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[1] Nandigram: The Poor Killing The Poor On Neo-Liberal Bidding By Debarshi Das http://www.countercurrents.org/das191107.htm It all started on a clear neo-liberal stirring. The 25,000 acres that the government was desperate to acquire was not to build a new party office, not even to distribute largesse to the party sycophants. It was to act as an over-enthusiastic, real estate agent of a multinational company with an anti-people track record. It's not surprising that the corporate media is working overtime to obfuscate the underlying neo-liberal insinuations on which the poor are butchering the poor Orphans Of Jammu And Kashmir Await Justice By Syed Junaid Hashmi http://www.countercurrents.org/hashmi191107.htm Prior to the ongoing conflict in the state, we had only one orphanage run by an NGO and only two homes run by the social welfare department. Now we have ample number of orphanages and Bal Ashrams in the state but accountability has gone missing. Homes for the orphan have been declared insufficient by various international organizations -------- [2] From: Pradip Kumar Datta <pradip200@yahoo.com Date: Mon Nov 19, 2007 Subject: Nandigram : protest by civil society Nandigram : protest by civil society — Ujjwal K Chowdhury` “This is an illegal, uncalled for, irresponsible and almost inhuman battle to capture the troubled areas in Nandigram by ruling party forces, and cannot be allowed to continue,” said West Bengal Governor, Gopal Krishna Gandhi, also the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. “This is virtually a people’s battle against organized terror backed by the rulers calling themselves leftists,” says the frail octogenarian Jnyanpith and Magsasay Award winning writer and social activist Mahashweta Devi, while leading a silent protest rally of intellectuals in the Golf Green area of Kolkata . “No language is enough to condemn what CPI(M) is doing today to the most marginalized people in rural Bengal, be it the land or the ration issue. Democracy is virtually strangled. It is akin to the Gujarat situation of state-sponsored rioting. However, unlike Gujarat, I am encouraged by the protests of the intellectuals and youth cutting across parties, and the undaunted struggles of the affected people in the Nandigram block villages. I also consider the Governor of West Bengal as the real voice of conscience in the Bengal government,” said renowned historian, Sumit Sarkar. “This is a sad saga of pre-meditated continuing atrocities on the unarmed poor people at the grassroots, and not just a local aberration. It is now not becoming of us in having a film fest in Kolkata just when such a situation is continuing in the villages,” said film director and actor Aparna Sen, while refusing to inaugurate the Film Bazaar of the fest. Interestingly, in spite of the annual Kolkata Film Fest, organized by the state government, being one of the leading cultural event of the intelligentsia here, so far several known names have boycotted it in protest and film directors Rituparno Ghosh and Nabyendu Chatterjee, theatre personalities Rudraprasad, Bibhas Chakraborty, Kaushik Sen and Kumar Roy, poets Joy Goswami and Sankha Ghosh, painter Samir Aich, writers Suchitra Bhattacharya and Shirshendu Mukherjee, cultural activist Manik Mukherjee and academic Tarun Naskar. “CPI(M) has not only mobilised its cadres from all across the state to take control of the protesting villages of Nandigram, it has also brought in hired mercenaries from neighbouring states to terrorise and chase away the protesters and resort to widespread arson and violence in the area” : SUCI State Secretary, Pravas Ghosh. “Nandigram is speechless in front of Red Terror. There is a fragile uneasy calm forced on the people there, and every one else, including central security forces, medical and relief workers, political opponents, media teams, and myself are being prevented from entering the area,” : social worker Medha Patkar. And this is contrasted by what Left Front State chief and CPI(M) Bengal Secretary Biman Basu has to say, “No national social worker or politicians from outside need to interfere in the issues here and incite violence in Nandigram. This is a forced bandh which more than half the people of the State have rejected.” However, the very ruling front is not united on this. RSP Minister Kshiti Goswami has expressed his desire to resign in protest and has asked his party to allow him to do so. RSP, Forward Bloc and CPI have come together to create a Mini Front within Left Front and issued a statement noting that only the CPI(M) is responsible for the violence in Nandigram area, and they will not take any blame of the same, in spite of being in the government. Even while virtually the entire non-CPI(M) civil society is protesting against the so-called Red Terror of the party cadres to silence all protests and capture deserted houses and land in around 14 villages in Nandigram legislative constituency area, the police and administration of Bengal stand either mute spectators or demoralised. Home Secretary Prasad Ranjan Roy says it all when he notes, “There is virtually a war zone in the area and needs strong action by the state administration.” A senior police officer, on condition of anonymity, notes that there has been a blatant misuse of police in both in its inaction and in action, and now the government must leave administration to work professionally if it needs to pacify the situation. As is expected in such a situation in every society, the media was not spared either. Star Anand channel got threatening calls from Midnapore district CPI(M) leaders (two of them) instructing them to rectify their “uncivilized language” or their ground reporters in the area “shall have to face grim consequences”. Times Now and several local news channel crew (as of Tara News and Kolkata TV) have been beaten and chased out of the area, and anyone with a camera is being stopped and questioned. Opposition leader Mamata Banerjee and social worker Medha Patkar, apart from jeeploads of lawyers, have been stopped twice