Friday, March 26, 2010

RSS and its favourite piques

Kurukshetra, Haryana, 26 Marh 2010
Courtesy India Today

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on Friday evinced concern at the fluctuation in its work and sought more quality in its endeavours.

In the Sangh's annual report tabled at its Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha which was inaugurated by Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat in Kurukshetra, the RSS opposed religion-based reservation saying it was unnecessary. "While we are in favour of reservation to various deprived sections of Hindus considering their condition like untouchability, we are against the religion based reservation," said the report tabled by Sarkaryawah Suresh Bhaiyaji Joshi.

The report says that the RSS held 39,823 daily shakhas in 27,089 locations. Apart from that, the weekly shakhas are being held at 7,356 places while 6,949 places are witnessing other Sangh gatherings. The report says, "What is genuinely immediate is to concentrate on qualitative improvement" and says that "determined and committed workers can achieve results in any situation".

The two-day sabha started on Friday morning and there were sessions on Vidya Bharati and some other organisations of the Sangh Parivar like the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh and the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh.

The BJP's affairs are to be taken up tomorrow for which party organising general secretary Ramlal and senior leader Bal Apte have already arrived here. Along with the annual report, the resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir and complete development of villages were tabled and will be discussed.

This pratinidhi sabha is being attended by over 1,000 delegates from all over the country and is being held for the first time in Haryana. It is also the first pratinidhi sabha since Mohan Bhagwat took over as RSS chief.

The key points raised in the annual report:

Jammu and Kashmir: "Anti-national and separatist forces are becoming increasingly active. It is unfortunate that the policies of the Central government as well as those of the state government appears to be indirectly strengthening these forces."

Naxalism: "The initiative of home minister to seek talks with the Naxalites is most inappropriate when he is creditably pursuing strong anti-Naxal action."

Dialogue with Pakistan: "The government has taken the decision to restart dialogue with Pakistan only under influence of some pressure from external forces."

Ranganath Misra Committee report: "This is nothing but a mockery of reservations awarded to the Scheduled Castes."

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Christian Council suggests major overhaul of bill against communal violence


The following is the text of the letter


Dr. Manmohan Singh
The Prime Minister of India

Your Excellency Dr. Manmohan Singh:

Greetings from the All India Christian Council.

We applaud your government for its desire to protect the idea of India – a secular government with equality for all. We welcome the intention to pass a Bill on

communal violence which will add to India’s strong body of laws.

However, the Christian community has deep concerns about the Communal Violence (Prevention, Control and Rehabilitation of Victims) Bill, 2009, from the drafts we’ve

read. We humbly request a serious re-write of this legislation. Our main concerns:

1. The Bill doesn’t adequately address the question of hate campaigns and the “communalisation process” (i.e. hate speech published in local language media) that

precede communal violence. This well-studied phenomenon of activities, some already illegal but not often prosecuted, is a root issue.

2. The Bill doesn’t take into account the demography and pattern of living of various communities. Specifically, anti-Christian violence is normally dismissed by

public officials as “sporadic” (although there may be a serious incident daily in some areas). Because other minorities live in concentrated or contiguous areas, those

“communally disturbed areas” are more easily identified. In Orissa, Kandhamal would likely not fit the Bill’s definition but we know what happened there in 2007-2008.

3. The Bill doesn’t give States guidelines on reparations and compensation. We need a uniform national policy as well standards on the assessment of damages after

riots in order to prevent ghettoisation.

4. The Bill doesn’t fully address police and administrative impunity properly or adequately. The “good faith” clause, which exempts police and public servants from

prosecution unless there is permission from the executive branch, is a major concern.

We share concerns, especially voiced by Muslim groups, that the Bill doesn’t fully acknowledge the individual victim, treats communal violence as spontaneous rioters

versus rioters (instead of acknowledging the possibility of premeditated or state-sponsored violence), and gives much power to state
governments which, historically, have occasionally acted in a biased manner. We need to see stronger checks and balances.

