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July22, 2006 - [India Thinkers Net]Dalit Christian,fissile material,Kashmir,Muslim Pradesh etc >> |
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[1] From: Sukla Sen <suklasen@yahoo.com> Date: Wed Jul 19, 2006 Subject: Re: _/\_ *Hindu Religion* "Crush these daily attacks on India" by J.G. Arora Any war with Pakistan may turn out to be nuclear! That means millions of lives lost instantaneously on the either side of the border and the rest would be praying for death for the rest of their lives! So it's just not stupid, it's insane! This is just no option since May 98. Remember Jaswant Singh personally escorting the released militants to Kandahar? The Mumbai blasts are essentially intelligence failure. The dire need is to tighten up intelligence and that can be done by only radically upgrading the rapport between the law enforcing and intelligence gathering machineries and the 'people'. The 'terrorists' must also be isolated from their local support bases. Our policies must be reoriented towards that. The list of victims includes a sizeable number of victims. There's a strong sense of revulsion in the community. Even otherwise people from all communities came spontaneously forward to provide help and blood. This is a unique opportunity to build upon such bases. It'd be extremely unfortunate if we, under provocations from some selfish and fiendish elements, let this slip and the feeling dissipate. Sukla --------------- [2] From: "Aditya Mishra" <aditya11@sbcglobal.net> Date: Wed Jul 19, 2006 Subject: Re: [indiathinkersnet] Welcome Modi... Don't be surprized if one of these becomes the next PM. .... From: Pradeep Deshpande . So welcome Modi,Azmi and Mulayam and let the people see the FACES OF THE FASCISTS 'UNMASKED' -------------------- [3] From: Sukla Sen <suklasen@yahoo.com> Date: Wed Jul 19, 2006 Subject: Indo-US Nuke ‘Deal’: Through the Eyes of an Indian Advocate [This well-informed article gives a lie to the claim that the 'deal' would delimit India's capacity to produce as many Bombs it likes. In fact it'd act as a booster. So the 'mainstreaming' of India is not going to bolster but only severely damage the prospects of global non-proliferation and disarmament. It's just another act of gross and obnoxious unilateralism on the part of the USA in furtherance of its strategic goal of unfettered global dominance.] http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/print_articles.asp?rep=2&aid=277689&sid=ZNS Nuke Deal: Debating the pros and cons By: Indrajeet Rai As India readies to receive world’s most high profile guest, there is a backdoor frenzy to put a slew of agreements in place. Undoubtedly, the Indo-US nuke deal is pitted as the most contentious and vital. Seldom have so many deals been made contingent on a single deal in world history. Not only are bilateral deals between India and America a hostage to it but India’s bilateral nuclear deal with France and other nuclear supplying countries would also treat it like benchmark. Much has been written about the nuclear cooperation deal signed between India and USA during Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to America in July 2005. Some analysts, mostly from the non-proliferation lobby in the US, have seen it as a catalyst for abetting proliferation of nuclear weapons. While analysts in India have accused the Indian government of succumbing to American pressures, which want to curb India’s nuclear weapon possessing capabilities, thereby curtailing proliferation and forfeiting its nuclear independence carefully crafted over the years. How can it be possible? How can the same agreement work in both ways, to curb India’s nuclear weapon making capabilities and also trigger nuclear weapon proliferation? How can a deal be a sellout to both the parties? Well, both the arguments have some basis. The truth, however, lies somewhere in between. Let us examine how. The Deal: Some basics As per the Joint Statement announced on July 18, 2005, President Bush said he would “work to achieve full civil nuclear energy cooperation with India” and “would also seek agreement from Congress to adjust US laws and policies”. On India’s part, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh conveyed that India “would take on the same responsibilities and practices and acquire the same benefits and advantages as other leading countries with advanced nuclear technology, such as the United States”. As per the Joint Statement, “These responsibilities and practices consist of: # Identifying and separating civil and nuclear facilities and programmes in a phased manner and filing a declaration regarding its civilian facilities with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). · # Taking a decision to voluntarily place its civil nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards. · # Continuing India’s unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing, and · # Working with the United States for the conclusion of a Multilateral Fissile Material Cut Off Treaty. Arguments Against # The deal is likely to abet the nuclear weapon capabilities of India. For, if civil