated. The same thing was experimented in UP, Rajasthan,
Jharkhand, Kerala etc in which more than 5 thousand people par-
ticipated. The Academy aims at encouraging the followers of
Islam to continue learning the teachings and practice of Islam and
those who do not follow Islam, its teachings should be introduced
among them.
Inamdar Saheb of Pune's Azam Camp while expressing his
happiness our Islamic books published by the Academy for syl-
labus of modern school and college students expressed his inten-
tion to introduce these books among students of the schools run
by him. Many other speakers like Ateeq Saheb who is associated
with many schools and colleges of Jodhpur, Taj Muhammad Khan
of Mysore's Farooqia Dental College, Umar Khan who is associ-
ated with many educational institutions of West Bengal, Akhtar
Siddiqi who is associated with 15 colleges of Faizabad district
also expressed their views in this seminar. Maulana Muhammad
Iqbal Mulla Nadwi, City Qazi presided over this seminar.
After Isha namaz same day i.e. on 10 March annual prize dis-
tribution function was held in Jamia Islamia, Bhatkal's spacious
ground when students who had passed with distinction were
given Gold Medals. Academy's active member Maulana Afzal
Nadwi also was given a special Gold Medal for his valuable serv-
ices.(Translated from a report in Urdu by Abdul Hameed Athar
Nadwi)
Afghan delegation visits Deoband
New Delhi: A two-member delegation from Afghanistan consisting
of Rahimuddin Agha and Abdul Malik visited Darul Uloom
Deoband on 5 March. During meetings with Darul Uloom's
authorities Al-Haj Rahimuddin Agha who is his country's minister
for health and medicines said that religious atmosphere that is
prevailing in Afghanistan is thanks to Darul Uloom's educational
and ideological movement and added that this institution is not
simply a madrasa but a world movement of the science of religion
and social reforms. He said that he had been cherishing the wish
to visit this world famous religious institution since long and now
he is very happy to visit it. His colleague Abdul Malik said that
forces inimical to Islam had been conspiring to defame Darul
Uloom but thank God that they failed and will fail in future also.
Welcoming the delegation members Darul Uloom's senior
teachers Maulana Khizr Kashmiri, Maulana Abdullah Ma'roofi and
Ashraf Usmani said while apprising them of Darul Uloom's histo-
ry that this institution presented a true picture and teachings of
Islam. They told the guests that more than 4000 students receive
education at this institution whose annual budget is about Rs 14
crores. The delegation members were also taken round Baab Al-
Zahir which was built in 1940 with financial cooperation of
Afghnistan's (late) King Zahir Shah.
National Award for Humayun's Tomb
New Delhi: The Taj Mahal represents a husband's love for his wife
in whose memory Shahjahan built this Tomb. It would not be
wrong to say that Humayun's Tomb at Delhi represents a wife's
love for her husband after whose death his wife Hamida Bano
built this Tomb which, after years of construction, conservation
efforts has now been honoured with national award by being
declared by Union Ministry of Tourism as the 'Best Maintained
Tourist-friendly Monument' for the year 2008-09.
The award, however, is not exclusive for this Tomb but is
shared with Bhima Devi Temple at Pinjore (Haryana). The award
was given by Vice President of India, Hamid Ansari to ASI and
was received on its behalf by KK Muhammad, Superintending
Engineer of Archaeological Survey of India (Delhi Circle) at a
function held at Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan on 3 March.
With the acquisition of an additional 12 acres of land adjacent
to the Tomb by ASI after a long-drawn legal battle with another
organisation. The Tomb complex will now be further extended and
beautified when the newly acquired area is developed by ASI.
Former hockey Olympian Aslam Sher Khan's house aquired
Bhopal: Bhopal Municipal Corporation has
acquired the residence of former Congress MP
and Olympic hockey player Aslam Sher Khan
because of his inability to pay the balance
amount of his house tax. According to official
sources, he had not paid the properly tax of his
house in Bhopal from 1976 which comes to a
total amount of Rs 4.04 lakh. According to Corporation authorities
several notices regarding payment of his taxes were issued to
him but in spite of so many notices he did not show any interest
in payment of tax arrears. Ultimately, the Municipal Corporation
authorities confiscated his house in Shivaji Nagar locality of the
city and sealed it.
PFI campaigns in Goa for Muslim Reservation
Margao, March: Popular Front of India (PFI), Goa, in a public
meeting organised at Lohia Maidan here has asked the central
government to stop the "step-motherly" treatment to Muslims in
the country. The meeting was organised as part of its National
Reservation Campaign to press the government for implementa-
tion of the Justice Ranganath Misra Commission report, and for
providing reservation for Muslims.
PFI President of Andhra Pradesh, Maulana Kalimulla, deliv-
ering introductory speech, outlined the circumstances that led to
the formation of PFI India. The primary aim of the organisation,
he said, is the uplift of all backward classes in India. "It was the
trouble Muslim organizations were facing in various sectors of the
society, including employment, education and health care that led
to the formation of PFI," he elaborated.
NEC Member of PFI, Mr. Anees Ahmad spoke about the var-
ious aspects of the concept of reservation and the provisions of
the Constitution of India regarding reservation and the eligibility of
Muslims for it. He highlighted the fact that Muslim community
today has been sidelined from the mainstream as the result of a
well planned conspiracy by certain obscurantist forces
entrenched hierarchy. "Mandal Commission report, one of the
significant reports, was ready in 1980 but the Prime Ministers
between 1980 and 1990, for some reason, chose not to table the
report in the Parliament. In 1990, Mr. V. P. Singh, the then Prime
Minister, tabled the report which recommended giving 27% reser-
vation to the Other Backward Classes, which unfortunately did
not include Muslims," he said.
The Mandal Commission report showed that the representa-
tion of Muslims in the government jobs was not proportionate to
their population, with three per cent in IAS, 1.5 per cent in IFS,
four per cent in IPS and 4.5 per cent in Railways. This was gross-
ly disproportionate to their population which, according to the
2001 census, was 13.4 per cent. "Though both the Sachar
Committee and Mishra Commission have exposed the deplorable
status of the community, no steps are yet taken to rectify the step-
motherly treatment of the government to the Muslims in the coun-
try," Mr. Anees stated.
The meeting resolved to go ahead with the protests till the
government declares Muslims socially and educationally back-
ward class for the purpose of admission in educational institutions
and employment in public sectors by the central and the state
governments. "All political parties who claim to be secular should
declare their principled stand on the issue of giving reservation to
Muslims all over India," the meeting demanded. It also resolved
to set up a minority commission in Goa state for the welfare of the
community and urged all the backward classes in the country to
build better social coalition in order to achieve social justice and
adequate representations.
Iqbal Mohiddin, President of All India Milli Council, Goa
Chapter, Munawwar Khan, President of All Goa Muslim
Educational and Social Welfare Society, Sulaiman Karol,
INAUGURATION OF AL-KHAIR FOUNDATION’S CHARITABLE CLINIC IN JAUNPUR
The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010 19
COMMUNITY NEWS
President of Goa Muslim Samaj, Akbar Mulla, President of All
Goa Muslim Jamaats, Matin Karol, General Secretary of Social
Democratic Party of India, Goa, Anthony D'Silva, Activist and
Social Worker and Vincy Quardoz, Vice President of Goa
Konkani Academy also addressed the meeting.
Education needs more Funds: SIO
New Delhi: SIO National Secretariat expressed concern over
insufficient allocation of funds in education sector in the Union
Budget 2010. The education sector was promised a public spend-
ing of six per cent of GDP, but the actual spending on the sector
remains almost half of the promised amount. There is a need for
greater allocation for education sector especially after implemen-
tation of Right to Education Bill which will require an expenditure
of Rs 1,72,000 crore over the next five years. But only Rs 31,036
crore allocated for school education will be grossly insufficient to
deliver quality education to a target population as large as 15
crore.
Union Budget for 2010-2011 has failed to deliver the require-
ment in education sector. Education was declared to be given
great focus by the UPA government. We demand from govern-
ment to stop experimenting and pursuing immature policies of
market based delivery system for education as well. Any such
policies will be highly resisted as they compromise the very prin-
ciples of quality, equitable and non-discriminatory education for
all.
Unity at All Fronts, for All Time: Ittehad-e-Millat
Lucknow: Beset with factionalism, sectarian prejudices and vest-
ed interests of its leaders on the one hand and an attitude of indif-
ference and discrimination by the powers that be on the other,
the Indian Muslim community finds itself at the crossroads of its
history. With innocent Muslim youths branded as terrorists and
killed or jailed, their loyalty to the nation questioned and step-
motherly treatment meted out to them by the successive govern-
ments and their own leaders ploughing, each his own furrow, the
community is confused, exposing itself to be exploited by others.
Seen in this backdrop the decision taken by Ittehade Millat
Convention at its executive meeting attended by several top
Ulama at Nadwatul Ulema last week assumes importance. Not
that such an attempt is made for the first time. In fact Muslim
organizations from time to time have tried to forge such unity but
without much success. Ego clashes of leaders, personal and
regional interests and temptation of political benefits came in the
way. However, the Millat Convention is hopeful this time because,
as its president Siraj Mehdi claims, “the initiative has been taken
following a consensus among top Ulema and intellectuals belong-
ing to all sections – Shia, Sunnis,Deobandis and Barelvis etc.—
after several rounds of discussions. Thus we hope to get support
of all sections,” he asserts.
And as a first step the Millat Convention has decided to unite
the Muslim vote bank. Taking a lesson from the past experiences
when division in Muslim votes resulted in loss of seats to commu-
nal forces, the Millat has decided to discourage smaller outfits
that cause such division by fielding candidates out of enthusiasm
or for petty gains.
On how they plan to achieve the target, Mehdi quips: “Of
course through persuation and dialogue. We will try to make them
understand the futility of their actions and prevail upon them to
see reason. We will appeal to them to shed their short term gains
for the larger interest of the community.”
Elaborating the Millat plan Mehdi says “unity not only ahead of
poll but for all time and on all fronts is our aim. For it is only a united
Muslim Community, he argues, that can face the challenges ahead
and force the governments to heed to their rightful demands.”
Millat Convention will hold its next meeting in Bhopal in April
or May to discuss its future course of action in detail.
The mission is noble though difficult. The road ahead is ardu-
ous. Honest and sincere approach and a resolve to selfless serv-
ice is required in such efforts. (M. Shahid Parvez)
20 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010
COMMUNITY NEWS
NGO offers interest-free loans
Hyderabad: The Foundation For Economic And Educational
Development (FEED), headed by Ghiasuddin Babukhan, has
been offering micro-finance to the flood affected areas of Kurnool
and Mahbubnagar districts. Floods in the above districts caused
severe damage to the properties and businesses of thousands of
people. In addition to flood relief work by way of distribution of
food items and family kits, the FEED has commenced the distri-
bution of loans under Interest Free Micro-Finance System to the
flood victims to restart their businesses. 81 businessmen were
given loans worth Rs.23 lakhs (US$: 50,000) and by the grace of
Allah (SWT) they have restarted their businesses and also their
lives afresh. The beneficiaries of interest free micro-finance loans
have started repayments as per the repayment schedule pre-
scribed. All the 81 borrowers have repaid their 1st and 2nd install-
ment and 100% recovery is registered. For more information,
contact FEED at support@feed-hyd.org.
Restore 4 per cent quota for Muslims
Hyderabad: A strong demand for restoration of four per cent
reservation for Muslims in the state of Andhra Pradesh was made
at a public meeting here on 13 March. For the first time, political
and religious leaders and representatives of different social
organisations shared a common platform to demand reserva-
tions. A large number of Muslims, some from the neighbouring
districts, turned up at the meeting organised by the Muslim
United Forum (MUF) at Daruslam. In a resolution, the meeting
asked the government to take necessary steps to clear the legal
and constitutional hurdles coming in the way of Muslim reserva-
tion. In another resolution, the MUF demanded a sub-quota for
Muslim women in the 33 per cent women's reservation.
The MUF has also sought implementation of Sachar
Committee report and Fatami Committee recommendations with
respect to education. It demanded immediate implementation of
Justice Ranganath Commission report which recommended 10
per cent reservation for Muslims across the country.
Three Rajya Sabha members -- Aijaz Ali (Independent),
Saber Ali (LJP) and Kamal Akhtar (SP) -- and Majlis president
Asaduddin Owaisi were among those who addressed the meet-
ing. Cutting across party lines, Hafiz Peer Shabbir Ahmed,
Mohammed Ali Shabbir (Congress) and Lal Jan Pasha (TDP)
faulted the court's contention that reservation would lead to reli-
gious conversions.
Club terror cases against youths from Azamgarh: Cong
New Delhi: Congress Party on 16 March demanded that all crim-
inal cases against terror suspects from Azamgarh running in dif-
ferent courts in the country be clubbed together to ensure speedy
trial. Congress General Secretary Digvijay Singh accompanied
by several prominent personalities of Azamgarh met Home
Minister P Chidambaram to give him a representation in this
regard. He asked Chidambaram to club 26 such cases against
people hailing from Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh district who have
been arrested on terrorism and other related criminal charges by
police of different states. The Home Minister assured the delega-
tion that he would seek legal opinion on the matter from Law
Ministry and will take a decision after that, official sources said.
The government may also look into setting up of special courts
for the purpose, the sources said.
Essay competition on global meltdown
The Chennai-based Darul Islam Foundation Trust has invited
contributions from students and scholars on 'Global meltdown
and the Islamic economic order'. The contributions will be valued
by a panel. Essays/Contributions must be in English, but can
quote texts in Arabic, Urdu or any other language with proper
translation in English. Students, Faculties and Scholars are invit-
ISSUES
AVAILABLE
T HE M ILLI G AZETTE
D-84, Abul Fazl Enclave-I, Jamia Nagar,
New Delhi-110025 India Tel.: (+91-11) 2694 7483
ed to contribute. Contributors should give their cell phone num-
ber with full address, both temporary and permanent.
Contributions must reach the trust on or before 15th April 2010
Contributions received after this date will not be entertained. The
best contribution will be awarded Rupees Ten Thousand
(Rs.10,000). The Next best contribution will be awarded Rupees
Five Thousand (Rs.5000). The trust intends to publish the best of
contribution in that case the appropriate royalty will also be paid
Insha allah.For more information email Darul Islam Foundation
Trust at darultrust@yahoo.com or write to them at 235, Peters
Road, Royapettah,Chennai - 600 014
SIO opposes bill on foreign universities
New Delhi: The Foreign Universities Bill passed in the cabinet is
frightening, said the National Secretariat of Students Islamic
Organisation (SIO) on 16 March. The HRD Minister Kapil Sibal
views that the bill if passed in Parliament would bring about a rev-
olution greater than the one in the telecom sector. This statement
itself shows that the bill will be a green signal for tough competi-
tion in the 'education industry' to earn larger profits.
The biggest problem faced by the Indian society is that high-
er education is reachable only for those who fall in the right
hands of economic affordability and so a large section of Indian
society has been marginalised. The bill, if implemented, will only
help to intensify the current state of affairs. Commercialization of
education had ruined many Indians and replaced talents by "cap-
itation fee". SIO is also apprehensive of the invasion of western
culture, ethics and values along with the western universities.
It is condemnable that all the recent bills tabled in parliament
are controversial, without proper discussions and debates and
that fulfils imperial and elite agenda, which includes the nuclear
liability bill, (GM) Seeds Bill and the Foreign University Bill.
It clearly reveals the attitude of slavery of UPA government to
United States. It is quiet apprehensive that since Kapil Sibal took
charge of HRD Ministry, many crucial decisions with regard to
education were taken all of a sudden, without any democratic
means of debates and discussions amongst the public. SIO
National Secretariat said in the statement that the bills related to
education to be tabled in parliament-Educational tribunal bill,
Accreditation bill, Prohibition of Unfair Practices in Technical,
Medical Educational Institutions and of course allowing the set-
ting up of foreign universities bill should not be passed without
proper discussions and debates.
Lecture on Graeco-Arabic Medicine
Aligarh: Prof. Stefan Reichmuth, Director, Institute of Islamic
Studies & Islamic Sciences, Ruhr University, Brochum, Germany
delivered a lecture on "Between Medical Canon and Belles-
Lettres: The Fate of the Case History in Graeco-Arabic Medicine"
organized by the Department of Ilmul Advia. Prof. Razaullah
Ansari introduced Prof. Reichmuth and Prof. Hakim Syed Zillur
Rehman, President, Ibn Sina Academy presided over the func-
tion. The visiting professor delivered a very innovative lecture on
the history of Unani Medicine especially elaborating his work on
eminent Unani Physicians' case studies. He highlighted the work
of Ibn-e-Sina, Zakaria Al-Razi and several other Muslim physi-
cists who excelled in medical sciences in their times. Faculty
members and MD students of various departments of Tibbiya
College were present in the programme.
Record ad deal by Bollywood actor Aamir Khan
Mumbai: Bollywood film actor Aamir Khan has signed a contract
worth Rs 35 crores with a UAE-based telecommunication service
providing company. This amount of the contract is the highest
bagged by any other celebrity for endorsement of a product,
brand or service. The contract is for two years during which he
will be available for media photographs, press advertisements,
personal appearance etc. Though Aamir Khan has earlier signed
other contracts for endorsement of many products and services
like biscuits, car, cola drinks, satellite TV service etc on an aver-
age worth around Rs 12 crores, this amount is the highest so far.
Aamir has however neither confirmed nor contradicted UAE com-
pany's offer but news to this effect have come out in print media.
Fighting in Bareilly, praying together in Hardoi
Communal violence has struck the district of Uttar Pradesh,
Bareilly, the day after Holi and has left many injured, property
worth crores of rupees damaged and many arrested. The riot has
left a mark of anger, hatred and suspicion between two commu-
nities.
But at the same time, another district of
KCAB
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Email: mg@milligazette.com
ASSOCIATION OF MUSLIM PROFESSIONALS MEETING IN PUNE
Uttar Pradesh, Hardoi, has caught the attention of the people
who believe in communal harmony. In Gaddeajijpur village of
Hardoi district Hindus and Muslims used to pray together at the
lord Hanuman temple and the Jind Peer Baba Mazar that are
adjacent to each other. People of the area are of the belief that
any prayer offered only at the Mazar or temple is not heard or ful-
filled. Ijaz Waris a shopkeeper of the area said: "The temple and
the Mazar should be known to all, particularly the politicians of
our country, who don't hesitate in raking up issues which amount
to animosity between members of the two communities, we feel
privileged to be part of a village which projects the unique Hindu-
Muslim togetherness, bonding and brotherhood."
Locals are proud to have such a religious place in their vil-
lage and say it should be a lesson for those who make every
effort to divide Hindus and Muslims for their political interest.
Another villager, Kanta Pushpak, said "You can term it a special-
ity of this place, anyone who visits here pays equal veneration to
Peer Baba and Hanumanji. And now it has become a ritual for all
who come to this place." Communal violence bill that is at least
thought to be a set of measures to ward off riots and its aftermath
is still to be tabled in the Parliament (Mohammad Naushad Khan)
Muslim professionals of Pune to educate youth
Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP), a group of independ-
ent Muslim professionals and zealous volunteers who have been
doing yeomen’s service for the society especially in the field of
education, organised a "Professional Meet" at Iqra School,
Dapodi in Pune on 14 March (photograph below). The meet,
which discussed the importance of youth and the duties of pro-
fessionals in the society, was attended by prominent academi-
cians and social activists.The chief guest, Haji Karim Attar,
Chairperson of Tanzeem-e-Waledain, while addressing the par-
ticipants, stressed the need of education as a tool to empower
the community toward better future. "Muslim community cannot
develop unless its followers at the grass-roots level are devel-
oped. Those who are grown at personal level should put some
efforts for the growth of fellow brothers. That will eventually lead
to the development of the community," he said adding the com-
munity should come together and work for its growth.
Ms. Monika Trivedi, Chapter Chair, Young Indians, who was
the special guest, shared her thoughts and experiences with the
participants. "The result of our efforts might be small. But that
should not make us step back. Everyone should do his/her bit for
the society," she said. She urged to stand united for the better-
ment of the country. "Last time India came together was in 1947
for the freedom struggle. Since then we are divided on different
issues. We have to stop thinking of the past as past is history.
Now we have to think of future. Why don't we plan a great future
and work together for the same?, she asked.
She said the whole world is looking at India for growth as it
is having the largest trained young techs and around 60% of pop-
ulation falls at the average age of 25 years. She also emphasised
the need of women to take up careers. "The whole community
should come together and support the cause of education, espe-
cially for women and the family should support it," she said
adding people like her and her organisation will surely support
AMP. Mr. Ishaque Sharfuddin, a noted educational activist of
Pune also shared a few valuable experiences of more then 15
years in this field. He congratulated AMP for bringing the profes-
sionals together at one platform for a social cause and being
non-political in approach. He proposed full support from his
organisation to AMP in future and was very happy to see the
young generation coming up together after long time for the
cause of educational development of community.
Ms. Mailka Mistry, social worker and professor from Poona
College, Pune, gave her views on how she faced challenges in
life and how she overcame them to become successful in life.
She said there is need for the young generation to take educa-
tion as a tool for their development and the community's as well.
Mr. Farid Khan, speaking on the Importance of Youth said
2005 was International Youth Year but there were many problems
the Youth face even today. "Globalisation troubles the youth in
setting their specialisation. We are dependent on the political
fronts or parties who have been giving promise but in last 60
years the performance has been dismal.” Mr. Khan, talking about
the drug addiction that is taking up in the community due to
depression said that it was of serious concern. A large number of
Muslim youth are falling victim to drug addiction. Mr.Aamir Idrisi,
President of AMP, explained the objectives of the organisation
and various projects it has been undertaking. (T. Riyas Babu)