Also, we acknowledge that some shortcomings are systemic legal issues better addressed by your government in separate legislation or orders. The most important, in our

humble opinion, include:
Establishing witness protection programs and guidelines
Strengthening of National Commission for Minorities and state minority commissions
Action against police who refuse to register FIRs
Permanently debarring government officials guilty of involvement in communal violence – or any crime – from government jobs and from contesting any office
The rights of “internally displaced persons” in relief camps should mirror UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement e.g. including immediate education

for displaced children

Many provisions of the current version of the Bill are acceptable. But we request you to consider the input above so that a weak Bill is not passed which requires the

almost impossible process of securing future amendments.

Our community has learned from recent waves of communal attacks in Orissa and Karnataka as well as ongoing onslaught on house churches, individual pastors/priests and

nuns, and the terrible hate campaigns in newspapers which are officially sponsored by several state governments. Our suggestions are rooted in the reality of rural

India where the vast majority of our members – thousands of Protestant, Catholic, and independent Christian organisations – live and work to improve our beloved

society.

Yours Sincerely and Most Respectfully,


Dr. Joseph D’souza, President, aicc, Hyderabad, dsouza@aiccindia.org
John Dayal, Secretary General, aicc, New Delhi, john.dayal@gmail.com

C.C.:
Shri M. Veerappa Moily, Union Cabinet Minister for Law & Justice

Shri P. Chidambaram, Union Minister of Home Affairs

Shri Salman Khurshid, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Minority Affairs

Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson, Indian National Congress Party


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Hindustan Times report today:

Amended law to let Centre take charge in riot-hit states
Aloke Tikku, Hindustan Time
r
New Delhi, March 17, 2010

The government’s final version of the communal violence law empowers the Centre to take charge of an area where riots have broken out once it sends in central forces,

if it finds the state government concerned reluctant to act against the rioters.
The new law still does not allow the Centre to send armed forces on its own to a riot-hit spot. But once a state has asked for central forces to quell violence, the

Centre will have the right — under certain circumstances — of setting up a unified command, comprising these forces and the local police.

The amendment was cleared by the Cabinet last December and is expected to come for parliamentary approval next month.

The Communal Violence (Prevention, Control and Rehabilitation of Victims) Bill, however, says the Centre can declare an area “communally disturbed” and take direct

charge only if the state concerned refuses to act against the violence being perpetrated to such an extent that the secular fabric of the country, or internal

security, is endangered.
To guard against political misuse, the law stipulates that the Centre must
draw the attention of the state government to the deteriorating state of affairs, and set a deadline for it to take necessary steps to suppress the violence.

Until now, central forces deployed in a state worked under the control of the local district administration. But henceforth, in special circumstances, it will work

under the unified command, which will report to the Centre.

The amendment was conceived of in the backdrop of the 2002 Gujarat riots, when it was widely believed the state government had done little to discourage the rioters.
Even so, it is bound to anger state governments who will see it as an encroachment on their powers. Eight of 12 states that responded to a survey by a parliamentary

panel had even opposed an earlier, milder version.


Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Sangh Agenda in Education


GITA IN SCHOOLS

Madhya Pradesh CM wants Gita in school curricula

Hemender Sharma / CNN-IBN

Published on Wed, Mar 10, 2010 at 09:11

Shivraj Chouhan declared that his govt was contemplating introducing the Gita in schools.

Bhopal: First it was sun worship and yoga in government schools and now the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has made it a mission to introduce the Bhagavad Gita in school curricula.

“I had met swami Arganad and there this thought had come why not introduce the Bhagwad Gita as a moral science subject. I am very seriously contemplating on this,” said Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Proponents call it an inspired plan. Chouhan critics call it yet another step by the BJP to saffronise schools.

"The Shivraj Singh led government wants to do everything that will annoy the minorities. That is their aim,” said Congress MLA Arif Aqueel.

Students feel that they may not be old enough understand all that the Gita teaches, but they certainly seem to be mirroring the government's enthusiasm.