at Kolaghat and Tamluk, less than 25 kilometres away from the troubled areas, preventing them from entering into Nandigram area. This is also to be noted that all private and almost all government educational institutes remained closed on November 12, and the entire private transport system remained off the roads. For the first time, WIPRO has declared an off-day for its BPO employees, and three BPOs has transferred its emergency operations to Noida, albeit temporarily. The casualty of the so-called development initiatives is the ongoing development process itself. While a silence of the graveyard is being forced upon the protesters there, it is important to note why this impasse and why is even the left sympathizing civil society protesting against the Left Front government so vociferously. And, where do we go from here. The most marginalised people’s fight to protect their land from being given forcibly to the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and private corporate houses is already a common battle across India, and Nandigram is a flashpoint. And, in this, there is virtually no difference in role of the Left government in Bengal, with Congress government in Maharashtra and BJP government in Gujarat. The difference here is that while the other States are trying to bribe and compensate the affected people to silence and acceptance, and at times, trying to find alternative less problematic lands, the Bengal government is taking a stance of using its organised well-oiled battalion of cadres to force silence and meek submission at gun-point taking advantage of a divided opposition and absolute power of over three decades in the state. Interestingly, all protests against the Left Front in Bengal have been stronger in the areas which have been historically their political strongholds and virtually vote-banks, whether the Nandigram and Singur areas on SEZ issue, or in North Bengal on the issue of corruption in public distribution systems. The signs are more ominous for the rulers than what seem on the face: the other politically weaker areas will be giving tougher resistance in such cases of land acquisition, PDS corruption, breakdown of the public health system, corruption in the panchayat fund allocations, silencing political opposition, et al. The Left Front needs to go back to its basics. There cannot be any development without involving the people and keeping their rights to life, home and livelihood protected. The nation as a whole needs to cognizance of the fact that we are now at a historic juncture in the journey as a nation where we need to move from representative democracy to participative democracy. We need to distance from an elitist capital-intensive polluting urban-centric development, and move towards a people-oriented, sustainable, greener, grassroots development which engages the huge youth potential of the nation, rather than antagonizing them. The above 9 per cent GDP growth, which is a great Indian story, needs to move to the lower 60 per cent of the people and become a national story in the real sense. Assam Tribune Editorial 19.11.07 -------------- [3] From: Abhiyya 2006 <abhiyya@yahoo.com Date: Mon Nov 19, 2007 Subject: ‘Implement Sachar Commission report’ - Madani Karnataka - Mangalore ‘Implement Sachar Commission report’ Staff Correspondent PDP is planning to revive its presence in the State --------------------------------- ‘The report will benefit minority communities’ A conference is scheduled to be held on January 1 --------------------------------- MANGALORE: Abdul Nasir Madani, chairman, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), said here on Saturday that his party would extend its political presence in Karnataka and would set up a State committee in the next six months. Stating that an ad-hoc committee would be set up within two months, Mr. Madani told presspersons that steps were being taken to re-establish the party in the State. The PDP had last contested the election for Ullal Assembly seat in 1995-96 with Ismail Shafi as its candidate. Mr. Madani expressed doubts on the prospects of the Union and State governments implementing the Sachar Committee recommendations. Terming the report as factual and beneficial for the minority community, Mr. Madani said governments had not shown the resolve to implement the commission’s recommendations. Mr. Madani had stopped here on his way to Kasargod to attend a PDP rally there. Apprehension Expressing scepticism on the Government’s ability to implement such reports, Mr. Madani said most of such reports ended up in debates in academic circles. Lauding the move by the Kerala Government to set up a State-level committee to monitor the implementation of Sachar Commission report, he said government announcements should be followed by action. Parrying a question on his nearly a decade-long incarceration for his alleged involvement in the Coimbatore bomb blast case, Mr. Madani said: “I want to forget that chapter in my life. I do not want to conduct a post-mortem into the incident for it may create a bad situation. It may cause political turmoil or create a law and order situation”. However, he termed his imprisonment as “political vendetta”. Future plans On the political plans of his party, Mr. Madani said the PDP would organise a national-level social justice conference at Kochi on January 1, 2008. “About five lakh people, including 1,000 delegates from all over the country, will attend the conference. Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and other leaders are likely to attend it,” he said. http://www.hinduonnet.com/2007/11/18/stories/2007111858900300.htm With Regards Abi ------------- [4] From: Abhiyya 2006 <abhiyya@yahoo.com Date: Mon Nov 19, 2007 Subject: A U. S. primer on terrorism a Worth reading, though little old A U. S. primer P. K. DORAISWAMY http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/op/2001/11/13/stories/2001111300040100.htm AMERICANS ARE nothing if not thorough. They like to have codes and manuals for making clear their stand on every conceivable situation. No wonder, therefore, they also have a primer on terrorism. Our readers are hereby allowed the rare privilege of peeking into it. Definitions: (1) "Terrorism" means any act which involves the use of violence against American citizens or property whether or not such violence is provoked by the United States Government's own policies and actions, and any act which injuries the collective ego and/or belittles the image of the United States as a superpower. Explanation: (i) If such violence happens within the borders of the United States, it shall be deemed to be a war on the United States. (ii) Notwithstanding the fact that these may be unlawful or involve the use of violence, the activities of the United States Government or its agencies abroad shall not be deemed to be terrorism. (2) A "terrorist" means any person other than a United States citizen who criticises the policies and practices of the United States Government and, in particular, shall include any person whom the United States Government has been trying unsuccessfully to apprehend, and any country which harbours, supports or sympathises with such person, or rejoices at the misfortunes, mistakes and failures of the Government of the United States. Explanation: (i) Whenever the Government of the United States considers a person a terrorist, the onus shall be on that person to prove that he is not one, and the United States Government shall not be required to present any evidence thereof; provided that this shall not entitle any country unless it happens to be an ardent and total supporter of the polices of the U. S. to accuse any other country, unless it happens to be a critic of the United States, of terrorism without proper evidence. (ii) Any accusation of terrorism against the United States shall be considered ab initio void and untenable; if it is not withdrawn with apologies, the United States Government reserves the right to construe it as an act of war. (iii) Notwithstanding its past record of activities which may otherwise amount to terrorism, no country so long as it supports the policies and practices of the Government of the United States shall be considered terrorist. (iv) Any country which refuses to cooperate with the United States Government in combating what the latter considers terrorist activities and in such manner as the latter desires, shall ipso facto be considered terrorist. (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in the rules of the United Nations or any past commitment made by the United States Government in this regard, while declaring war on any terrorist country, the United States Government shall not be bound to bring the matter before the Security Council or any other organ of the United Nations, or be influenced in any way by the views of the member countries of the latter; provided that this shall not in anyway constrain the right of the United States to pressure all other countries to settle their disputes by negotiation, through the good offices of the United Nations, or preferably, in accordance with the advice of the United States. (4) All established rules, conventions and norms governing international behaviour shall be considered relevant and binding only to the extent that they are consistent with projecting and protecting the image of the United States as the most powerful, invulnerable and infallible nation in the world. (5) In comparing the seriousness of the damage caused by acts of terrorism in the United States with that caused in other countries, the principle "One American life equals hundred non-American lives, and one dollar of damage to American property equals one thousand dollars of damage to non-American property" shall be adopted. (6) The peoples of the countries whom the United States considers terrorist and on whom it declares war shall be persuaded, and if necessary pressured, to realise that the hardship caused to them is the price they have to pay for tolerating a terrorist regime, and that it is all in a good cause and will help liberate them from a terrorist government, eventually enabling them to enjoy, like other civilised peoples, the benefits of protection, guidance and the unquestioned leadership of the United States. With Regards Abi -------------- [5] From: kashif-ul-huda <kaaashif@gmail.com Date: Mon Nov 19, 2007 Subject: 'Muslims only in India have enjoyed 60 years of democracy' : MJ Akbar 'Muslims only in India have enjoyed 60 years of democracy'</2007nov19/muslims_only_india_have_enjoyed_60_years_democracy. html *By Aroonim Bhuyan, IANS* Dubai : Muslims in India are the only Muslims in the world who have enjoyed60 years of uninterrupted democracy, according to eminent journalist and author M. J. Akbar. "Indian Muslims are the only Muslims in the world who have enjoyed six decades of uninterrupted democracy," Akbar said, delivering a speech on 'India and the Strength of its Diversity' at the Indian Consulate General here Sunday. The speech was part of a series of programmes being organised by the Indian mission here to mark 60 years of India's independence. Delving into the issue of Muslims being a minority in India, Akbar said, "In demographic terms, Indian Muslims have always been a minority, whether historically they were in power or not. When the Mughals were in power or when the Nizams ruled Hyderabad, did the Muslims of India think of themselves as a minority?" According to him, the issue of minority and majority in India is not about numbers but about empowerment. ---------- [6] From: "manz195" <manz195@yahoo.com Date: Mon Nov 19, 2007 Subject: Allama Mashriqi's son shifted to Attock Jail "KT [Khakar Tehrik] chief arrested, shifted to Attock Jail : Khaksar Tehrik (KT) and social workers have condemned the Punjab police's crackdown on AL-Mashriqi house and arrest of Hammiddudin Al-Mashriqi chief Khaksar Tehrik and his family members and workers late Friday night. The KT chief was already under house arrest. He and his workers were shifted to Attock Jail Saturday." "The Post" (November 18, 2007) http://thepost.com.pk/NatNewsT.aspx? dtlid=129286&catid=2 |
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