Campus Front on Foreign Edu. Bill
New Delhi: Campus Front of India has con-
demned the Foreign Educational Institution
(Regulation of Entry and Operation) Bill, 2010
that was approved by Union Cabinet presided
by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in March.
This is the neo-liberal assault on Indian educa-
tion system, it said in a statement adding that
the Cabinet passed this Bill at a time when two
major foriegn institutions, Duke University from
the U.S. and Imperial College of London, have
evinced interest to set up full-fledged campuses
in India. The students organisation said that
inviting foreign universities with red carpet will
further increase the commercialization of edu-
cation. Foreign universities are not coming to
provide free educational service for the rural
back round and poor students. They are bring-
ing the education as a commodity for sale.
Everybody should be aware of it.
The Campus Front further said that provid-
ing free education to its own people is the
Constitutional duty of the government of India.
But, through this bill efforts are taken to escape
the government from its Constitutional duty by
neo-liberals Mr. Manmohan Singh and Mr. Kapil
Sipal. They are working for the traditionally
upper classes and elites, not for the downtrod-
den. Mr. Sibal has already said that quota laws
will not be applicable to foreign universities set-
ting up campuses in India. Campus Front of
India expressed its concern that this announce-
ment is the dangerous ideology against the
principle of Social Justice.
“Shia” board supports women's quota bill
Lucknow: Even as Shia cleric Kalbe Jawwad
advised women to produce leaders instead of
aspiring to be one themselves, All India Shia
Personal Law Board (AISPLB) publicly
denounced the “parochial anti-feminist view
point'' and openly came out in support of
women's reservation bill. Condemning the “wor-
risome narrow interpretation of Islam as a reli-
gion bent upon curtailing women's liberty and
dignity,'' AISPLB president Maulana Mirza
Mohammad Athar said, “instructions have been
forwarded to all branch heads of the body
based in Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai,
Ahmadabad, Bhavnagar, etc to mobilise com-
munity opinion to further the cause which could
go a long way for the much-needed female
empowerment.'' The octogenarian cleric, known
for his forward thinking and outspokenness,
said that Islam “aims at giving each section of
society its ‘jayaz haq' (rightful due). Ordering
women to confine themselves within four walls
of their homes is Afghani Islam and not what is
followed by secular and liberal countries like
India,'' he declared. Those who have been
opposing the reservation bill on the basis of
Shariat are only trying to defame Islam and
interpreting it at their personal will, he charged.
The issue has created a lot of confusion in the
community, spokesperson of the board
Maulana Yasoob Abbas said.
“Denying women an opportunity to join pub-
lic life when the UPA chairperson, chief minister
of UP and the railway ministers are all females,
will be thwarting their personality. This is not
something any religion in the world, least of all
Islam, will endorse,'' he said. This leaves out the
clerics and academicians in the oldest body, All
India Muslim Personal Law Board. Its prominent
members like Nadwa head Maulana Saidur
Rehman already having slammed “unbridled
freedom to women folk'', the issue is unlikely to
drum up any support. The AIMPLB though has a
fair sprinkling of liberals like noted cleric Maulana
Kalbe Sadiq, who had floated the idea of 33 per-
cent reservation of women in AIMPLB, or a siz-
able number of young and educated ulema
secretly in favour of a better women's participa-
tion in public life, but the all powerful old guard,
sources said, may downplay the issue and kill it
by calculated indifference.
CIC says Mishra report can be made public
New Delhi: Central Information Commission
(CIC) has stated that files relating to govern-
ment's action on Rangnath Misra Commission's
report which seeks to extend 'scheduled caste'
status to Dalit Muslims and Christians can be
made public in order to bring about transparen-
cy. CIC expressed these views in response to a
petition under RTI Act filed by one Franklin
Caesar Thomas who wanted to inspect entire
files dealing with the action, if any, taken by the
central government on the report of National
Commission for Religious and Linguistic
Minorities (commonly known as Ranganath
Misra Commission) headed by Justice
Ranganath Misra with special reference to the
extension of SC status to Dalit Muslims and
Christians.
Urdu deserves higher status than Hindi: Oomen
Aligarh: Famous sociologist and Professor
Emeritus in Jawaharlal Nehru University, Dr. TK
Oomen said here while speaking in a 3-day
international seminar on 'Language, Culture
and Identity: problems and difficulties' organ-
ised by AMU's Department of Linguistics that in
India where Hindi is the mother tongue of 38%
people only, a linguistic policy was adopted
whereby regional languages got suppressed.
He said that at all India level the presence or
position of Urdu as the sixth most widely spoken
language is greater as compared to Hindi; but
since it is not the first or majority language of
any state, it is being subjected to discrimination.
Prof. Oomen further said that the attitude of
Urdu speaking Muslims needs to be noted that
they put their local linguistic identity in the back-
ground and give preference or priority to their
religious-linguistic identity. In this way during
1951-61 bilingual Muslims throughout the coun-
try described their mother tongue as Urdu
because of which the number of Urdu speaking
people became 68.7 percent.
IOS to campaign for Muslim education
Patna: The Delhi-based NGO, Institute of
Objective Studies (IOS), is to launch a drive for
promotion of education among Muslims, partic-
ularly Muslim girls. The Chairman of IOS, Dr.
Mohammad Manzoor Alam, who was here in
connection with a two-day international confer-
ence (March 14-15) at A. N.
Sinha Institute, said the Patna
chapter of IOS was already run-
ning progammes on these
lines.
AMWELA’S DR JAVED AKHTAR FAMILISRISING PEOPEL ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENTS OF THE BATLA CASE
Major themes to be discussed at the confer-
ence includes Dimensions of Crisis in Muslim
Mind, Principles of Methodology of Islamic
Thought, and Role of Muslims in Development
and Welfare, and Muslim Mind and Future of
Humanity. Dr. Alam said IOS would start a bio-
tech and paramedical university on the outskirts
of Delhi, for which land has already been
acquired.
Manipur campaign for women’s reservation
Imphal: The Popular Front of India Manipur
State has been campaigning for Muslims
Reservation since first week of Feb., 2010. A
series of Public Awareness Programmes such
as distribution of pamphlets, putting up posters,
corner meetings, vehicle caravans, motor bike
rallies, dialogue sessions have been going on in
various places of Manipur Valley. Vehicles cara-
van was held on 21st Feb., 2010 in the
Bihsnupur District of Manipur. The rally started
from the premises of the Popular Front of India
Manipur state office, went to NH 39 then Tiddim
Road and culminated in a public meeting at
Kwakta Bazar, a Muslim dominated area. On
23rd Feb., a motor-bike rally was held from
Mayai Lambi Road, Imphal West District and
went through Hiyangthang, Samurou, Wangoi
Mayang Imphal, Bengoon Bazar. In Irong and
Sekmaijing series of corner meetings were
held. Mufti Arshad Hussain Quasmi,
Muhammad, Rafi Shah and Arif Khan spoke
about the ongoing National Reservation
Campaign and urged local youth to extend their
support to the campaign.
Popular Front of India has also launched a
door-to-door campaign in various parts of the
Manipur Valley including Urup, Kiyamgei,
Keirao, Yairipok, Kshetri and Khergao in the
Imphal East, Lilong Constituency, Sora Keirak,
Wangjing, Thoubal Moijing in Thoubal District,
Hiyangthang, Wangoi, Mayang Imphal and
Phabakchao in Imphal West District. On 7th
March another bike rally was held on the way to
N. H. 39 Indi-Mayanmar Road, holding many
street corner meetings, at which speakers
including Benjamin M. Shah, Mufti Arshad
Hussain and Muhammad Helalluddin stressed
the importance of the ongoing campaign. On
13th March, 2010 as a part of the National
Reservation Campaign, a dialogue session was
held at Orient Hotel, Hatta Minuthong Imphal.
Appeal against AP HC's verdict on quota
New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh government filed
an appeal in Supreme Court on 8 March against
AP High Court's verdict rejecting 4% reservation
to backward Muslims of the state. A special
leave petition was filed in Supreme Court by
AP's standing Counsel Ms D. Bharti Reddy in
which she has questioned the verdict of 7-judge
bench of AP High Court on legal, factual and
social grounds regarding 4% reservation to the
14 most backward groups of Muslims out of total
24 groups who are presently living in the state.
The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010 21
COMMUNITY NEWS
Under 3,500 Pandits left in Kashmir valley
Srinagar: A massive demographic change has
taken place in Kashmir valley which now has a
mere 3,445 Kashmiri Pandits left as against
more than 380,000 in 1990, said Jammu and
Kashmir Revenue Minister Raman Bhalla.
Making the disclosure in the state legislative
assembly, the minister said that 'only 808 fami-
lies of Kashmiri Pandits were living in the valley'
and the total number of men, women and chil-
dren of the community there 'is 3,445'.
Bhalla said that most of the Kashmiri
Pandits had fled the valley in 1990 because of
fear of militants. 'The killing of community mem-
bers led to a fear psychosis in the community,'
he said, adding that 219 Kashmiri Pandits were
killed in 1990. Though the minister did not spec-
ify it, the number of the families living in the val-
ley included 31 families of Kashmiri Pandits liv-
ing in a protected zone in Sheikhpora in
Budgam district and also the officials working in
the banks and central government departments
and organisations. Their exact number is how-
ever not known. More than 350,000 Kashmiri
Pandits had fled the valley in 1990. Those who
stayed back, migrated after massacres of the
community members in Sangrampora in
Budgam district in March 1997, Wandhama in
Ganderbal, near Srinagar, in January 1998 and
Nadimarg in south Kashmir in March 2003.
Kashmiri Pandits are now mostly living in
Jammu and Udhampur within the state, and in
Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has
announced a Rs.1,618 crore relief and rehabili-
tation package for the return of the Kashmiri
Pandits to the 'land of their grandfathers and
great grandfathers,' during his visit to Jammu
April 25, 2008.
Batla legal battle
Azamgarh: Two known advocates engaged for
the defense of Batla House accused have died
one after another. While young Shahid Azmi
was murdered in Bombay, Mr RK Nasim, a
noted criminal lawyer. succumbed to the injuries
he received in an attack in front of Delhi Police.
When after more than a year charges were
framed and the trial proceedings were about to
start in Delhi and Ahmedabad, came the death
of R.K. Nasim which raises more doubts at the
seemingly fake Batla House encounter.
In order to make the general public aware
of the legal status of Batla House accused trials
and the work done by the legal committee,
AMWELA’s Dr. Javed Akhtar and his colleagues
organized meetings in Kotila Bazar and village
'Anwak' in the district of Azamgarh. Dr. Akhtar
informed the gathering about the recent suc-
cess in getting a writ admitted in the Supreme
Court through advocate MS Khan. The writ is
about the consolidation of all related cases at
one place and a speedy trial.
Dr. Akhtar and his colleagues informed the
gathering about their consultations with Shahid
Azmi and his help in cases of Muslim youths
belonging to Mubarakpur and Azamgarh who
were arrested in Mumbai. The recent agree-
ment with Jamiat Ulama-e Hind through Shahid
Azmi for Batla House accused lodged in
Ahmedabad jail and the great sense of loss in
the death of this brilliant and fearless young
lawyer was emphasized. (Salman Sultan)
22 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010
INTERNATIONAL
Manufacturing ‘Muslim’ Extremists
YAMIN ZAKARIA
yamin@radicalviews.org
n Britain Muslim 'extremists' are identified
I
by their reaction to the belligerent actions
of the British government towards the
Muslim countries. In contrast, the silent
majority are labelled as the moderates, as if
they represent a single viewpoint on the same
issue. So, who really speaks for the moderate
Muslims in the UK? Sometime back, it was the
Muslim Council of Britain (MCB). However, the
MCB is gradually being marginalised and
tainted as an extremist voice. One can specu-
late on the reason as being the failure of the
British government to utilise the organisation
effectively, in particular the failure to legitimise
its foreign policies in the eyes of the Muslims.
Furthermore, the MCB did not compromise
on certain basic aspects of Islam. Indeed, it
would have been futile for the organisation to
deny the obligation to have a Caliphate, the exis-
tence of the penal codes, the obligation to
observe the Hijab; these are too well narrated in
the Islamic textual sources. Similarly, the MCB
also stood by the universal principle of the right to
resist foreign occupation, which is also an integral
part of Islam. They were not willing to issue one-
sided condemnation for acts of resistance (or ter-
rorism) from Muslims, whilst remaining silent on
the atrocities committed on the people of
Palestine and Iraq that predates 9/11 and 7/7!
Thus, the MCB is gradually being replaced
by an amalgamation of certain Sufi groups as
representative of the silent majority. But, the
problem is, many of these Sufi groups tend to be
spiritual, lack experience and the resolve to get
involved in political affairs. When they do, it usu-
ally backfires. For example, recently a one-
sided edict issued by Dr. Tahir Al-Qadri con-
demning all acts of resistance as terrorism,
which made no reference to the Muslims facing
Anglo-American terrorism on a mass scale,
Truth Has Fallen and Taken Liberty With It
PAUL CRAIG ROBERTS
here was a time when the pen was might-
T ier than the sword. That was a time when
people believed in truth and regarded truth
as an independent power and not as an
auxiliary for government, class, race, ideological,
personal, or financial interest. Today Americans
are ruled by propaganda. Americans have little
regard for truth, little access to it, and little ability to
recognize it.
Truth is an unwelcome entity. It is disturbing.
It is off limits. Those who speak it run the risk of
being branded “anti-American,” “anti-semite” or
“conspiracy theorist.”
Truth is an inconvenience for government and
for the interest groups whose campaign contribu-
tions control government. Truth is an inconven-
ience for prosecutors who want convictions, not
the discovery of innocence or guilt. Truth is incon-
venient for ideologues.
Today many whose goal once was the discov-
ery of truth are now paid handsomely to hide it.
“Free market economists” are paid to sell off-
shoring to the American people. High-productivity,
high value-added American jobs are denigrated
as dirty, old industrial jobs. Relicts from long ago,
we are best shed of them. Their place has been
taken by “the New Economy,” a mythical economy
that allegedly consists of high-tech white collar
jobs in which Americans innovate and finance
activities that occur offshore. All Americans need
in order to participate in this “new economy” are
finance degrees from Ivy League universities, and
then they will work on Wall Street at million dollar
jobs.
Economists who were once respectable took
money to contribute to this myth of “the New
Economy.” And not only economists sell their
souls for filthy lucre. Recently we have had reports
of medical doctors who, for money, have pub-
lished in peer-reviewed journals concocted “stud-
ies” that hype this or that new medicine produced
by pharmaceutical companies that paid for the
“studies.”
The Council of Europe is investigating the
drug companies’ role in hyping a false swine flu
pandemic in order to gain billions of dollars in
adding to the ongoing ethnic cleansing of the
Palestinians by the Israelis. Such erroneous
verdicts are not going to have any resonance
amongst the Muslim population and it will be
discarded.
Mute majority: In addition, the British govern-
ment is eagerly promoting groups like the
Quilliam Foundation on the back of these Sufi
groups, as it manufactures a new voice of the
moderate Muslims. This organisation comprises
of a few individuals who flout their credential of
being ex-extremists or ex-Islamists. Allegedly,
they saw the light on the road to Damascus, or
should I say on the road to Downing Street; it
was worthwhile, they have been rewarded with
cheque for one million pound perhaps that was
the source of their vision, and thus they were
born-again ex-extremists.
The British government is not on some
benevolent mission to promote the opinion that
best represents the silent majority of Muslims in
the UK. After all, this can be easily established
by simply asking them. Their mission is to man-
ufacture an opinion that would suit its agenda,
and enforce that on the silent majority, they
would be bullied into submission by the propa-
ganda process of the efficient ubiquitous mass
media. Perhaps, the moderates would finally
concur with Tony Blair, and admit their sins for
having a false sense of grievance. Thus, the ille-
gal war, and the killings of the Muslims in
numerous places is a mirage, the only thing real
is 9/11, 7/7 and of course, Iraq's WMDs! In this
information age, it is difficult to conceal the real-
ity. In any case, historically, the Muslims always
had an understanding of the real world. Whether
they are radical or moderate, they knew the
world was spherical, long before Christendom
was struggling with Galileo or Copernicus!
The extremist media has concealed the real
extremists. For example, Israel can slaughter
the civilian population in Gaza, and yet the chil-
sales of the vaccine.
The media helped the US military hype its
recent Marja offensive in Afghanistan, describing
Marja as a city of 80,000 under Taliban control. It
turns out that Marja is not urban but a collection of
village farms. And there is the global warming
scandal, in which NGOs. the UN, and the nuclear
industry colluded in concocting a doomsday sce-
nario in order to create profit in pollution.
Wherever one looks, truth has fallen to
money. Wherever money is insufficient to bury the
truth, ignorance, propaganda, and short memo-
ries finish the job. I remember when, following CIA
director William Colby’s testimony before the
Church Committee in the mid-1970s, presidents
Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan issued executive
orders preventing the CIA and U.S. black-op
groups from assassinating foreign leaders. In
2010 the US Congress was told by Dennis Blair,
head of national intelligence, that the US now
assassinates its own citizens in addition to foreign
leaders.
When Blair told the House Intelligence
Committee that US citizens no longer needed to
be arrested, charged, tried, and convicted of a
capital crime, just murdered on suspicion alone of
being a “threat,” he wasn’t impeached. No investi-
gation pursued. Nothing happened. There was no
Church Committee. In the mid-1970s the CIA got
into trouble for plots to kill Castro. Today it is
American citizens who are on the hit list. Whatever
objections there might be don’t carry any weight.
No one in government is in any trouble over the
assassination of U.S. citizens by the U.S. govern-
ment.
As an economist, I am astonished that the
American economics profession has no aware-
ness whatsoever that the U.S. economy has been
destroyed by the offshoring of U.S. GDP to over-
seas countries. U.S. corporations, in pursuit of
absolute advantage or lowest labor costs and
maximum CEO “performance bonuses,” have
moved the production of goods and services mar-
keted to Americans to China, India, and elsewhere
abroad. When I read economists describe off-
shoring as free trade based on comparative
advantage, I realize that there is no intelligence or
integrity in the American economics profession.
dren fighting back with stones are tainted as mil-
itants and terrorists. The militant neo-conser-
vatism means, one can explode bombs for
democracy but not for Sharia laws. Indeed, we
live in a paradoxical world; the illiterate atheists
proclaim complex scientific theories as the
answer to everything, and concurrently accuse
the believers of being blind followers.
Despite catapulting few individuals from the
Quilliam gang onto the mainstream media, they
have virtually no following amongst the Muslims.
More than a year has passed, and just as I pre-
dicted, the number of 'Muslims' (maybe I should
say individuals with Muslim heritage), in their
organisation has shrunk, still well below double
digits. To inflate their appearance as a represen-
tative group they are deploying desperate meas-
ures; for example, they would announce their
allegiance to any group that issues one-side
condemnation of 'terrorism' whilst remaining
silent on the Anglo-US terrorism in distant lands.
The media often characterises extremist
organisations based on their viewpoint and
numbers, the Quilliam Foundation certainly
qualifies based on their numbers. In terms of
their views, it is also an extremist organisation
as it is at odds with the views of the vast major-
ity of Muslims in the UK and the established
rules found in the clear textual evidences. Such
organisations have more in common with
American- Israeli neo-conservatism then they
have with Muslims.
Legitimising violence: Accordingly, the
Quilliam Foundation support Anglo-US terrorism
in distant lands, and modern day oil-piracy. They
promote the fundamentalist policy of waging war
for democracy and profit; and legitimise violence
against the defenceless Muslims in Gaza,
Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan. No surprise,
that their works are promoted by those who are
openly hostile towards Islam and Muslims.
Consider the following point to contrast the
Intelligence and integrity have been pur-
chased by money. The transnational or global
U.S. corporations pay multi-million dollar compen-
sation packages to top managers, who achieve
these “performance awards” by replacing U.S.
labor with foreign labor. While Washington worries
about “the Muslim threat,” Wall Street, U.S. corpo-
rations and “free market” shills destroy the U.S.
economy and the prospects of tens of millions of
Americans.
Americans, or most of them, have proved to
be putty in the hands of the police state.
Americans have bought into the govern-
ment’s claim that security requires the suspension
of civil liberties and accountable government.
Astonishingly, Americans, or most of them, believe
that civil liberties, such as habeas corpus and due
process, protect “terrorists,” and not themselves.
Many also believe that the Constitution is a tired
old document that prevents government from
exercising the kind of police state powers neces-
sary to keep Americans safe and free.
Most Americans are unlikely to hear from any-
one who would tell them any different.
I was associate editor and columnist for the
Wall Street Journal. I was Business Week’s first
outside columnist, a position I held for 15 years. I
was columnist for a decade for Scripps Howard
News Service, carried in 300 newspapers. I was a
columnist for the Washington Times and for news-
papers in France and Italy and for a magazine in
Germany. I was a contributor to the New York
Times and a regular feature in the Los Angeles
Times. Today I cannot publish in, or appear on, the
American “mainstream media.”
For the last six years I have been banned
from the “mainstream media.” My last column in
the New York Times appeared in January, 2004,
coauthored with Democratic U.S. Senator Charles
Schumer representing New York. We addressed
the offshoring of U.S. jobs. Our op-ed article pro-
duced a conference at the Brookings Institution in
Washington, D.C. and live coverage by C-Span. A
debate was launched. No such thing could hap-
pen today.
For years I was a mainstay at the Washington
Times, producing credibility for the Moony news-
paper as a Business Week columnist, former Wall
position of the real extremist organisations that
ally with militant warmongering regimes, with
the moderate Muslims comprising of the vocal
and silent majority.
The majority of Muslims want a world that is
free from all types of terrorism emanating from
individuals, groups and 'states', whereas the
extremists are only calling for the cessation of the
actions of non-state actors, whilst justify state-ter-
rorism carried out through illegal invasion and
disproportionate slaughtering of civilians.
A nuclear free world is favoured by the
Muslims, whereas the extremists favour a
nuclear free Iran, and only give themselves the
right to possess nuclear, chemical and biological
weapons. It is fact that chemical weapons were
deployed in Fallujah, as a result today we see
an alarming rise in the deformities of children.
· Far from being oppressive to women, Sharia
Laws provide dignity, stability and honour to
women; otherwise, the Muslim women would
have made apostasy en masse in the west and
in the east. The number of women entering the
fold of Islam is larger than men. This is some-
thing the deceptive media of the extremists con-
tinues to conceal.
The Muslims are in favour of fair enforcement
of UN resolution to all nations chronologically.
They are also in favour of the General Assembly
to pass and enforce UN resolution, which would
be consistent with democracy and fair.
The moderate Muslims and most non-
Muslims are in favour of greater equality of the
distribution of wealth, protection for the weaker
members of society, whereas the extremist
favour raw capitalism, which exploits the weak
and the vulnerable in society.
The extremist media has concealed the real
extremists. For example, Israel can slaughter
the civilian population in Gaza, and yet the chil-
dren fighting back with stones are tainted as mil-
itants and terrorists. The militant neo-conser-
vatism means, one can explode bombs for
democracy but not for Sharia laws. Indeed, we
live in a paradoxical world; the illiterate atheists
proclaim complex scientific theories as the
answer to everything, and concurrently accuse
the believers of being blind followers.