Chauhan himself defends the move saying "Any Good thing that can be there in any human being is written in the Bhagwad Gita”.
But Chouhan will find it hard to answer the counter point from Congress MLA Arif Aqueel.

“I don't have any problem with introduction of the Bhagwad Gita but than why not the Quran, the Bible or the Guru Grant Sahib?,” said Arif Aqueel, Congress MLA.

The Chief Minister though assures that the Gita will not be introduced in syllabus in haste. But it’s surely a move that will please RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, who recently announced in Bhopal, that non-Hindus cannot be Indians.
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Vivek Joyti Mar 9, 2010

Ekal Kumbh Resolves To Reach One Lakh Tribal Villages

from savarkar vinayak

date Tue, Mar 9, 2010

A massive Ekal Kumbh organized by Ekal Vidyalayas was inaugurated by the Sarsanghchalak of the RSS Shri Mohan Bhagwat in Delhi on October 30. 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 conclave.
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, swasthya and samridh’ (literate, healthy and prosperous), the Ekal Vidyalaya has also undertaken the responsibility of imparting education for health care, community development and promoting village folk for constructive activities.

The three day conclave formally concluded with the address of Sadhvi Ritambhara on the first of November with the resolve to reach out to one lakh tribal villages. A grand exhibition depicting real India living in rural and forest areas was also inaugurated by the Yoga guru Baba Ram Dev on 29th October evening. Many NRIs also participated in the conference hosted by the Bharat Lok Siksha Parishad, Delhi. All the sessions were organized and conducted by vanvasi volunteers exclusively.

Eight townships were setup in the 24 acres of land in Swarna Jayanti Park. A common conference hall, grand exhibition 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 Master Plan for country’s integrated development “The body of human being is nothing but a temple and Ekal Vidyalaya is nothing but worship of the God”, he added. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) President Shri Ashok Singhal expressed his concern saying that the benefits of Independence have not reached the villages whereas 60 percent of national resources should have reached there.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

REPORT OF THE ALL INDIA CHRISTIAN COUNCIL FACT FINDING TEAM ON INCIDENTS IN BATALA AND OTHER AREAS OF PUNJAB

18-21 FEBRUARY 2010

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ISSUED ON MARCH 2, 2010

Attempted Murders

The Punjab police are hiding the fact that Sangh Parivar-led hoodlums in Batala, Punjab tried to burn five Christians alive. The Christians were from two families who live in the Church of North India’s historic Church of the Epiphany compound built in 1865. Batala is a small business town in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district. On February 20th, the CNI church was set on fire and all its furniture burnt. Attempts were made to destroy a nearby Salvation Army church, raised in 1958, where the pastor was seriously injured. “We pleaded with the police to help, but they did not,” said the Pastor, Maj. Gurnam Singh.

Even as the larger group of attackers focused on burning the CNI church, a group of men armed with sticks and rods, and came to the CNI Deacon’s house. The deacon, Victor Gill, and his wife Parveen, hid themselves under the bed. The assailants damaged the doors, tried to enter the room forcibly, and told the couple they would be burnt alive if they did not come out. Meanwhile, at a second CNI house, the group overturned a scooter, took out the petrol, and doused teacher Christopher Morris and his daughter Daisy with the fuel while the mother, Usha, cringed in their home. They tried to set the two on fire, but the matchbox had also been soaked in the petrol and despite three attempts to strike a match, the matchsticks would not ignite saving the family from being burnt alive. The police were watching. The fire brigade came later but was blocked by a mob for quite some time.

Police Bias

No police report has been filed on the attempted murders even as the top police and administrative officers enforced a one sided “peace accord” on the local Christian leadership. Christians were instructed not to press for charges immediately so that a number of Christian youth who were arrested – together with a few Hindu men – could be released. The strategy of the assailants was eerily reminiscent of what was practiced and perfected against churches in Orissa in 2008. Police forcibly cleaned up the Church of the Epiphany. They removed burnt furniture and made the presbyter whitewash the walls to remove traces of fuel oil used in the blaze. This was done before a formal enquiry could be conducted by the government.