and military facilities are separated, the supply of international nuclear fuel will free its existing facilities, designated as military facilities, to produce plutonium and enriched plutonium exclusively for weapons’ purpose. # The deal might provoke other nuclear weapon states like China to enter into the same kind of agreement with other implicit nuclear nations like Pakistan. In fact, Pakistan President Musharraf, during his recent visit to China, has argued for a Pakistan-China nuclear deal along the same lines. # India has still not signed the NPT treaty. But it will enjoy all the privileges available to declared nuclear powers under the NPT regime. In the eyes of American non-proliferation lobby the nuclear deal is an American sellout to India. · # Arguments against the deal in India have centred around three main points. First and foremost, the proposed separation of nuclear facilities into civil and military is costly and difficult or rather impractical due to the Indian nuclear programme being unified since the very beginning. Secondly, the deal will impact India’s ability to produce requisite fissile material as all new nuclear facilities will be civilian in nature and under the supervision of IAEA. Third, nuclear power is costly in nature and an emerging county like India can ill afford it. It is a luxury that only the developed world can enjoy and India should not count on it in its energy security calculus. Last but not the least, the deal is asymmetrical in nature since it is all about American promises and Indian commitments. · # Finally, the deal does not remove the discriminatory nature of the present nuclear regime which India has been fighting all along. Why should India place all its “existing and future civilian nuclear facilities under IAEA supervision” when other nuclear powers are not compelled to do so? In terms of statistics, out of the 915 facilities under IAEA safeguards worldwide, only 11 are in the five NPT nuclear powers. Thus, India will continue to be a part of the discriminatory non-proliferation regime. Arguments For # First, to answer the proliferation charge, the present deal is a win-win situation for the non-proliferation regime since it brings India into the nuclear mainstream. All the past policies to bring India into NPT regime had failed. Then why not give the deal a chance? India, despite being a declared nuclear power, has an impeccable non-proliferation record that needs to be trusted and rewarded rather than questioned and punished. As India’s Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran said, “If India’s past record and current policies are not recognised, and worse still, if it is to be graded with those whose record in this respect is more than suspect, then our nonproliferation objectives may enjoy the comfort of noble intentions but not the efficacy of tactical action.” # Second, India is a fast growing economy that is looking for all the energy resources that it can get hold of, howsoever costly they may be. True, the nuclear establishment has failed to meet its commitment of producing 2,700 megawatts of electricity from nuclear plants by 1980-81. It is roughly producing the same committed amount about thirty-five years later that constitutes three percent of India’s energy supply. The denial of nuclear fuel due to provisions of the NPT regime has been precisely the reason behind the Indian nuclear establishment’s dismal performance. History has given us the chance and we must seize it. If international nuclear fuel is available, the cost of producing electricity will also come down and will be within the affordable range. # Third, there is nothing in the deal that asks India not to pursue its three-phase nuclear power programme. In fact, it further adds to the process. India can continue to pursue its fast-breeder reactor programme independently. # Fourth, India will get access to all the facilities and technologies available to declared nuclear powers in the NPT regime without signing the treaty. · # Fifth, India has not given any commitment to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, which even US and China have signed, though both are yet to ratify it. The only commitment that India has given is that of negotiating a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty with the US. · # Sixth, India is not under any obligation to not produce fissile material and can continue to do so as long as it needs, to meet its declared policy of developing credible minimum nuclear deterrence. · # Seventh, there is no provision in the deal that asks India to place its indigenously developed nuclear reactors under IAEA supervision. The deal is applicable only in the case of existing and future nuclear reactors that will be using international nuclear fuel. Technically, India can build up as many indigenous nuclear reactors as it wants for its security purposes. · # Finally, to quote the Indian Prime Minister, “It will be an autonomous Indian decision as to what is ‘civilian’ and what is ‘military’. Nobody outside will tell us what is ‘civilian’ and what is ‘military’.” We have no reason to distrust the words of our