Street Journal editor, and former Assistant
Secretary of the U.S. Treasury. But when I began
criticizing Bush’s wars of aggression, the order
came down to Mary Lou Forbes to cancel my col-
umn.
The American corporate does not serve the
truth. It serves the government and the interest
groups that empower the government.
America’s fate was sealed when the public
and the anti-war movement bought the govern-
ment’s 9/11 conspiracy theory. The government’s
account of 9/11 is contradicted by much evidence.
Nevertheless, this defining event of our time,
which has launched the US on interminable wars
of aggression and a domestic police state, is a
taboo topic for investigation in the media. It is
pointless to complain of war and a police state
when one accepts the premise upon which they
are based.
These trillion dollar wars have created financ-
ing problems for Washington’s deficits and threat-
en the U.S. dollar’s role as world reserve curren-
cy. The wars and the pressure that the budget
deficits put on the dollar’s value have put Social
Security and Medicare on the chopping block.
Former Goldman Sachs chairman and U.S.
Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson is after these
protections for the elderly. Fed chairman
Bernanke is also after them. The Republicans are
after them as well. These protections are called
“entitlements” as if they are some sort of welfare
that people have not paid for in payroll taxes all
their working lives.
With over 21 per cent unemployment as
measured by the methodology of 1980, with
American jobs, GDP, and technology having been
given to China and India, with war being
Washington’s greatest commitment, with the dol-
lar over-burdened with debt, with civil liberty sacri-
ficed to the “war on terror,” the liberty and prosper-
ity of the American people have been thrown into
the trash bin of history.
The militarism of the U.S. and Israeli states,
and Wall Street and corporate greed, will now run
their course. As the pen is censored and its might
extinguished, I am signing off.
Paul Craig Roberts was an editor of the Wall Street
Journal and an Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Treasury.
His latest book, HOW THE ECONOMY WAS LOST, has
just been published by CounterPunch/AK Press. He can
be reached at: PaulCraigRoberts@yahoo.com
 The Milli Gazette,1-15 April 2010 23

INTERNATIONAL
American Naifs Bringing Ruin to Other Lands
PAUL CRAIG ROBERTS Gen. Partin dismissed the official report as "a massive cover-up

ccording to news reports, the U. S. military is shipping

of immense proportions."http://100777.com/node/106
Of course, the general's unquestionable expertise had no bear-
Anti-Israeli sentiment
A "bunker-buster" bombs to the U. S. Air Force base at
Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The Herald Scotland
reports that experts say the bombs are being assembled
for an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. The newspaper quotes
Dan Piesch, director of the Centre for International Studies and
ing on the outcome.
One reason is that his and other expert voices were drowned
out by media pumping the official story. Another reason is that pub-
lic beliefs in a democracy run counter to suspicion of government
as a terrorist agent. Professor Laurie Manwell of the University of
overruns Middle East

Diplomacy at the University of London: "They are gearing up
totally for the destruction of Iran."
http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/world-news/final-destina-
tion-iran-1.1013151
The next step will be a staged "terrorist attack," a "false flag"
operation as per Operation Northwoods, for which Iran will be
blamed. As Iran and its leadership have already been demonized,
the "false flag" attack will suffice to obtain US and European public
support for bombing Iran. The bombing will include more than the
nuclear facilities and will continue until the Iranians agree to regime
change and the installation of a puppet government. The corrupt
American media will present the new puppet as "freedom and
democracy."
If the past is a guide, Americans will fall for the deception. In the
February issue of the American Behavioral Scientist, a scholarly
journal, Professor Lance DeHaven-Smith writes that state crimes
against democracy (SCAD) involve government officials, often in
combination with private interests, that engage in covert activities in
order to implement an agenda. Examples include McCarthyism or
the fabrication of evidence of communist infiltration, the Gulf of
Tonkin Resolution based on false claims of President Johnson and
Pentagon chief McNamara that North Vietnam attacked a U. S.
naval vessel, the burglary of the office of Daniel Ellsberg's psychia-
trist in order to discredit Ellsberg (the Pentagon Papers) as "dis-
turbed," and the falsified "intelligence" that Iraq possessed weapons
of mass destruction in order to justify the U. S. invasion of Iraq.
http://www.mediafreedominternational.org/2010/03/02/state-
crimes-against- democracy/
There are many other examples. I have always regarded the
1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Office Building in Oklahoma
City as a SCAD. Allegedly, a disturbed Tim McVeigh used a fertiliz-
er bomb in a truck parked outside the building. More likely, McVeigh
was a patsy, whose fertilizer bomb was a cover for explosives plant-
ed inside the building.
A number of experts dismissed the possibility of McVeigh's
bomb producing such structural damage. For example, General
Benton K. Partin, who was in charge of U. S. Air Force munitions
design and testing, produced a thick report on the Murrah building
bombing which concluded that the building blew up from the inside
out. Gen. Partin concluded that "the pattern of damage would have
been technically impossible without supplementary demolition
charges at some of the reinforced concrete bases inside the build-
ing, a standard demolition technique. For a simplistic blast truck
bomb, of the size and composition reported, to be able to reach out
on the order of 60 feet and collapse a reinforced column base the
size of column A7 is beyond credulity."
Guelph says that "false flag" operations have the advantage over
truth: "research shows that people are far less willing to examine
information that disputes, rather than confirms, their beliefs."
Professor Steven Hoffman agrees: "Our data shows substantial
support for a cognitive theory known as 'motivated reasoning,'
which suggests that rather than search rationally for information
that either confirms or disconfirms a particular belief, people actual-
ly seek out information that confirms what they already believe. In
fact, for the most part people completely ignore contrary informa-
tion." Even when hard evidence turns up, it can be discredited as a
"conspiracy theory."
All that is necessary for success of "false flag" or "black ops"
events is for the government to have its story ready and to have a
reliable and compliant media. Once an official story is in place,
thought and investigation are precluded. Any formal inquiry that is
convened serves to buttress the already provided explanation.
An explanation ready-at-hand is almost a give-away that an
incident is a "black ops" event. Notice how quickly the U. S. govern-
ment, allegedly so totally deceived by al Qaida, provided the expla-
nation for 9/11. When President Kennedy was assassinated, the
government produced the culprit immediately. The alleged culprit
was conveniently shot inside a jail by a civilian before he could be
questioned. But the official story was ready, and it held.
Professors Manwell and Hoffman's research resonates with
me. I remember reading in my graduate studies that the Czarist
secret police set off bombs in order to create excuses to arrest their
targets. My inclination was to dismiss the accounts as anti-Czarist
propaganda by pro-communist historians. It was only later when
Robert Conquest confirmed to me that this was indeed the practice
of the Czarist secret police that the scales fell from my eyes.
Former CIA official Philip Giraldi in his article, "The Rogue
Nation," http://original.antiwar .com/giraldi/2010/03/10/the-rogue-
nation/ makes it clear that the U. S. government has a hegemonic
agenda that it is pursuing without congressional or public aware-
ness. The agenda unfolds piecemeal as a response to "terrorism,"
and the big picture is not understood by the public or by most in
Congress. Giraldi protests that the agenda is illegal under both U.
S. and international law, but that the illegality of the agenda does
not serve as a barrier. Only a naif could believe that such a govern-
ment would not employ "false flag" operations that advance the
agenda. The U. S. population, it seems, is comprised of naifs
whose lack of comprehension is bringing ruin to other lands.
(Global Research)
Paul Craig Roberts was Assistant Secretary of the Treasury
during President Reagan's first term. He was Associate Editor of
the Wall Street Journal
The Middle East sees more demonstrations as Muslims join
hands to voice protest against Israeli violations in Palestine,
despite a policy of silence adopted by their governments.
Crowds of Palestinian refugees staged a demonstration
in southern Damascus late on Friday to protest Tel Aviv's
refusal to heed international calls to halt its illegal settlement
construction work in occupied East Jerusalem (al- Quds).
Waving Palestinian flags, carrying placards and chanting
anti-Israeli slogans, protestors on Friday criticized the Arab
world and the international community for failing to free their
land after some 60 years of Israeli occupation.
Similar demonstrations have been held in support for al-
Quds and the al-Aqsa Mosque in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon,
Turkey, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and several other Muslim
nations. Angry protesters also condemned the reopening of
a synagogue not far from the al-Aqsa Mosque - the third fore-
most Islamic sanctity - in the Old City in East al-Quds.
Tel Aviv's recent green light for 1,600 new settlement
units in East al-Quds and the controversial rededication of
the Hurva synagogue short after the confiscation of two holy
shrines in the West Bank has sparked a large wave of
protests across the Muslim world.
The decision also prompted warnings from Palestinian
politicians and Muslim leaders who expressed grave con-
cerns that the violations could serve as a prelude to a full
"Judaization" of East al-Quds, long demanded by
Palestinians as the capital of their future state.
Analysts, however, believe popular demonstrations are
the minimum that could be done against the Israeli occupa-
tion in Palestine. They insist that it is not enough for the
Palestinians to be the only objecting force, calling for a firm
stance from Arab governments and Muslims across the
globe. (presstv.ir)

Just think of what they might be doing six decades later?
French bread spiked with LSD in CIA experiment
A 50-year mystery over the 'cursed bread'
of Pont-Saint-Esprit, which left residents
suffering hallucinations, has been solved
after a writer discovered the US had spiked
the bread with LSD as part of an experi-
ment. An American investigative journalist
has uncovered evidence suggesting the CIA
peppered local food with the hallucinogenic
drug LSD. HENRY SAMUEL reports from
Paris
In 1951, a quiet, picturesque village in southern
France was suddenly and mysteriously struck
down with mass insanity and hallucinations. At
least five people died, dozens were interned in
asylums and hundreds afflicted.
For decades it was assumed that the local
bread had been unwittingly poisoned with a psy-
chedelic mould. Now, however, an American
investigative journalist has uncovered evidence
suggesting the CIA peppered local food with the
hallucinogenic drug LSD as part of a mind con-
trol experiment at the height of the Cold War.
The mystery of Le Pain Maudit (Cursed
Bread) still haunts the inhabitants of Pont-
Saint-Esprit, in the Gard, southeast France.
On August 16, 1951, the inhabitants were
suddenly racked with frightful hallucinations of
terrifying beasts and fire.
One man tried to drown himself, screaming
that his belly was being eaten by snakes. An 11-
year-old tried to strangle his grandmother.
Another man shouted: "I am a plane", before
jumping out of a second-floor window, breaking
his legs. He then got up and carried on for 50
yards. Another saw his heart escaping through
his feet and begged a doctor to put it back.
Many were taken to the local asylum in strait
jackets.
Time magazine wrote at the time: "Among
the stricken, delirium rose: patients thrashed
wildly on their beds, screaming that red flowers
were blossoming from their bodies, that their
heads had turned to molten lead."
Eventually, it was determined that the best-
known local baker had unwittingly contaminated
his flour with ergot, a hallucinogenic mould that
infects rye grain. Another theory was the bread
had been poisoned with organic mercury.
However, H P Albarelli Jr., an investigative
journalist, claims the outbreak resulted from a
covert experiment directed by the CIA and the
US Army's top-secret Special Operations
Division (SOD) at Fort Detrick, Maryland.
The scientists who produced both alterna-
tive explanations, he writes, worked for the
Swiss-based Sandoz Pharmaceutical Company,
which was then secretly supplying both the
Army and CIA with LSD.
Mr Albarelli came across CIA documents
while investigating the suspicious suicide of
Frank Olson, a biochemist working for the SOD
who fell from a 13th floor window two years after
the Cursed Bread incident. One note transcribes
a conversation between a CIA agent and a
Sandoz official who mentions the "secret of
Pont-Saint-Esprit" and explains that it was not
"at all" caused by mould but by diethylamide,
the D in LSD.
While compiling his book, A Terrible
Mistake: The Murder of Frank Olson and the
CIA's Secret Cold War Experiments, Mr Albarelli
spoke to former colleagues of Mr Olson, two of
whom told him that the Pont-Saint-Esprit inci-
dent was part of a mind control experiment run
by the CIA and US army.
After the Korean War the Americans
launched a vast research programme into the
mental manipulation of prisoners and enemy
troops.
Scientists at Fort Detrick told him that
agents had sprayed LSD into the air and also
contaminated "local foot products".
Mr Albarelli said the real "smoking gun" was
a White House document sent to members of
the Rockefeller Commission formed in 1975 to
investigate CIA abuses. It contained the names
of a number of French nationals who had been
secretly employed by the CIA and made direct
reference to the "Pont St. Esprit incident." In its
quest to research LSD as an offensive weapon,
Mr Albarelli claims, the US army also drugged
over 5,700 unwitting American servicemen
between 1953 and 1965.
None of his sources would indicate whether
the French secret services were aware of the
alleged operation. According to US news
reports, French intelligence chiefs have
demanded the CIA explain itself following the
book's revelations. French intelligence officially
denies this.
Locals in Pont-Saint-Esprit still want to
know why they were hit by such apocalyptic
scenes. "At the time people brought up the the-
ory of an experiment aimed at controlling a pop-
ular revolt," said Charles Granjoh, 71.
"I almost kicked the bucket," he told the
weekly French magazine Les Inrockuptibles. "I'd
like to know why." (London Telegraph)
24 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010
INTERNATIONAL
The Truth About American and Israeli Interests
WILLIAM PFAFF Ariel Sharon carried out the forced evacuation of
he relationship between the United States and
Jewish settlers in Gaza for the same reason. He said Israel
could not expect indefinitely to rule over a Palestinian pop-
T Israel has always rested on a number of preten-
sions, politically useful to politicians on both sides,
but because they are untrue, certain eventually to
ulation larger than the Israeli population. He was not long
after struck down. (There undoubtedly are Orthodox rabbis
who believe this the act of an outraged Old Testament
prove destructive to both countries. God, converted to Zionism-originally a secular creed).
The destruction has now begun, as the pretensions Sharon remains in a coma.
and hypocrisies begin to fall. The cause of this is external Now Netanyahu has provoked what the Israeli ambas-
and unexpected. Preoccupied with its own interests, and sador to the U.S. calls the worst crisis between the two
by the expansionist forces inside its society of secular countries in three decades.
Zionism, expressed in the Likud Party, and the equivalent Until now, successive Israeli governments pretended
expansionism motivated by millenarian religion, the to the world community that land seizures from the
Benjamin Netanyahu government has made itself an Palestinians would all be peacefully sorted out in a final
obstacle to American military security and to the interests two-states agreement (if one occurred!). The United States
of U.S. military forces operating in the Islamic world. pretended that this was true, and that in the meantime its
This has been obvious for many years but has only formal, legal refusal to acknowledge Israel's claims on
now been acknowledged by military commanders. As Mark Jerusalem and on the Palestinian territories provided a
Perry has reported on the Foreign Policy magazine web- substitute for a foreign policy.
site, a team dispatched by Gen. David Petraeus of Central The most important and dangerous pretense has been
Command briefed the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Jan. 16 to the that American and Israeli interests in the Middle East coin-
effect that the conduct of Israel with respect to the cide. They actually conflict in basic respects. The American
Palestinians has now caused the Islamic forces cooperat- interest in the region is permanent good relations with the
ing with the United States, as well as those fighting it, to oil-producing Arab states, which remain in doubt so long as
conclude that the U.S. is weak, and its military posture is the Palestine question is unresolved.
subverted by American complicity with Israel's intransi- The American interest with respect to Israel is perma-
gence on the Palestinian issue. nent peace between it and its neighbors. The obstacle to
When this was conveyed to the White House, the this is the unwillingness of most Islamic governments to
shock was great. The message itself was not so much a recognize the legitimacy of the Israeli state within its pres-
surprise as the emphasis and urgency with which senior ent borders, so long as there is no agreement with the
American commanders now regard the problem. Palestinians. Until then (as the Pentagon briefers said), the
This lies behind the fury of Vice President Joseph present enmity of Muslims, particularly in the Middle East
Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last week at and South Asia, toward the United States must be expect-
the deliberate humiliation of the United States by the ed to mount, and the wars of the United States against
Netanyahu government in making the vice president's visit Muslim groups will be seen as imperialist war against
to Israel the occasion for the announcement of the con- Islam.
struction of 1,600 new residence units in East Jerusalem, Israel at present is unable to define what it really wants
in areas claimed by the Palestinians and under internation- (even if it could have it) because its people are divided in
al law belonging to them. The Israeli prime minister added interpreting their nation's permanent interest. There is an
personal defiance to these announcements, regretting alliance of expansionist secular Zionists with that part of
their "timing" but refusing to accept the American protests the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community that believes that
as valid. God, in the Book of Genesis, gave his people the land from
Relations between the two countries, and the foreign- the Nile to the Euphrates. They have no way at present to
policy dialogue within both countries, have both for many fulfill this prophecy, but they are patient. The vast majority
years rested upon a very large dose of hypocrisy. of Israelis would probably welcome a settlement with the
On Sept. 29, 2008, Ethan Brommer wrote in The New Arabs that assured them permanent security within their
York Times, "(Outgoing) Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said present frontiers-if only they could have that. They presum-
in an interview ... that Israel must withdraw from nearly all ably can-under another government.
of the West Bank as well as East Jerusalem to attain peace The annual conference of the American-Israel Public
with the Palestinians." This indeed had long been obvious Affairs Committee is scheduled for next week. Prime
to all realistic Israeli and American political observers, yet Minister Netanyahu and Secretary of State Clinton are both
Olmert, a veteran Israeli politician, allowed himself to say expected to speak. It will be an interesting occasion.
this only after his political career had ended. (truthdig.com)
of the world in
American Jews say ‘Israel First’ requesting that
Israel adhere to
JOE KLEIN ethnic or religious lobbying group Road Map laid out by the so-called
publicly siding with a foreign country quartet (the U. S., E. U., U. N. and
The America-Israel Public Affairs against the President of the United Russia), a plan the West Bank
Committee (AIPAC) has done a very States... especially when the country Palestinians seem to be taking seri-
unwise thing: It has issued a state- in question is engaging in behavior ously. This is an attempt by AIPAC to
ment criticizing the Obama that the international community show muscle and force the Obama
Administration, rather than Israel, for believes is illegal. Once again, every Administration to back down: Israel
its reaction to the Netanyahu govern- U. S. President since Richard Nixon has tremendous support in the
ment's recent announcement of has called for a freeze of settlements United States, especially among
more illegal settlement blocks in East being built in Palestinian areas, Evangelicals (who believe that the
Jerusalem--an announcement that including East Jerusalem, con- achievement of a Greater Israel--that
was made during Vice President Joe quered by Israel in 1967. AIPAC is, the annexation of Palestinian
Biden's visit last week, an act of stands, with Israel, against every one lands--would be a precursor of the
extreme rudeness on top of its of those Presidents. Rapture).
unquestioned illegality. I certainly hope AIPAC comes to As an American Jew, I find this
This is quite remarkable. I may its senses soon. But I suspect it extremely embarrassing and unfortu-
be wrong--and commenters are wel- wants a showdown with the Obama nate. This could get very, very ugly.
come to correct me- Administration, which, unlike its Bush (swampland.blogs.time.com)
-but I can't remember another predecessor, has stood with the rest
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The Poodle Gets Kicked
PATRICK BUCHANAN
ctually, Joe set himself up. From the moment he set foot on Israeli soil,
A
our vice president was in full pander mode. First, he headed to Yad
Vashem memorial, where he put on a yarmulke and declared Israel "a
central bolt in our existence."
"For world Jewry," Joe went on, presumably including 5 million Americans,
"Israel is the heart. ... Israel is the light. ... Israel is the hope." Meeting Shimon
Peres the next day, Joe confessed that when he first visited at age 29, "Israel
captured my heart." In Peres' guestbook, he wrote, "The bond between our two
nations has been and remains unshakeable." He then told Peres and the world,
"There is absolutely no space between the United States and Israel when it
comes to Israel's security."
As Peres spoke, Biden took notes. When Peres called him "a friend," Joe
gushed, "It's good to be home." Even at AIPAC, they must have been gagging.
Walking around the corner to Prime Minister Netanyahu's office, Joe called him
by his nickname, "Bibi," declared him a "real" friend and said the U. S. relation-
ship with Israel "has been and will continue to be the centerpiece of our policy."
Then the sandbag hit. Interior Minister Eli Yishai announced construction of
1,600 new apartment units in Arab East Jerusalem. Stunned and humiliated,
Biden issued a statement saying he "condemned" the decision. He then retaliat-
ed by coming late to dinner at Bibi's house.
Netanyahu has apologized for the timing, but they are going ahead with the
apartments. What are the Americans going to do about it? At this point, nothing
but bluster. Indeed, a day later, at Tel Aviv University, Joe was back at it: "(T)he
U. S. has no better friend ... than Israel." On his departure for Jordan, Ha'aretz
reported that Israel plans to build 50,000 new homes in East Jerusalem over the
next few years. Biden may feel he was played for a fool, and Americans may feel
jilted, but we got what grovelers deserve. And if we wish to understand why the
Arabs who once respected us now seem contemptuous of us, consider that bat-
tered-spouse response to a public slap across the face.
Consider also the most remarkable statement of Biden's first 24 hours.
"Progress occurs in the Middle East when everyone knows there is simply no
space between the United States and Israel."
Biden is saying we are a more effective force for Mideast peace in a region
where Arabs outnumber Israelis 50 to one if everyone knows we sing from the
same song sheet as Israel and have no policy independent of Israel's. How can
America be seen as an honest broker between Arabs and Israelis if there is "no
space" between America and Israel?
Even with the closest ally in our history, Britain in World War II, there was
space between Winston Churchill and FDR on where to invade - North Africa,
Italy, France, the Balkans? - whether to beat Stalin to Berlin, Prague and Vienna,
who should be supreme allied commander, even whether the British Empire
should survive.
Israel keeps its own interests foremost in mind, and when these dictate
actions inimical to U. S. interests, Israel acts unilaterally. David Ben-Gurion did
not seek Dwight Eisenhower's permission to attack Egypt in collusion with the
French and British in 1956, enraging Ike. Israel did not consult JFK on whether
it could steal enriched uranium from the NUMEC plant in Pennsylvania for its
atom bomb program.
Israel did not consult us on whether it could attack the USS Liberty in the
Six-Day War, or suborn Jonathan Pollard to loot our security secrets, or transfer
our weapons technology to China. They went ahead and did it, knowing the
Americans would swallow hard and take it. Ehud Olmert did not consult
President-elect Obama on whether to launch a war on Gaza and kill 1,400
Palestinians. Nor did Netanyahu consult us before Mossad took down the
Hamas minister in Dubai.
What Netanyahu and Yishai are telling Obama with their decision to keep
building on occupied land is, "When it comes to East Jerusalem and the West
Bank, we decide, not you." And if Netanyahu has jolted Joe and others out of
their romantic reveries about Israel, good. At least now we no longer see as
through a glass darkly. Israeli and U. S. interests often run parallel, but they are
not the same. Israel is concerned with a neighborhood. We are concerned with
a world of 300 million Arabs and a billion Muslims. Our policies cannot be the
same. If they are, we will end up with all of Israel's enemies, who are legion, and
only Israel's friends, who are few. And if our policy and Israel's are one and the
same, the Arab perception will be what it is today - that America cannot stand up
to Israel, even when her national interests command it.
Joe's performance before he got the wet mitten across the face only under-
scored the point: The mighty superpower is a poodle of Israel. (creators.com)
Patrick Buchanan is the author of the book Churchill, Hitler and 'The
Unnecessary War.
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 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010 25