Prime Minister. On balance, the India-US nuclear deal as proposed is the much-needed recipe to regenerate our nuclear establishment that is stifling under present international regulations. If the status quo is allowed to prevail, our ambitious plan for nuclear power will not only remain a pipedream but even the status quo will become unsustainable as Indian nuclear fuel sources are limited and of inferior quality that make it more costly. Of course, there are a few conditions, which may be strict in nature, that have to be adhered to. But isn’t politics all about interest articulation, aggregation and mediation? The Indian government will be doing the same if it will be closing the nuclear deal with the USA in the coming week. ------------------ [4] A Christian in UP beaten by VHP activists and Police Constable in Police station with any charge. New Delhi: July 19, 2006 (aicc) Om Prakash Pandey a lay pastor from Chowri Bazar of Faizabad district was taken to Kurebhar Police Station in Sultanpur District in UP and beaten up by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (Hindu International Body) coordinator Amarjeet along with Constable – Mahendra Singh. While talking to All India Christian Council, Pastor Ram Prakash reports about how the incident took place. Mr. Pandey was warned not talk about Christianity by VHP activist in Chowri Bazar while he was talking to other people about his new found Christian faith on July 14, 2006. Pastor Ram further reports that when Mr. Pandey was going to attend a Christian Sunday worship to a near by Jamoli village of Sultanpur district, Mr. Amarjeet along with other VHP activists took Mr. Pandey to Kurebhar Police station and detained him whole night without food and beaten by constable Mahendra Singh on the charges that why Mr. Pandey being a upper caste converted to Christianity. After obtaining the detail report from Pastor Ram and Mr. Pandey, All India Christian Council talked to the Police Inspector – Mr. J. L. Saroj, the in-charge of Kurebhar Police station on July 19, 2006 noon. While talking to All India Christian Council, Mr. Saroj denied that Mr. Pandey was arrested when without any charges detained him whole night of July 16, 2006 with food and police constable – Mr. Mahendra Singh along with Mr. Amarjeet kicked him with booths and beaten by belts. Pastor Ram along with 8 other Christian members after hearing the report of Mr. Pandey’s arrest went to Kurebhar Police station in early morning of July 17, 2006 and rescued Mr. Pandey from the clutches of VHP activists and Police personnel. “Christian members lodged a FIR against the crimes, but police personnel refused to register it,” Pastor Ram reports. Pastor Ram submitted a written complaint to Senior Superintendent of Police of Sultanpur District with copies to Chief Minister of UP, Prime Minister of India, District Collector of Sultanpur to book the culprits and protect the Christian minorities in the district and state. Mr. Pandey is the Christian member of Light Church in Sultapur led by Pastor Ram. Mr. Pandey has been suffering from Tuberculosis and independent follower of Christian religion. All India Christian Council on behalf of Christian communities in Sultanpur district of UP appeal to State Government against Mr. J. L. Suraj who denied the charges by Mr. Pandey who without any reason detained in Kurebhar Police station on July 16, 2006 till next morning and against constable – Mr. Mahendra Singh and VHP Activist – Amarjeet for beating Mr. Pandey mercilessly without any crimes committed by Mr. Pandey. The culprits and police personnel in duty failing to perform its duty to protect the innocent must be punish as per as the law of the land. Report prepared and submitted to All India Christian Council for further course of Action by Mr. M. Madhu Chandra. --------------- [5] From: Logically Genius <gurudatta_raut-socialengineer@yahoo.co.in> Date: Wed Jul 19, 2006 Subject: Is this the reason behind Bombay train bombings ? ie. Seperate Railway Budget ? Is Seperate Railway Budget the reason behind Bombay train bombings; to get out that lockedup money ? I dont think so, I mean security is really needed for us in railways; really, all over India. Can I get the contract ? http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=133909 Economy Railways revenue earnings up 14% in first quarter Posted online: Friday, July 14, 2006 at 0000 hours IST NEW DELHI, JULY 13: Keeping in tune with expectations, Indian railways have clocked earnings of Rs 14,858.60 crore, registering an increase of 14.22%, from April to June 2006, according to an official release. The total goods earnings of railways had gone up from Rs 8,605.58 crore to Rs 9,973.91 crore for the period, an increase of 15.9%. Passenger revenue earnings had also increased to Rs 4,347.26 crore, a jump of 9.25% over Rs 3,979.30 crore for the same period last year, the release said. The revenue earnings from other coaching segments had shot up by 35.8% to Rs 397.2 crore in this quarter compared to Rs 292.43 crore for the same period last year, it added. Total sundry earnings had also gone up from Rs 131.9 crore during April to June 