INTERNATIONAL
Finally there is assassination. On February

America is The Rogue Nation
PHILIP GIRALDI
n spite of the fact that the United States
at any time if the White House were to deter-
mine that such action might be construed as
defending the United States. Vice President
state has aborted most criticism. Most nations
are resigned to letting assassination teams and
hellfire armed drones operate as they please. If
3rd Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair
commented during a congressional briefing that
the United States reserves the right to kill
American citizens overseas who are actively
"involved" with groups regarded as terrorist.
Involvement is, of course, a very slippery

I faces no enemy anywhere in the world

capable of opposing it on a battlefield, the
Defense budget for 2011 will go up 7.1 per-
cent from current levels. A lot of the new spend-
ing will be on drones, America's latest contribu-
tion to western civilization, capable of surveilling
large areas on the ground and delivering death
from the skies. It is a peculiarly American vision
of warfare, with a "pilot" sitting at a desk half a
world away and pressing a button that can kill a
target far below. Hygienic and mechanical, it is
a bit like a video game with no messy cleanup
afterwards. The recently released United States
Quadrennial Defense Review reports how the
Pentagon will be developing a new generation
of super drones that can stay airborne for long
periods of time and can strike anywhere in the
world and at any time to kill America's enemies.
The super drones will include some that can fly
at supersonic speeds and others that will be
large enough to carry nuclear weapons. Some
of the new drones will be designed for the navy,
able to take off from aircraft carriers and project
US power to even more distant hot spots.
Drones are particularly esteemed by policymak-
ers because as they are unmanned and can fly
low to the ground they can violate someone's
airspace "accidentally" without necessarily
resulting in a diplomatic incident.
Washington's embrace of drones as the
weapon of choice for international assassination
is one major reason why the United States has
become the evil empire. Drones are the extend-
ed fist of what used to be referred to as the Bush
Doctrine. Under the Bush Doctrine Washington
asserted that it had a right to use its military
force preemptively against anyone in the world
Dick Cheney defined the policy in percentage
terms, asserting that if there was a 1% chance
that any development anywhere in the world
could endanger Americans, the United States
government was obligated to act. It should be
noted that President Barack Obama has not
repudiated either the Bush doctrine or the 1%
solution of Dick Cheney and has actually gone
so far as to assert that America is fighting
Christianity-approved "just wars," a position dis-
puted by Pope Benedict XVI among others. Far
from eschewing war and killing, the number and
intensity of drone attacks has increased under
Obama, as has the number of civilian casual-
ties, referred to by the splendid bloodless
euphemism "collateral damage."
Drones are currently killing people in
Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia. It
should be noted that the United States is not at
war with any of those countries, which should
mean in a sane world that the killing is illegal
under both international law and the US
Constitution. America's Founding Fathers used
constitutional restraints to make it difficult for
Americans to go to war, requiring an act of war
by Congress. Unfortunately it has not worked
out that way. The US has been involved in
almost constant warfare since the Second
World War but the most recent actual declara-
tion of war was on December 8, 1941. And then
there are the special and clandestine operations
that span the globe. Apart from Israel, no other
country in the world has an openly declared pol-
icy of going around and killing people. One
would think that the international community
would consequently regard both Tel Aviv and
Washington as pariahs, but fear of offending the
world's only super power and its principal client
Iran were operating the drones and bumping off
its enemies in places like Dubai you can be sure
the reaction would be quite different.
And it doesn't stop there. Obama's Attorney
General Eric Holder has effectively blocked any
inquiry into the use of torture by US government
officials, mostly from the CIA. The
Administration claims to have stopped the prac-
tice but has declared that no one will be pun-
ished for obeying orders to waterboard prison-
ers, an argument that was not acceptable at the
Nuremberg trials in 1946 and should not be
acceptable now. The United States is a signato-
ry to the international agreement on torture and
there are also both federal and state laws that
prohibit either carrying out or enabling the prac-
tice, so the ruling by Holder is essentially a deci-
sion to ignore serious crimes that were commit-
ted against individuals who, in many cases,
were both helpless and completely innocent. It
also ignores the participation of Justice
Department lawyers and CIA doctors in the
process, involvement that most would consider
both immoral and unethical. Worst of all, it lets
off the hook the real war criminals, people like
George Tenet and those in the White House
who approved the practice. Tenet, one recalls,
received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and
a $4 million book deal. He still teaches at
Georgetown University. Justice Department
lawyers John Yoo and Jay Bybee, who made
the legal arguments for torture are now respec-
tively a tenured professor at Berkeley and a fed-
eral appeals court justice. One assumes that the
actual CIA torturers continue to be employed by
the federal government or are enjoying a com-
fortable retirement. So much for accountability
for war crimes under President Obama.
expression providing maximum latitude for
those seeking to make a case for summary exe-
cution. The death list involves a due process of
sorts in that a government official makes the
decision who shall be on it based on guidelines
but it does not allow the accused to challenge or
dispute evidence. It should also be noted that no
one in Congress objected to the Blair statement
and the media hardly reported the story, sug-
gesting that tolerance of illegal and immoral
activity now pervades the system. As former
Reagan Deputy Attorney General Bruce Fein
has commented, the claimed authority to sus-
pend one's constitutional rights overseas can be
extended to anyone in the United States by
declaring one an enemy combatant under the
terms of the Military Commissions Act. Jose
Padilla was denied his constitutional rights to a
fair trial even though he was an American citizen
and was arrested in Chicago, not overseas. Can
we anticipate extrajudicial killing of American cit-
izens in America as part of the war on terror? Of
course we can.
Three strikes and you're out, Mr. Obama.
Your government stands for preemptive killing
and missile strikes on people living in countries
with which America is not at war, lets torturers
and torture enablers go free, and has asserted
the right to assassinate its own citizens any-
where in the world based on secret evidence.
Ronald Reagan once described his vision of
America as a shining city on a hill. Over the past
ten years the shining city has become the ulti-
mate rogue nation, pumped up with power and
hubris in spite of the clearly visible signs of
decline and moving inexorably towards a cata-
strophic fall. (original.antiwar.com)

Mishaal urges Arab states to reconsider their settlement options

Damascus: Khaled Mishaal, the head of "It is your own kind of custody, but they seek freedom, self-
Hamas's political bureau, on 19 March called on choice and call. We determination and a will to express themselves
the Arab countries to reconsider the option of want a free decision freely.
negotiation with Israel and take a decision that correcting things, and For his part, Dr. Ahmed Bahar, the first
puts things into perspective during their upcom- I say you will not deputy speaker of the Palestinian legislative
ing summit in Libya. regret doing the right council, stated on Friday that the Movement of
"You gave settlement [solutions] an ade- thing in the best inter- Hamas will never give up its adherence to the
quate opportunity and it is time to reconsider est of your nation," path of its founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin until
our Arab options and think calmly about a way the Hamas political the liberation of Palestine.
out as the Aqsa Mosque and holy sites are still leader added. During a ceremony organized on the
being targeted and the Israeli crimes are ongo- Mishaal stressed anniversary of Sheikh Yassin's martyrdom, Dr.
ing against the Palestinian people," Mishaal that the Palestinian Bahar highlighted that the roots which the
said in a speech aired by Al-Aqsa satellite chan- people do not want Sheikh deeply planted in the ground have blos-
nel. occupation or any somed and became much stronger than before.

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26 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010
INTERNATIONAL
The undoing of Obama’s Cairo speech
ALAA BAYOUMI
he visit to Israel by Joe Biden, the US
T vice-president, may usher in a new
stage in US foreign policy towards the
Middle East peace process, a phase
that is clearly different from what many Arabs
hoped for after listening to Barack Obama, the
US president, in Cairo last June.
At that time, the young and charismatic
president, who enjoyed wide Arab sympathy
and support during his presidential election
campaign, called for "a new beginning between
the United States and Muslims around the
world", a new start that is based on mutual
respect and honest politics.
"America will align our policies with those
who pursue peace and will say in public what we
say in private," Obama said about the Arab-
Israeli peace process, calling on Israel to "stop"
the building of settlements.
But just a few months later, Obama gave up
on asking Israel to freeze the construction of
settlements. He told Time magazine in January:
"If we had anticipated some of these political
problems on both sides [Israel and the
Palestinians] earlier, we might not have raised
expectations as high."
He meant the expectations of the
Palestinians, who refused to participate in
peace talks unless the Israeli government of
Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister,
declares a total freeze of settlement activities in
the occupied territories.
Old politics
Moreover, the US administration turned the heat
up on the Palestinians, urging them to engage in
peace negotiations after Netanyahu announced
a partial freeze of settlement activities in the
West Bank for nine months.
When the Palestinians, with Arab backing,
agreed to start indirect negotiations, Israeli
authorities shocked everyone, including Biden,
by announcing new massive settlement con-
struction plans during his visit.
Biden responded by a strong condemnation
and Netanyahu apologised for the "timing" of the
announcement. At the end of his visit to Israel
Biden told an audience in Tel Aviv that he
"appreciated" the response of
the Israeli prime minister, who "clarified that
the beginning of actual construction on this par-
Iran's Natural Gas Riches: US Knife to the Heart of World Future Energy
FINIAN CUNNINGHAM
he scheduled start of drilling this month
T by China National Petroleum Company
(CNPC) in Iran's South Pars gas field
could be both a harbinger and explana-
tion of much wider geopolitical developments.
First of all, the $5 billion project - signed last
year after years of foot dragging by western ener-
gy giants Total and Shell under the shadow of
US-led sanctions - reveals the main arterial sys-
tem for future world energy supply and demand.
Critics have long suspected that the real
reason for US and other western military
involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan is to control
the Central Asian energy corridor. So far, the
focus seems to be mainly on oil. For example,
there have been claims that a planned oil
pipeline from the Caspian Sea via Afghanistan
and Pakistan to the Arabian Sea is the main
prize behind the US's seemingly futile military
campaign in those countries.
But what the CNPC-Iranian partnership
shows is that natural gas is the bigger prize that
will be pivotal to the world economy, and specifi-
cally the dual flow of this fuel westwards and east-
wards from Central Asia to Europe and China.
Michael Economides, editor of the Huston-
based Energy Tribune, is one of a growing num-
ber of industry observers who is convinced that
natural gas will supplant oil as the primary ener-
gy source, not only in the coming decades but
over the next several centuries.
He points to the recent forecast by the
International Energy Agency (IEA), based in
Paris, which has dramatically revised its esti-
mates of recoverable global natural gas
reserves by 100 per cent. Economides ascribes
ticular project would likely take several years".
Clearly, Biden failed to stop the illegal settle-
ment plans. A very weak response to what
many, including Israelis, considered an "insult"
to the visiting vice-president.
Moreover, his speech at Tel Aviv University
was in many aspects the opposite of Obama's
Cairo speech. At Cairo University, Obama looked
young, idealistic, charismatic and an advocate of
change. At Tel Aviv University, Biden looked old,
realistic, boring, and pragmatic.
Listening to Biden's speech reminds you of
Senator Biden speaking to the annual dinner of
the Washington- based pro-Israel lobby, AIPAC,
rather than the US vice-president going on an
international tour to push forward the daunting
Middle East peace process.
In his speech, Biden used many of his old
clichés that he used in the past to appeal to pro-
Israel audiences.
Those included statements from his first
visit to Israel, his meeting with Golda Meir, the
late Israel president, and his belief that "change
will come to the Middle East when there is
absolutely no space between America and
Israel" and that "you don't need to be a Jew to
be a Zionist".
It was a sad reminder of the old American
political rhetoric that fails to find new common
ground between Arabs and Israelis.
Moreover, Biden downgraded the US role in
the Middle East peace process from one of a
guarantor and a sponsor, which Arabs expect, to
one of a "facilitator", a "trust-builder" and a
"bridging mechanism".
Facilitator
Biden emphasised his understanding of US role
as "a facilitator" to a concerning level stressing
that "the US cannot want peace more than the
Israelis and the Palestinians want it".
Biden forgot that Arabs joined the current
peace process in 1991 at a crucial historical
moment. It was only a couple of years after the
end of the Cold War and a few months after the
US successfully led an international coalition to
expel Saddam Hussein, the former Iraqi leader,
from Kuwait.
At that time, Arabs thought that only
America, the sole superpower, could help to
deliver peace to the Middle East.
Biden also forgot that most of the progress
achieved on the Arab Israel peace process -
this huge upgrade to rapid technological
improvements in tapping hitherto inaccessible
gas fields. He says that the IEA estimates of nat-
ural gas amount to 300 years of supply at cur-
rent world demand. "If one only just fantasises
any future contributions from the orders-of-mag-
nitude larger resource in the form of natural gas
hydrates, it is easy to see how natural gas is
almost certainly to evolve into the premier fuel of
the world economy," he adds.
The rising importance of natural gas as an
energy source has been steady and inexorable
over many years. Between 1973 and 2007, oil's
contribution to world energy supply dropped from
46.1 per cent to 34.0 per cent, with the increasing
use of natural gas accounting for that decline,
according to the IEA. Other sources, such as the
US-based Energy Information Administration
(EIA), predict that global natural gas consumption
will treble between 1980 and 2030, by which date
it will mostly likely become the primary energy
source of choice for industrial and public needs.
There are sound scientific reasons why nat-
ural gas (methane) is becoming the kingpin of
fossil fuels. Firstly, it has a much greater calorif-
ic value than either oil or coal. That is, more heat
is produced per unit of fuel. Secondly, it is a
cleaner fuel, emitting 30 per cent less carbon
dioxide when burned compared with oil and 45
per cent less compared with coal. Thirdly, gas is
more efficient for transport, both as a raw mate-
rial in compressed form along land-based
pipelines, and as a fuel to drive transport.
All energy industry agencies recognize that
far and above the premier sources of future nat-
ural gas are the Middle East and Eurasia,
including Russia. The US-based EIA puts the
natural gas reserves in these regions as nine
such as the establishment of the Palestinian
Authority and the signing of a peace agreement
between Israel and Jordan - took place during
the years of Bill Clinton's US presidency, when
the US enjoyed unparallelled political and eco-
nomic world power.
It was the administration of George Bush,
Obama's predecessor, that squandered US
prestige and financial advantage on many
fronts, and which brought the US peace process
to a semi-halt.
The Bush-era was known for its neo-con-
servative bias towards Israel, disdain for diplo-
macy and distrust of Arabs and their interest in
peace altogether.
Since Obama came to office, many Arabs
have been wondering if the US, under the Bush
administration, lost the strategic and political
capital necessary to push and guarantee the
daunting "peace process".
They saw a new administration busy with a
domestic financial crisis, a divided and partisan
political system, two unwinnable wars and com-
petition with China.
Some were afraid that Israel was quicker
than Arabs in realising America's weakness by
fending off Obama's calls for a freeze of settle-
ments. Unfortunately, Biden speech could only
deepen such fears.
'Politically costly'
Since it came to the White House, the Obama
administration has failed to achieve clear
progress on many Middle East fronts.
It could not persuade or pressure Iran away
from its nuclear programmes, Syria away from
Iran, Iraqi politicians away from sectarianism,
Arab regimes towards democracy or Israel away
from its expansionist and confrontational poli-
cies.
During his speech, Biden told his audience
repeatedly that Dennis Ross, a veteran peace
negotiator from the Clinton administration and a
known pro-Israel advocate, is with him. He said
it about three times.
Ross serves now as a special adviser to the
US president at the US National Security
Council.
In his latest book, Myth, Illusions, & Peace:
Finding A New Direction for America in the
Middle East, Ross advocates many of the ideas
and policies repeated by Biden and other senior
and seven times those of North America's total -
the latter itself being one of the world's top
sources for that fuel.
Within the Middle East, Iran is the undisput-
ed top holder of gas reserves. Its South Pars gas
field is the world's largest. If converted to barrel-
of-oil equivalents, Iran's South Pars would dwarf
the reserves of Saudi Arabia's giant Ghawar oil-
field. The latter is the world's largest oilfield and
since it came into operation in 1948, Ghawar has
effectively been the world's beating heart for raw
energy supply. In the soon-to-come era of natu-
ral gas dominance over oil, Iran will oust Saudi
Arabia as the world's beating heart for energy.
Both Europe and China stand to be arterial
routes for Iranian and Central Asian gas gener-
ally. Already, the infrastructure is shaping up to
reflect this. The Nabucco pipeline is planned to
supply gas from Iran (and Azerbaijan) via
Turkey and Bulgaria all the way to Western
Europe (signaling an end to Russian domi-
nance). Iran also exports gas via pipelines sep-
arately to Turkey and Armenia and it is also fol-
lowing up export deals with other Gulf countries,
including the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
Another major arterial route is the so-called
peace pipeline from Iran to Pakistan and on to
India, through which Iran will export this fuel to
two of the region's most populous countries. But
perhaps the most tantalizing prospect for Iran is
the 1,865- kilometre pipeline that supplies natu-
ral gas from Turkmenistan through Uzbekistan
and Kazakhstan into China and is due to oper-
ate at full capacity in 2012. Turkmenistan shares
a 300-kilometre border with Iran to its south and
already has a gas export deal with Tehran. If the
Iranian-Chinese South Pars gas field develop-
ment can be incorporated into the above
Obama administration officials recently.
Ross believes that successful peace nego-
tiation should start with "gaining a sense of what
Israel could live with and then trying to move the
Arabs or Palestinian position accordingly".
He ultimately believes that "it is politically
costly for [Arab] regimes that lacked basic legit-
imacy to look as if they were conceding before
getting anything from Israel".
Therefore, he argues against "pressuring"
or even "surprising" Israel.
"American has many roles to play in helping
peace - from clarifying, to mobilising financial
and political support, to protecting and insulat-
ing, to assuring and guaranteeing, providing
such guarantees can relate to the agreement
itself - meaning the readiness to guarantee the
implementation of the terms of the agreement."
"Common interests"
Unfortunately, such perspective sees peace
between Israel and Palestinians as a long term
goal that could wait while Arab regimes and
Israel could co-operate urgently on more seri-
ous threats such as Iran and the Islamists.
"Most Arab governments want Israel to be
strong when it comes to Iran, Hezbollah,
Hamas, and Syria," says Ross.
He believes that the "Palestinian issue" is a
public consumption issue for many Arab
regimes, an emotional cause that is often used
to drain the West and to divert public attention
from urgent domestic Arab needs.
He argues that recent Israeli wars in
Lebanon (2006) and Gaza (2009) did lead to
some Arab street protests. But, they did not lead
to the overthrow of any Arab regime or to a new
oil curfew.
Instead, he believes that "common inter-
ests" between Israel and the Arab countries, on
issues such Iran and confronting the Islamists,
are larger than expected.
He believes that pushing the peace process
forward will help strengthen Arab co-operation
with Israel on such threats and push up to the
surface. However, he obviously does not think it
is a priority or an urgent need.
Such views are clearly different from what
many Arabs hoped for when they heard Obama
speak at Cairo last June.
They seem on the rise, which deals a seri-
ous blow to Arabs' hope for a real change in US
foreign policy towards the Middle East under the
current administration.

transnational pipelines that would confirm Iran
as the beating heart of a world economy in
which gas is the primary energy source. This is
amplified further by rapidly growing demand for
gas by China which the EIA predicts could be
dependent on imports for over a third of its nat-
ural gas consumption by 2030.
In this context of a major realignment in the
world's energy economy - one where there will
be a continuing diminished role for the US -
Washington's blustering rhetoric about democra-
cy and peace and war on terror or alleged
Iranian nuclear weapons can be seen as a des-
perate attempt to conceal its fear that it stands to
be a big loser. Encircling Iran with wars and
threatening gas supplies to possibly the world's
top future gas customer - China - is the real deal.
US actions are more accurately seen as putting
a knife to the energy arteries of a world economy
that it will no longer be able to dominate.
A further twist in this tale is the position of
Russia. With its own vast reserves of natural
gas, it can be seen as a competitor to Iran.
Arguably less well positioned than Iran to supply
both Europe and China, Russia is nevertheless
a major player and has been assiduously court-
ing China with an export deal since 2006.
However, as Economides observes, "negotia-
tions between the two countries have been on
and off and, especially, the pipeline construction
has been painfully slow".
But Russia's ambitions to expand its natural
gas exports may explain why it has shown itself
to be such a mercurial ally to Iran. Moscow's
ambivalent position towards US-led sanctions
against Iran, suggests that Russia has its own
agenda for hampering the Islamic republic as a
regional energy rival. (Global Research)

Democracy and violence in India
Book: The Clash Within; Democracy,
Religious Violence and India's Future
Author: Martha C Nussbaum
- Publisher: Permanent Black, India
Price: Rs 595
Pages: 403
MUSHTAQ UL HAQ AHMAD SIKANDER
The word "clash" got a new lease of life after the famous "Clash Of
Civilizations" thesis of Samuel P Huntington,.though the term
'Clash Of Civilizations' was used well before that by the well known
Orientalist scholar Bernard Lewis. After 9/11 attacks the term
became more vociferously and frequently used, to prepare a
ground for the future Clash between Islam and West, though intel-
lectuals like Edward W Said and intellectual-activists like Noami
Klein discredited its use as Weltanschauung as they deplored it
only a hype and fear created by governments and corporations to
legitimize illegal wars so as to earn enormous profits.
But these critiques could not hold a large chunk of opinion mak-
ers to discredit this term of Clash Of Civilizations, but instead some
among them changed its context and made it more wider in scope,
indigenous in character and universal in application. Akbar S
Ahmad in his book 'Islam The Siege Within' negated a Clash of
Civilizations but surmised a clash within i.e Between Muslim
Inclusivists and Exclusivists in all Muslim Nations. The present
book under review too talks about this indigenous clash with the
case study as India but conclusions drawn universally. It surprises
readers with the Clash within virtually among all modern nations,
between people who are prepared to live with others who are dif-
ferent, on terms of equal respect and those who seek the protec-
tion of homogeneity, achieved through the domination of a single
religious and ethnic tradition.
The subcontinent being cradle of a great civilization with varied
diversity on various grounds offers best case study to understand
the clash within. Be it the Partition of subcontinent, communal riots,
ethnic cleansing, linguistic controversy or regional disparity, each
one depicts the Clash. The British paramountcy was declared as
the source of all evils confronting India during the freedom struggle,
but freedom came with a bloody trail and Partition, intensifying the
Clash. Muslims sought the solution by demanding a separate
homeland a heaven on earth, but the Clash remained which exem-
plified in the form of Bangladesh and continuing ethnic tensions in
the land of pure though welded together by a common religion.
India, since Partition, too has been a hotbed of Clash Within,
though it is dominantly visible among the apparently different
creeds i.e Muslims and Hindus but Christians too have been
squeezed in the recent years, though Clashes within Hinduism
haven't been getting too much coverage as millions of dalits contin-
ue to linger in the abyss, of shambles, illiteracy, poverty, socio-reli-
gious exploitation plus hidden apartheid being practiced against
them. Now the regional Clash too is becoming dominant be it
Maharashtra-Marathi question or Demographic Change - Kashmiri
Question.
Depicting this clash Martha C Nussbaum in her introduction
goes as "The Clash between proponents of ethno religious homo-
PHAROS
geneity and proponents of a more inclusive pluralistic type of citi-
zenship is a clash between two types of people within a single soci-
www.pharosmedia.com
ety. At the same time, this clash expresses tendencies that are
present at some level, within most human beings: the tendency to
seek domination as a form of self protection, versus the ability to
respect others who are different and to see in difference a nation's
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richness rather than threat to its purity". This tendency to dominate
has been lucidly deliberated in the chapter on Genocide in Gujarat,
with its implications, initiation, mob frenzy, and opiate hallucination
of revenge of subjugation, humiliation and restoration of pristine
Hindu Glory as the subjugation to alien Muslim rulers has been
avenged.
Nussbaum through her Case Study of Elite who represent the
face of Hindu Right deliberates on the diversity among them which
offers good food for thought to vigilant readers as to surmise the
future of Hindu Right whose political arm i.e BJP is presently suffer-
ing a Clash Within as its stalwarts are distancing from its violently
exclusive ideology; it may even be witnessed as a change of stance
as masses and intelligentsia could no longer be befooled in the
name of Hindutva only, and some sort of Soft Hindutva is needed
to keep the political face of Hindu Right omnipresent. Drawing on
the interviews with K.K Shastri : The Zealot and Devandra Swarup:
The RSS scholar, Nussbaum writes "The contrast between Shastri
& Swarup is typical of the subtle differences that one often finds
between the VHP & RSS. The VHP has an intellectual aspect; but
it is not very central; its members tend to be activists who rely on
mob tactics. The RSS by contrast has a group of dedicated schol-
ars and aspires to control scholarly institutions. Although both
organizations have an ideology of self denial and asceticism, the
RSS supports spiritual values of loyalty, diligence and self denial.
Whereas the VHP often openly asserts the acceptability of violence
as a strategy (Togadia being one example), the RSS tends to
express opposition to violence except in retaliation" (p-57).
RSS with its scholarly outpourings as has been discussed in
other places of the book is responsible for distorting history to fit in
the Hindutva plan; and in the form of Church hegemony before ren-
aissance which persecuted Copernicus and Galileo, even made
them eat their statements so as to suit the religious texts, or ancient
Greece made Socrates embrace the cup of hemlock, in the same
vein these blind religious zealots use the same tactics to coerce
independent scholars give up their statements, threaten them with
physical violence to force them fall in line with the Hindutva ideolo-
gy, this process of crushing dissent, intolerance and stifling inde-
pendent voices is showing an upsurge even in Western countries
like U.S which cherish these values of freedom and independence,
where the religious zealots attack Oriental scholars of Hinduism to
give up their verdicts, research conclusions about Hinduism
because they can't profess, propagate, proclaim and speak up for
a religion or history which they don't believe or belong to! "The War
over history pits one narrative against another. In a sense one
might say that it pits a Nehruvian narrative of India's past, which
stresses plurality, complexity and tension against a Hindutva narra-
tive, which stresses internal purity and external danger"(p-261).
Through her
well versed
on
iti
S.M. MUSHRIF
Ed
d
research she has
3r
Despite “mainstream” media’s total blackout, everyone
traced the phe-
nomenon of intol- who matters, from ministers to MPs to police officers to
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Georgetown, Third edition of the myth-busting book with added
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Who Killed
PHAROS
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The real face of terrorism in India
Karkare?
WHO
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up critiques of Urdu edition of the book is now available. Malyalam & Kannada editions also published
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Zafarul-Islam Khan, Usul-e tahqiq
The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010 27
BOOK
by some born again self proclaimed ideologues of pristine
Hinduism.
Comparing Tagore, Nehru and Gandhi's methods of worldview,
education and future of India Nussbaum draws some startling con-
clusions; and deliberates about the need for Public Poetry and
mass grassroot level education which the Nehruvian model failed
to provide but was understood essential by the Hindu zealots like
RSS who through a well knitted network of shakhas indoctrinate
and groom the young cadets in a culture of hate. "Nehru's blind
spot concerning the psychology of 'the masses' prevented him from
shaping a political culture able to withstand and transcend
onslaughts by forces of intolerance. He ignored the nation's need
for the legacy of Tagore - for a public education that would nourish
critical freedom, and for a public poetry of humanity that would use
art, emotion and the humanities to craft a pluralistic public culture.
In place of this legacy, the Hindu Right went to work at grassroot
level, crafting a public culture of exclusion and hate" (p-121).
Witnessing Tagorean Model as a ray of hope in this abyss
Nussbaum goes on "At the heart of all three of the Tagorean capac-
ities is the idea of freedom; the freedom of the child's mind to
engage critically with tradition; the freedom to imagine one's citizen-
ship in both national and world terms, and to negotiate multiple alle-
giances with knowledge and confidence; the freedom to reach out
in the imagination, allowing another person's experience into one-
self. It is really freedom to which the RSS shakha and the saf-
fronized curriculum are most deeply opposed: both seek the impris-
onment of children within a single 'correct' ideology. This fearful cur-
tailment of freedom can also be a property of reactive left-wing con-
ceptions, which prefer solidarity and correctness to the possibility
that someone might independently choose another way. But it is
only the risky idea of critical and imaginative freedom that offers
India's democracy lasting strength as it faces an uncertain future"
(p-296).
A good hope for India's future! But how much time would it take
to percolate down, implement this doctrine, and witness the fruits of
tolerance and pluralism? Where violence is not made by people
who are born evil, but is created out of a fearful and anxious view
of the world, in which violent aggression is seen as the only anti-
dote to centuries of humiliation. Though the violence may have
abetted a bit but the victimization of minorities continues as even
with Muslims in particular who are made scapegoats after any ter-
ror attack. This has sharpened and broadened the wedge between
the government and Muslims, the latter seeing the former as exten-
sion of Hindutva arm with State cover. This phenomenon if not
abetted at its earliest will have severe repercussions, making the
Clash translated into action.
This well researched book on a complex subject is a welcome
addition to understand the phenomenon of Clash especially in India
after Partition, and is a must read for anyone desiring to end this Clash.
Mushtaq ul Haq Ahmad Sikander is a Srinagar-based writer
Terrorism myth buster
Former I.G.Police, Maharashtra
information is just out:
KILLED KARKARE
by S.M. Mushrif
See last page for details
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28 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010
ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVES
Westernism: the Ideology of Hegemony
DR JAVED JAMIL
doctorforu123@yahoo.com
hen I speak against Westernism, it does not imply
W that I am against Western nations or people; for peo-
ple are similar all over the world having both
strengths and weaknesses and their behaviour is
the product of their inherent tendencies and social and legal sys-
tem they live in. It is unfortunate that the great work done by
Western scientists has been misused by the economic and polit-
ical powers to damage the lives of their own people and to dom-
inate the whole world. It is the ideology of these economic and
political forces that I call Westernism.
As I have repeatedly used the word "Westernism", I have
often been asked what exactly Westernism means. I think it is
now the right time to throw some light on the subject. I define
Westernism as the ideology that primarily revolves around (1) the
dominance of economics in the affairs of life and the world in
general and that of market economics in particular and (2) the
dominance of the world by Western powers through both use and
misuse of the great scientific and technological progress their sci-
entists achieved.
In order to achieve its aims and objectives, the think-tank of
Westernism has introduced certain ideas and concepts, which
first they defined in a way so as to serve their purposes, and then
selectively used them as sticks to beat their opponents. These
ideas include laissez-faire, which is one of the deadliest forms of
economic fundamentalism, democracy (Western model), secu-
larism, freedom of choice, freedom of expression, human rights,
etc. To achieve these, international institutions were either creat-
ed or persuaded to follow a certain line. We will discuss all the
concepts of Westernism one by one.
It is also to be pointed out that Westernism as an ideology or
its effects are now not limited to Western countries. Most coun-
tries of the world are in fact undergoing Westernisation in one
way or the other and in varying degrees. The only difference
between "Westernism" and a country's getting westernised
(Westernisation) is that in the former case, the dominance of
Western powers is also an important ingredient while
Westernisation chiefly refers to adoption of cultural and political
ideologies of the West.
Economic Fundamentalism and Laissez-Faire
Wealth has a central position in economics. But economic funda-
mentalism tends to regard it as the most, not just one of the most,
essential requirements of life. The business community has,
throughout the world and for ages, always cared little for anything
but its own economic interests. But the businessmen of the past
made only individual efforts in that direction and they had little
influence over the happenings in their surroundings. They were
the cranes that would use their cunning eyes to capture the prey
when it came close to them and not leopards that would roar their
way through the forest in search of their prey. They did not have
any say in political and administrative affairs; the law of the land
safeguarded the interests of the common people, or the interests
of rulers. During the last few centuries, especially in the wake of
Industrial Revolution, businessmen have organised themselves
into an aggressive, domineering, dextrous, ingenious and inex-
orable class. It has, wrongfully or rightfully but successfully, mas-
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The think-tank of the world of economic
fundamentalism has taken innumerable
steps to strengthen their hold. They have
sacrificed the goddess of justice before
the eyes of the Statue of Liberty. They
have transformed through political
manoeuvres the state into their estate.
They have incessantly and relentlessly
been trying to organise a grand farewell
for religion.
tered all the new information, techniques and opportunities avail-
able to it for the protection and expansion of its interests. This is
where economic fundamentalism begins to emerge. Now, busi-
nessmen, unlike in the past, are no more weak and submissive.
They are not cranes any more but leopards that want to rule and
roar. They have not only learned to assert themselves but have
perfected the skill to push their plans defying all obstacles that may
come in their way. Not any longer are they bootlickers of the rulers
that they used to be; they have now mastered the art of manoeu-
vring them into submission. From the sycophants that they used to
be they have now positioned themselves in a way that the rulers
and administrators even often become their sycophants. Not any
more are they silent followers of the rule of law; they have become
articulate votaries of such modification in the law and the legal sys-
tems as better suit their interests. They have ceased to be intro-
verts seeking comfort in solitude; they now socialise in a way that
gives them a plateau of eminence in society and of course the eco-
nomic monopoly. Still, they sacrifice moles for gaining mountains
in return. It is this assertive, aggressive, cunning, provident and
ruthlessly selfish approach towards economics that breeds what I
have termed "economic fundamentalism."
Economics is surely one of the essential constituents of
human life. Without money, one cannot survive; we need coins
for food, drinks, clothes, house, treatment, entertainment, mar-
riage, bringing up of children, their education; even for funeral.
But the problems arise when money is assumed to be the biggest
essential of life. Economics is the stomach that supplies food for
the body. It cannot and must not become the heart and brain. For
a wholesome living, good relations among members of family
and of society, proper spiritual and moral development and prop-
er environment are also needed. Love for money is nice as far as
it does not disturb mental, family and social peace. But as soon
as it transforms into lust encroaching upon others' spheres, it
becomes a curse. When the lust for making money becomes
organised, its effects on society are bound to be devastating. And
when this organisation turns global and uses highly advanced
information and technology available to it, mankind faces immi-
nent ruin.
It can be seen that economic fundamentalism is becoming
increasingly aggressive with every passing day. What has facili-
tated its stupendous growth is the outstanding ability of its gen-
erals to deal with the hurdles coming in their way. The truth is that
they have been marching towards their ultimate destination with-
out facing any appreciable resistance. They studied and recog-
nised all the possible sources of obstruction well in advance, and
prepared a meticulous plan to thwart them. All possible weapons
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THE MILLI GAZETTE TELLING
were and are being employed for this purpose: persuasion,
advertising, misinformation, defamation, bribing, manoeuvring
and use of power. The ballistic missiles of their money-power
have proved to be too destructive for the resistant elements to
withstand. Through persuasion or threats, they are either over-
powered or purchased. The opposing forces have failed owing
not only to the lack of resources but also to the glaring deficien-
cy of will and spirit. What further paralysed them is innumerable
divisions in their ranks, based on religion, region, race, ideology
and language. The economic fundamentalists have used this las-
situde to gain on them; they are now, virtually, the rulers of the
world. Their trumpet blows everywhere - from the north to the
south and from the west to the east. There is little evidence in
sight to foretell that their dominion will shrink to any remarkable
extent in the foreseeable future. Whatever few areas or fields
have till now remained beyond their reach will soon be ransacked
by their visible or invisible forces. How long they will be able to
retain their hold, only time will tell. But presently, no signs of the
emergence of a messiah or Mahdi are visible.
Thus, the rise and growth of economic fundamentalism has
been, from historical standards, rather rapid taking hardly a few
centuries. The think-tank of the world of economic fundamental-
ism has taken innumerable steps to strengthen their hold. They
have sacrificed the goddess of justice before the eyes of the
Statue of Liberty. They have transformed through political
manoeuvres the state into their estate. They have incessantly
and relentlessly been trying to organise a grand farewell for reli-
gion. They have captivated the people's imagination through the
media. They have got the attire of society redesigned so that it
looks gorgeous and inviting to their eyes. They have industri-
alised sex, in which they have discovered the hen that always
lays golden eggs. They have relocated the entire educational set-
up on the Wall Street. They have monopolised the tree of econ-
omy whose fruits and shadows are only theirs; others can only
admire its beauty from a safe distance. They have taken science
and technology as their mistresses who are always keen to offer
their glorious best to them. They have nipped all the challenges
in the bud by masterminding popular movements. They have
lynched the 'civilisation', which has been given a new incarnation;
and now Bohemians are called civilised. Last but not the least,
they have been busy colonising the good earth in the name of
globalisation.
This does not mean, however, that whatever the economic
fundamentalists sought to do or undo was all misplaced. Nor
does it mean that the economic fundamentalists are solely
responsible for all the wrongs perpetrated on mankind. What is
true nevertheless is that they have always striven to support
those ideas and movements that would become uranium for their
commercial nukes. Sometimes, they would themselves spear-
head a particular campaign. More often, they would financially
back such activities as suited their strategies. At other times, they
would make overt or covert efforts to contain, dilute or minimise
the damages to their interests consequent on the popularisation
of certain ideas or customs. Many a time they might have pur-
sued or backed a good cause; but they have invariably been
selective in their support, calculating its positive or negative
impact on their business prospects. It is this preferential and par-
tisan attitude that has to be denounced and renounced, if the
world has to be saved from the impending doom.