2005 to Rs 140.23 crore during April to June 2006. It seems that the railways ministry’s strategy of “increase volumes-reduce unit costs” is proving to be very profitable. The ministry is upbeat with the first quarter results and is hoping to overshoot its target of Rs 59,978 crore as gross traffic revenue collection for this fiscal. Given the show so far, the railways is also hoping to beat its goal of internal revenue generation of Rs 14,293 crore. In the Railway Budget 2006-07, rail minister Lalu Prasad had set targets for revenue from passenger and other coaching segments to be Rs 16,800 crore and Rs 1,400 crore, respectively. The railways have already achieved 24% of its goal in passenger revenue earnings and 28% in the other coaching segment. Prasad had also expected the earnings from goods to rise to Rs 40,320 crore, something quite attainable as almost 25% of the target has now been achieved. To increase the earnings, Prasad had announced various schemes like dynamic pricing policies and reduction of unit cost of freight traffic. -------------------- [6] From: Pradip Kumar Datta <pradip200@yahoo.com> Date: Wed Jul 19, 2006 Subject: Fighting insurgency by wiping tears, sensitising society Fighting insurgency by wiping tears, sensitising society By IANS Tuesday July 18, 08:26 AM Guwahati, July 18 (IANS) How does one fight insurgency without bullets? Police in India's embattled northeastern state of Assam show how through a unique programme they provide solace and strength to victims of violence while sensitising society about the pointlessness of bloodshed. The project that has been running for the last five years is rather aptly named Aashwas, or assurance, and is aimed at ensuring a quality of life for the victims, especially children and women. It simultaneously works towards a violence-free society through various programmes like financial assistance. Said Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, deputy inspector general (DIG) of police and nodal officer of the project: 'The language of violence is shameful. We are trying to uproot this evil for ever.' Perhaps the most tragic embodiment of that 'evil' is Jinmai Deka from Nagaon, a mother of two sons - one a policeman and the other a member of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). 'In a shootout, her sons killed each other,' Mahanta told IANS, adding simply, 'Deka is a glaring example of how violence can shatter lives.' 'Sensitisation is imperative as no one should go through that kind of suffering.' Giving details about the project that aims at ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated, Mahanta said it focuses on rehabilitating woman and child victims of violence, raising human rights concerns in policing and conducting orientation programmes for police officials. Children, being the most vulnerable, are given top priority and get the maximum benefit from Aashwas, launched on the Children's Day (Nov 14) in 2001. Describing the nature of help, Mahanta said: 'With the help of the National Foundation for Communal Harmony, financial assistance is given to those children who have lost one of their earning parents or those who have become permanently incapacitated due to communal, caste, ethnic or terrorist violence.' The assistance is mainly for academic restitution. The local police station under whose jurisdiction the child's family lives plays an important role in the rehabilitation process. Right now, 549 children are being supported under the project. 'These children are given Rs. 600 per month till they attain the age of 18. The aid is given through the office of the deputy commissioner concerned. The amount is deposited in the family's bank account.' Regular interactive sessions between students and police personnel are organised under the aegis of Aashwas. Other factors also come into play. In Majuli, the world's largest river island, for instance, copies of the book 'Arakshi Khurar Mainamel' (police uncle's session with kids) were distributed among children to help them build character and educate them about the police organisation and issues facing the area. The special drive at Majuli - an area under danger from rapid erosion and massive flooding and with limited opportunities - saw a very effective police-student interaction. Over 2,000 schoolchildren participated in these 'mutually beneficial' sessions organised at 42 different locations in the island, Mahanta said. Similar programmes were held in other parts of the state like Kekerikuchi, Singia Putoni, Sarfanguri and Rupshi. Hardboiled policemen admit that the experience had helped them develop a new perspective based on compassion, hope and respecting people's rights. 'Aashwas also aims at creating a violence-free society through sensitisation of people at the grassroots level,' the DIG said. And if it ensures that there are no more women like Jinmai Deka caught in the fruitless cycle of violence, it would be successful. http://pradip.bihu.in -------------------- |
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| << July19, 2006 - [India Thinkers Net]Posts 11-16 |
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