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The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010 29
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30 The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010
REJOINDERS/OPINION/LETTERS
MG
I read the Milli Gazette (1-15 March 2010) with great interest. Its get-
up and front page are very beautiful, attractive and impressive. All the
articles, reports, letters, rejoinders/opinion are worth reading, very
informative, useful and its editor Dr. Zafarul-Islam Khan and the MG
staff are taking great pains and they are doing their best to beautify
this fortnightly English newspaper to benefit the readers; and they are
increasing their knowledge. It is my heartfelt desire that some reli-
gious poems should also be published in the MG. These poems
should be related to the teachings of Islam and the life and one
teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Such poems will certainly
add beauty to the MG.
Shakeel Ahmad Frank , Gorakhpur (UP)
Communal violence bill requires a second thought
I write to you to vigourously protest the proposed Communal Violence
Bill 2009 in its present form that is soon to be tabled in Parliament.
As takeholder and responsible citizen of this country I find it truely
reprehensible and unfair and that wise counsel of anti-communal
groups of human rights defenders and independent legal experts was
not taken into consideration and their very important suggestions and
modifications have been totally ignored. The bill in its present form,
as is being proposed, is dangerous for the health of our secular
democracy and it could cause great harm to protect victims of com-
munal violence. I want you to urgently intervene and ensure that the
vitally needed legislation on Communal Violence be reviewed and
revised. I want your Government not to rush in a law for electoral or
short term considerations and benefits. I want this important law to be
amongst the finest and the best in the world. As a citizen of a coun-
try that has been torn and wounded by communal strife, I want a law
that best protects its citizens and gives them justice. You will set a
fine demoratic precedent by taking a step back and listning to my
plea.
Farooq Abdul Gaffar Bawani, Rajkot
mohammed.galeriya@yahoo.co.in
Supreme Court on sex before marriage
The bench of chief justice K.G.Balkrishnan, Judges Dipak Varma and
B.S. Chauhan declared that there is nothing wrong in sex before mar-
riage and live in relationship. They further said that Lord Krishna and
Radha lived together without getting married.How could the respect-
ed judges prove that there was a sexual relationship between Lord
Krishna and Radha? Lord Krishna and Radha were childhood
friends. They could not marry.Lord Krisna was married to the queen
Rukmani. They say that he had eight wives. Some say he had thou-
sands wives. He did not have illegitimate children. He believed in
legal marriage. What does the Supreme Court want? Do they want a
nation of illegitimate children? Do they want irresponsible men who
could ditch women very easily? What sort of justice is this? Do they
want abandoned pregnant women? Do they want tears in the eyes of
dumped women? The judges said that there is nothing wrong in sex
before marriage or live in relationship. Why can't they say that just
light a fire and get married before a deity or perform a Niqah at
once.They do not want to make marriage easy instead they want new
generation to become irresponsible toward their children. Very funny.
Nazneen O. Saherwala, Surat
lakhani63@yahoo.com
Licensed to kill: mock drill turns into a reality show
Gujarat Police is always in the news for reasons which are more
wrong than right. Since the riots of 2002 the Police is under
cloud for playing a partisan role in the mayhem and for staging
fake encounters in which close to a dozen people were killed,
including women. This led to a number of PIL and cases filed in
the High Court and the Supreme Court. A number of police offi-
cers are cooling their heels in prison as the cases drag on.
In such a vitiated atmosphere, Surat Police with its ATS
team staged a mock drill on 7 February, at the Surat airport in
which they were to deal with a construed terror attack and to
make minced meat of the ghost terrorists. All the accoutrements
of a seemingly real assault were put in place, including the fire
tenders and ambulances.
Two of the participants were ATS police inspector Shabbirali
Saiyed and the Deputy Commissioner of Police Subhas Trivedi.
Saiyed was acting as an observer to oversee the police person-
nel's reaction to the terror assault. DCP Trivedi had the role of a
doctor to minister to the injured victims of the attack.
But when the real drama unfolded things went haywire and
the blundering cops had no clue who the real terrorists were.
Subash Trivedi grabbed Saiyed though the latter screamed "I
am no terrorist, I am an observer." But Trivedi was so focussed
on behaving like a man possessed that he forgot that he was
playing the role of a doctor and he had no business seizing
Saiyed who in any case was not even a counterfeit terrorist.
Was Trivedi psychologically paranoid or was he acting delib-
erately to hurt Saiyed? What happened next was stunning.
Trivedi had shot Saiyed with his service revolver, pumping live
ammo into his abdomen. A profusely bleeding Saiyed was taken
to hospital and was immediately operated upon and was saved
from a sure end. The whole episode prime facie looks stupid and
the DGP Khandwawala termed it as an accident.
But many questions need rational answers. One, why the
DCP carried a service revolver with live bullets when the rules of
a mock drill bar the use of real bullets. Since he acted as a doc-
tor there was no reason for him to carry his revolver. Two, how
was it that he did not know Saiyed? Three, why was he so
aggressive in apprehending him? Four, what made him fire bul-
lets which could have killed Saiyed?
The DGP Khandwawala has ordered an inquiry but only
Read more letters on the next page and on MG website. Readers who do not want their email IDs printed should indicate so in every letter
Safia Iqbal’s soul
May Sister Safia Iqbal's soul / attain its precious goal / her ranks may
rise / in eternal Paradise-Aameen. About half century ago, brother
Iqbal Waraqwala had, very painstakingly and enthusiastically pre-
pared my humble Gujarati translation of Turkish Mujahid Saeed
Noorsi's biography. Noorsi's students, 'Talaba-e-Noor' had worked
hard (maybe they are still working) for reviving love for Arabic. Ataturk
had, very foolishly, ordered even Azan to be pronounced in Turkish
(one of the thousands of treacheries of Britishers to divide world
Muslim brotherhood on racial, lingual and provincial grounds)!
S.A.U. Patel, Khanpur Deh- 392150
Modi and SIT
The formation of special investigating team by the Supreme Court will
be termed a sin in the history of judiciary in India. It proved beyond
doubt that the government did not move any court to punish the cul-
prits who killed 2000 innocent Muslims. .After laps of 8 years Zakia
Jaffrey the widow of former Congress member wakes up from slum-
ber and gives application to the Supreme Court to make investiga-
tions about the death of her husband, Ehsan Jaffrey. The naïve
judges form SIT has summon Modi to appear before SIT. May I ask
the masterminds of this act why they want Modi to catch the hairs of
the Goddess of justice and pull them violently? The mockery of the
justice is to single out Zakia Jaffrey when there are number of other
widows and orphans. It has become a tradition that only elite will be
given justice and down trodden be left to the mercy of God. The mas-
terminds should know that Modi has become the Hero of fanatics.
They need not sacrifice the dignity of the apex court. The new gener-
ation will not forgive the directors of this mockery of judiciary
Dr. Abdul Hameed Maqdoomi, Gulbarga
drmaqdoomi@yahoo.com
Mayawati's grand show in Lucknow
The unexpected expenditure in Mayawati's rally makes us think that
is this really a party of dalits, minorities, and down-trodden people?
Shafaque Alam, New Delhi
shafaquealam@gmail.com
II
I am not talking about Mayawati. It is MAYA the great MONEY.
Forgive her, she is a Dalit woman, for 5000 years they never handled
money, never know how to handle it, not her mistake. She and her
party workers are very naïve in comparison with all her colleague
politicians and parties, they and their party receives party funds in
millions every day but not in public rally. It will be an insult to
Congress, BJP and SP if you think BSP is getting more party fund
than them in spite of TATA's, Mittal's and Ambani's on their side.
Fortunately or unfortunately we are part of a system where collecting
massive party fund is normal business, the question is from where
you get it and how you get it? From your mass supporters or from
corporate world and criminals? As a charity or in return to favors? In
black or white? We don't need an Income tax officer to tell us how a
politician accrues his wealth. We don't need a debate to ascertain
who sponsor major political parties to make them rule on AAM
AADMI. How shamelessly these spokesmen have started targeting
BSP for MAYA mala, what moral right you have? When your member
sleeps on these notes you don't bother! When your president accepts
such cash in party office it is legitimate! It is still mystery who paid the
after pronouncing the incident as an accident. It appears it was
not a simple touch-and-go affair. The failure of Trivedi was mul-
tiple. Khandwawala acts under severe limitations. He will not
overstep his "bounds" and will not like to look patronising Saiyed
a fellow Muslim, as he himself has to drive his squeaky apple
cart bearing a Muslim tag. Caution will be the word for him.
Culled from Indian Express, following facts emerge.
1.The doctors who operated on Saiyed should have report-
ed the matter officially to the police and on that basis Police files
an FIR and carries out the arrest. That is the usual procedure. In
the case of Subhas Trivedi nothing of the sort has happened. He
has not been booked for gross negligence and for endangering
the life of a fellow officer.
2.The inquiry officer did not seize the weapon immediately.
It took him a week to do so leaving the entire episode open to
the charge of possible evidence tampering. In fact several
human rights lawyers have sought information under the Right
To Information Act.
3.Forensic signature gathering of the fired weapon from the
body of Trivedi will not be possible and the evidence of bullet's
ballistics will be difficult to match with the scratch marks in the
barrel of the weapon, if the bullet from Saiyed's body has not
been properly preserved.
4.Assuming that it was accident, Trivedi's explanation
should stand up to scrutiny, scientific scrutiny to be precise.
5.Why the inquiry is being carried out at a leisurely pace and
in a hushed manner?
In such a scenario, nobody can be blamed if he thinks
something is rotten in the Police department. The communal sit-
uation in Gujarat continues to be critical in spite of ostensible
calm on the surface. The police is as much affected by the com-
munal contagion as the common people. Dismissing the inci-
dence as an accident will not serve any purpose, for the simple
reason that the police failed in its primary duty to fend off a mock
terror attack, and instead of dealing with ghost terrorists, they
managed to nearly kill one of their own men.
Y.M. CHITALWALA
Fulwadi, Dhoraji - 360 410
MP for voting in the parliament? COME ON, don't try to fool public,
we all know, you all are doing politics of MAYA, poor Indians are
killing themselves for 10 rupees a day.
Muazzam Naik
muazzamnaik@hotmail.com
A temple and a Mazar
The Two Circles.net, a Muslim website, has this month reported on
two very important happenings. One is an event that took place on
the 6th of March at New Delhi and another is a fact happening in
unheard of village in UP. Both have to do with Islam and its inclusive-
ness, its tolerance, its pluralism. The first International Seminar on
Peaceful Coexistence in Islam and Indian religions was held at
Islamic Cultural Centre at New Delhi early this month under the aus-
pices of Al Mustafa International University of Iran in New Delhi. A
large number of scholars praised India as a land of many religions
and faiths, temples and mosques, its Genosticism, the togetherness
of its tolerant people and the fact that this country presents to the
world a model of an ideal, peaceful coexistent society. These are
excellent words spoken by learned scholars of Islam and other reli-
gions and duly reported by Two Circles. Also reported in an earlier
issue this very month is an account of a laudable happening taking
place in the village of Gaddeajipur in Hardoi district of UP.The village
has a Jind Peer Baba Mazar on the tomb of a Muslim pious man
whom Hindus also revered. During the Peers's life time, when Hindus
made idols of the Peer and started worshipping them, the Baba
asked them to stop worshipping him and instead exhorted them to
worship the idols of their own deities. The Baba also called upon
Muslims to help Hindus in their prayers and other rituals. In 1930's
when Muslims built a Mazar in honor of Jind Peer Baba they invited
Hindus to come and build a temple adjoining the Mazar. That is how
a Hanuman temple came to be next to the Mazar. The members of
both the communities believe that their prayers remain incomplete
unless they pay respect to each others places of worship. Thus it is
for eighty years that a temple and a Mazar are both places of worship
for two communities.
Mookhi Amir Ali, Santacruz, Mumbai.
drmookhi@hotmail.com
Welcome by bullets
It refers to yet another shocking incident of bullet-hurt of a young man
when one of the bullets fired to welcome new BJP General Secretary
Narender Singh Tomar by 101-gun salute. Similar accidents are often
caused in 'traditional-celebration' by bullet-firing in marriages and
other personal celebrations. Nothing can improve till responsibility of
bullet-firing is imposed on persons organising the functions even
though no one might have been hurt. But since leaders and support-
ers of such welcome by bullet-firing are in all political parties, no polit-
ical party/alliance has ever tried to ban welcome by bullet-firing by
enacting some legislation.
Madhu Agarwal, Delhi 110006
subhashmadhu@sify.com
Politics over women's reservation bill
High gender justice rhetoric followed by anti-climactic bathos. That
seems to be the story of the Women's Reservation Bill that was
passed in the Rajya Sabha recently. It's the longest running TV soap
in Indian politics. Thrice introduced, but always aborted for the last 14
years, governments have tried to move the Bill. Every time the Bill
has been moved, it has been vociferously opposed by the 'social jus-
tice' lobby of Lalu Yadav and Mulayam Singh Yadav and, with monot-
onous regularity sent back to cold storage. The Bill, reserving one-
third seats in Lok Sabha and assemblies, strikes at the heart of gen-
der relations in India. Patriarchal societies protect and oppress their
women in equal measure. In the violent high stakes game of Indian
politics, women are tolerable as supportive wives and daughters who
step out shyly to become a substitute for dead husbands or brothers,
but intolerable when they stake a claim to robustly represent their
own constituency. In fact, all over South Asia, there exists the syn-
drome that social scientist Ali Mazrui calls, 'female accession to male
martyrdom', or the 'Indira, Benazir, Sheikh Hasina' syndrome by
which females hold office not as female individuals, but as proxies of
the powerful departed male. If, on the other hand, women rise on
their own, or creditably claw their way up from the grassroots like
Mamata, Uma and Maya, they must cultivate a certain strategic and
spectacular insanity that strikes terror and fear in their supporters, a
terror that silences all prejudice against femininity. The
devi/demoness stereotype, sadly, bedevils most women in Indian
public life.
Farzana Nigar, Ranchi -834002
farzana.nigar@gmail.com
II
Sonia Gandhi, while replying to Barkha Dutt's question, if she has any
consideration for Minority and OBC (quota within the quota), came
out with a very terse counter-question: who is preventing them (oppo-
sition) to give representation to Muslims and OBC? If that was the
counter argument, why did Sonia Gandhi herself so bent on reserva-
tion for women? Who has prevented her to give more tickets to
women, to the extent of even say fifty percent and why in the past two
general elections under presidency, she hardly intervened to give
more tickets to women. Her marked contempt for minority and OBC
is clearly for all to see fron her interview on NDTV
Ghulam Muhammed, Mumbai
ghulammuhammed3@gmail.com
III
Most of the Muslim organisations have opposed the women's reser-
vation bill in its present form and demanded some amendments
before passing the bill, but the Congress which is fooling and deceiv-
ing the minority communities since independence, hurriedly passed
the bill in the upper house with the help of BJP and Left parties.
Everyone knows that the BJP rarely sided at a time with the
Congress and the left parties for any genuine cause, but to pursue its
own agenda, it did. Therefore, the BJP supported the women's reser-
vation bill and issued a whip for its members to vote in favour of the

REJOINDERS/OPINION/LETTERS
bill, because the bill was anti Muslim as well as against the OBCs and
the scheduled Castes.
Atiq Khan
atiqkhalil@gmail.com
IV
Recent controversy over Muslim women's participation in public life
is highly unfortunate and, if continued, may harm the interest of
whole Muslim community. Historians, both Muslims and non-
Muslims, rightly claim that long back Islam brought about liberation of
woman from bondage and gave her equal rights and recognized her
individuality as a human being. Under Law, based on Quran and
Sunnah, her status was greatly improved in Islamic Societies. Well
known historian, William Montgomery Watt explains: "At the time
Islam began, the conditions of women were terrible - they had no
right to own property, were supposed to be the property of the man,
and if the man died everything went to his sons. Prophet Muhammad,
however, by instituting rights of property ownership, inheritance, edu-
cation and divorce, gave women basic safeguards". As a result of
rather revolutionary laws for women, early Islamic societies saw
Muslim women being involved in diverse occupations and economic
activities. They worked in Hospitals as physicians and nurses. They
were employed even in Secret Services (part of Postal Department)
during the period of Abbasids and Islamic Spain. After fifteenth cen-
tury, things started changing in the Islamic world against the interest
of women. Harsh restrictions on women and general violation of
human rights began. Local culture and patriarchal constraints played
instrumental roles in restricting Muslim women's educational and
economic participation. This was the period of Decline (fall) of the
Islamic World. Now the situation has gone so bad that many people
believe that Muslim women are highly oppressed in Islamic Societies.
But one must understand that these oppressive practices do not
come from Islam. Recent claims of Mr. L.K. Advani and Mr. Jaswant
Singh that Mr. Mohammed Ali Jinnah was a secular leader, may not
be correct. But it can not be denied that Mr. Jinnah and his sister
Fatima always promoted the cause of oppressed women. It was in
this context that Mr. Jinnah, in his speech of 1944 (March 10, AMU,
Aligarh) lamented, "No nation can rise to the height of glory unless
your women are side by side with you. We are victims of evil cus-
toms. It is a crime against humanity that our women are shut up with-
in the four walls of the houses as prisoners. There is no sanction any-
where for the deplorable condition in which our women have to live".
At another occasion (March 25, 1940 ) he said, "I have always main-
tained that no nation can ever be worthy of its existence that cannot
take its women along with the men. No struggle can ever succeed
without women participating side by side with men".
Dr. M.I.H. Farooqi, Lucknow
mihfarooqi@gmail.com
V There are many Muslim women who participate in sportive events by
Santosh Desai has courageously tried to row against the flood tide
and has gone beyond the pet propaganda of the Brahminical ruling
caste to hoodwink public and selling chalk as cheese. However, it
should be noted that he too is abiding by the political correctness and
has not used the dread out-caste word 'Muslims' in his analysis, lest
his wani will get polluted. Lalu, Mulayam and Sharad Yadav are
openly using Muslim backwardness and their marginalisation to put
the whole reservation exercise in different perspective. It is notable
that there is no independent voice of Muslims effective enough to
fight for their rights as the whole charade of democracy is staged out.
Let us see how long India's skewed democracy can keep out
Muslims from the mainstream politics and how peacefully the
Brahmin Raj accommodates Muslims.
Ghulam Muhammed, Mumbai
ghulammuhammed3@gmail.com
One more MNS
The Shiv Sena has done it again - created another MNS. The
Bombay Natural History Society used to be (until yesterday) the
BNHS. After its forced Mumbai-ization, it will henceforth read - MN
(H) S. Good going SS.
Bharatram Gaba, Bombay
bratgaba@yahoo.com
Fraudulent Swamis
To be frank Hindus are the most exploited stock in the world in the
name of religion. High caste Hindus exploits people of low caste.
They are treated as domestic animals in the villages, .they are
untouchable but their ladies are touchable. They are sexually exploit-
ed as keeps, Devdasis, concubines, prostitute's etc. The priests
exploit their devotees in temples. They collect exorbitant tips from the
public only one can understand by seeing their health and vigor.
Young and beautiful girls are much sought after. They come for pooja
without veil and attract the young priests and Godmen. In Jatras the
sex maniacs wander to find their prey. If you study the behavior of
some Sadhus you will find criminals in the guise of saffron colours
robes. They show as if they are Godmen outwardly but they are dev-
ils within. No man who challenges the natural instincts can succeed.
The nature takes revenge and the so called God men fail flat .The fol-
lowers of such Godmen want to see them most ideal, holding a
noblest character. The witty followers, who watch them keenly, catch
their weaknesses and debar them. No fault of Media; Ms Sudha has
blamed media. This will open all the inside picture whatever it sees it
will communicate the masses. Islamic point of view: Islam has reject-
ed the philosophy of Monasticism 1400 before Prophet Mohammad
is the role model for all humanity. His complete life has been pre-
served. He has guided all humanity in all the walks of life his life and
never committed any mistake in his life. He should be taken as Maha
Guru of the world till the end of this world. He was the last prophet of
God after Jesus Christ. He was bestowed the complete code of life.
The principles and practices are so good beneficial that today 150
crores of men accepted and practicing. There are no priests, popes
and Bishops no middle men or brokers as in Hinduism. Even if a
Muslim goes to Macca he need not pay a single rupee to the clergy.
There are scholars and Imams which are paid by the governments or
committees. The Islamic codes are spreading into the countries like
P.O. Box 9701, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025
fire. Only India's misfortune its way is being hurdled. These fraudu-
lent Sadhus are clearing the way of Islam into India. At the most 100
year the whole country will come into the fold of Islam as poet Iqbal
has forecast YE CHAMAN MAMOOR HOGA NAGHMAYE
TAWHEED SE (This garden will be filled with the song of monothe-
ism) Dr. Abdul Hameed Maqdoomi, Gulbarga
drmaqdoomi@yahoo.com
Terrorism by security personnel
This is the shear case of terror activity by CPRF and an example of
state terrorism. On a Bolero jeep without number plates five persons
came to Belhadi village of Chanwa thana, district Latehar
(Jharkhand). All the five persons were well-armed. In the afternoon
they reached in the village and picked Rauf Khan, brother of commu-
nist leader Ayub Khan who contacted SP, DSP, CO and informed the
press. Chandwa thana police officer said that CRPF picked Rauf
Khan and beaten him very badly branding him as Naxalite. The per-
son picked by CRPF is a genuine citizen of India in police records
and the norms laid down by the government say that without inform-
ing the local police station and the district police authority no securi-
ty agency is allowed to pick up any person. Security personnel would
working for the saffron agenda until proportionate representation of
Muslims is made mandatory. Minority Commission should take action
against saffron-infected security agencies. S. Haque, Patna
Police insensitivity
A 14-year Muslim girl is 'arrested' from her home by Ghatkopar police
in December last year, in connection with a supposed violation of
Child Marriage Prohibition Act; as her relatives complaint to Police
that she is underage and should not be married off. Instead of taking
suitable action against her guardians or whoever is supposed to be
answerable in such case, the arrest and detention of a young girl, can
never be interpreted as anything other than high-handed justice
meted out by the Police. How can she be confined to a prison like
Child Welfare Committee institution against her will and become
state ward in the true Dickensian fashion of convoluted justice, where
her individual rights are so blatantly violated by the Police and other
authorities. The police should know that she will be scarred for all her
life and carry the stigma of a prison sentence for no fault of her and
in the false pretext of protection of her interest. Is this the best a wel-
fare state can do after 60 years of being liberated from the British
standard of colonial justice? Women's organisations too forget the
plight of individuals that become the unwilling focus of wrangling
between authorities and legalities, and keep barking up the wrong
trees.
Ghulam Muhammed, Mumbai
ghulammuhammed3@gmail.com
I am an AMU Teacher, I am an AMU Teacher
(Dedicated to those worthless teachers of AMU who are always
engaged in the dirtiest politics in the campus, the glimpses of which
are also visible on various networks. These are the elements who
have no good academic record, and nor they have any aspiration for
any academic achievements, but their only purpose is to vitiate the
entire atmosphere through their nefarious designs)
I am an AMU Teacher, I am an AMU Teacher
I try to keep my vision within its bounds,
I never allow it to take its unruly flight;
Beyond the precincts , that AMU marks,
It is my world, most shining and bright .
I am an AMU Teacher, I am an AMU Teacher
To chastise every V.C. is my only aim,
As I find him a hurdle in my ugly design;
Dishonesty and sycophancy are my faith,
Besides them, I find nothing good and fine.
I am an AMU Teacher, I am an AMU Teacher
I am fully aware of my worth and talent,
Even a primary class, I could never teach;
These two virtues have brought me here,
Where the people of merit could not reach.
I am an AMU Teacher, I am an AMU Teacher
Dr. Mustafa Kamal Sherwani, Lucknow
sherwanimk@yahoo.com
Headley exposes Shiv Sena, MNS
David Coleman Headley whose pleading of guilt on 12 counts has
been accepted by US District Court in relation to his role in terrorist
attack of 26/11 in Mumbai and 13/2 in Pune, has thoroughly exposed
Shiv Sena (SS) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) which
have been rendered to the level of mere lip service provider for the
cause of Mumbai, Marathi Manoos and Maharashtra and which is
evident from the following:
(1) For the last one week the print and electronic media of India is
full of coverage that despite Headley being an extremely important
accused of terrorist attacks of 26/11 and 13/2, Obama administration
has succeeded in ensuring that not only Headley is not tried in USA
(though apart from other 160 Indians and other foreigners killed, 6
US citizens were also killed in 26/11) but also Headley is not extra-
dited to India hence no trial in India (though site of terrorist crime is
in India at Mumbai and Pune), for the simple reason that Headley is
an US agent who has gone rogue and became complicit in these ter-
ror attacks by jihadis with the complicity of the state actors of
Pakistan.
(2) Media is further enlightening India that Obama administration had
no other option than to hide rogue US agent behind judicial protec-
tion of plea and by offering some ridiculous alternative of so called
access to Headley by India in USA for the simple reason that rogue
US agent Headley's link with jihadis in complicity with the state
actors of Pakistan would otherwise have evoked politically an
extremely explosive situation in USA for US administration not only
due to six Americans killed in 26/11 terrorist attack facilitated by
rogue US agent but also due to 'global war against terrorism' (which
The Milli Gazette, 1-15 April 2010 31
Email: letters@milligazette.com
Progress uphill or downhill?
'Arre Karkare!' / they killed Karkare / then said: 'Arrey Arrey' / height
of hypocrisy / depth of degradation / ruthless racialism / blatant
Brahiminism / zenith of Zionism / tolerated by chair-seekers / pleas-
ure-hunting politicians / perpetrating terrorism / beating their own
shadows / woe unto you all owe who do not know is friend, who is foe
/ only truth and justice / can ensure universal peace / otherwise, high
chimneys will make us fall / a suicidal downfall / let us also think /
where our passions stink? / Satan tells the woman that she is inferi-
or / in truth she is very superior / in her lap is nourished every leader!
Sultan A. Patel, Khanpur Deh- 392150
Stop exploitation of women
8th of March was observed as international women's day throughout
the world. There were seminars, rallies etc. on that day. As a matter
of fact woman has become a commercial commodity. Industrialists,
film makers, businessmen etc are using woman's semi-naked body
for electronic media is an oppression against woman who is mother
of humanity. All forms of exploitation of woman and oppression
against woman like nude posters, and advertisements, obscene and
vulgar films, and TV serials, fashion shows, beauty contests, valen-
tine day, burning of brides for dowry, abduction, rapes, female foeti-
cide etc should be legally banned. Law breakers, criminals and
oppressors be awarded deterrent punishments. Harsh punishments
act as terror to the mind of the criminal.
G. Hasnain Kaif, Azad Ward, Bhandara (MS) - 441904
Misconception about Hijab
The literal meaning of melodious word Hijab means to cover. Hijab is
the part and parcel of females residing around the globe. However
there are many misconceptions in the minds of the people. Hijab has
been used since ages and even today it is worn by Muslim ladies
across the world. Depending upon the time hijab has also undergone
many specific changes, but the intention is firm and remains the
same as to cover one's body. It has undergone various changes in
terms of cloth, look, shape, size, lusture, colour, design, and so on.
There are many nations which are famous for making classic scarfs
and hijab Indonesian and Malaysian scarfs and hijab are famous
world wide. There are skillful workers who blend to make the master
piece of it. It is refferred by many names such as hijab, jijab, naqab,
burkha, batik, veil and so on. Hijab is nothing but a type of covering
female body to prevent any kind of exposure to males. By wearing
hijab a lady can move freely in markets, public places, and duties and
so on. There is no kind of any restrictions and so on from the point of
women. It is carried on since ages and sisters around the world
should prevent this legacy. Hijab reflects Islamism. By hijab a women
feels much secure and relived. Hijab adds beauty to her appearance.
wearing special type of hijab specially worn for sports purpose.
Nowadays even none. Muslims girls and women intend to wear
scarfs in order to protect themselves from cold and hot sun. It is so
that hijab has many advantages hidden in it. It acts as a protective
covering for weather. It also allows them to make their movements
freely in order to walk or do any manual work with ease and comfort.
It makes lady to feel much relax from all kind of bondage. Hence
there should not be any kind of misconceptions regarding hijab. It
should be welcomed with proud, honour and dignity. She is not only
a girl but also a sister, wife, women and grandma. So she has full
right to cover her body the way she likes. Our happiness lies in
appreciation and not in criticism.
Mr. Liyakat Shah, Bhusawal
shahdoof@gmail.com
Iran's gas pipeline
India's resentment to participate in the Iran Pakistan Gas Pipe line
project is the clear indication that India can not enter into the deal
with out the permission of USA. If a small country like Pakistan is
moving forward to finalize the Iran Pakistan gas pipe line project why
India a super power of sub-continent should lag behind? The gas in
more needful to India than Pakistan .India can go ahead to join the
deal with some precondition .It is high time that India should its inde-
pendence in foreign affairs .This is the testing time for India
Dr. Abdul Hameed Maqdoomi, Gulbarga
drmaqdoomi@yahoo.com
has caused so much sufferings and loss of money and lives of not
only the citizens of Afghanistan and Iraq but also of the armed forces
of USA and its allies and which has divided the USA as never before
since civil war of 1861) which would be perceived by Americans and
rest of the mankind as a farce in which rogue US agents (obviously
in full knowledge of US administration) are keeping the flames of ter-
rorism high with the complicity of jihadis and state actors of Pakistan
with which armed forces of USA and its allies are in tandem ostensi-
bly in the interest of curbing global terrorism as is the propaganda of
USA and its allies.
(3) Whereas the response of Congress party (whose central Home
Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister are vying with each other in
pacifying Indians by saying that they will be able to manage by so
called access to Headley in USA) and of National Congress Party
(who both are in power at Centre and in Maharashtra) and of
Bhartiya Janata Party (whose President Gadkari is from
Maharashtra but cannot move an inch further without the directions
from RSS) being all pusillanimous and highly selfish parties, is on
expected lines but the eerie silence of SS and MNS (who on the drop
of a hat resort to aggressive and even violent demonstrations and
other actions for the cause of Mumbai, Marathi-Manoos and
Maharashtra) has come as a surprise to Indians and which has
exposed SS and MNS as merely a lip service provider to the cause
of Mumbai, Marathi-Manoos and Maharashtra.
But the inaction of SS and MNS has proved the people of rest of
India correct that SS and MNS are merely paper tigers and lip serv-
ice providers for the cause of Mumbai, Marathi-Manoos and
Maharashtra. Hem Raj Jain, Greater NOIDA (U. P.)
jainhemraj1945@gmail.com
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