Background on Violence

The Christians, all of them of Dalit origin, were trying to enforce a closure or "bandh" in Batala markets to protest a blasphemous picture of Jesus Christ holding a can of beer in one hand a lit cigarette in another which appeared on roadside banners to celebrate the Hindu "Ram Nauvmi" festival. The banners were sponsored by a coalition of local political, media and business leaders, together with the trading community which is almost entirely Hindu.

The Sangh Parivar reacted to the Christian protest by mobilising shopkeepers and youth in attacks that left many injured, two churches damaged, and clergy traumatised. We noted that local shopkeepers routinely enforce closures e.g. a bandh during the last week of February to protest the execution of two Sikhs by the Taliban in Pakistan.

Timeline

16-17 February -- people noticed Jesus Christ image on banners, newspapers, posters

18 February -- Jalandhar protests; two people arrested for printing posters

19 February -- road protests in various villages, violence in Majitha

20 February -- Batala churches burnt; widespread violence

21 February -- police firing on Christian protesters in Tibbar village and others places; many arrested, injured; peace accord reached in Batala

22 February -- curfew partially lifted

23 February -- curfew completely lifted

Police Reaction

The police force was outnumbered and looked on during the violence. Despite intelligence reports of the Christian anger and the Hindutva plans to counterattack, the sub-divisional magistrate of Batala, Mr. Rahul Chaba, PCS, said he could not enforce a quick curfew until late on 20 February 2010 because most of the police force were sent to the Pakistani border nearby where Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram inaugurated a defence outpost. By the time the police returned and a curfew was imposed, violence had already occurred. The curfew was relaxed on 22 February 2010.

Results of Violence and Political Reaction

On February 21st, protest rallies were held across the western districts of Punjab and in Chandigarh against the desecration of the churches. There were reports of police who broke up protest meetings in villages with lathi charges and indiscriminate arrests. At present, there are no Christians or Hindus in police custody barring the printer and publisher of the banners.

On February 23rd, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Prakash Singh Badal assured the aicc delegation’s head, Dr. John Dayal, aicc Secretary General and member, National Integration Council, that he viewed the matter seriously and has ordered officials to unravel the “entire conspiracy”. Dr. Dayal demanded a judicial enquiry into the incidents during the meeting.

Part of Larger Religious Discrimination in Punjab

At the last meeting of the National Integration Council in New Delhi on 13 October 2008 chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Dr. Dayal had personally briefed Mr. Badal on the tension brewing in the rural districts of western Punjab where tens of thousands of Christians, most of them of Dalit origin, live and are suffering from caste oppression and attacks on their freedom of religion. Church meetings are routinely denied permission, for example, and caste epithets are used against the Christians. The chief minister had promised to have the situation investigated and remedial action taken.

The recent incidents also exposed the utter lack of Christian representation among the Punjab government. Less than half a dozen Christian leaders, many of them related to each other, hold positions in the Akali Dal, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Indian National Congress. They have little connection with the masses living in villages, slums and poorly constructed ghettos outside some villages. Most live in shadow of mansions owned by local Jat Sikhs with relatives living abroad or the trading classes. Class and caste barriers are clearly evident. In some villages, we were shocked to find Dalit Christian working under bonded labour conditions with family in brick kilns, and many employed in the fields during the sowing or harvesting season where they compete with cheaper labour from Bihar. The exception is Christians who have risen to high positions in academics, the military, and the Church, with one becoming a CNI bishop some years ago.

Punjab’s Christian population is around 300,000, about 1.2% of the state population, mostly concentrated in Amritsar and villages in west Punjab. The government is Akali-BJP coalition elected in February 2007.

Fact Finding Team Composition

The fact finding team included: Dr. John Dayal; Rev. Madhu Chandra, aicc Regional Secretary, Delhi; M. Adeeb, Human Rights Law Network lawyer; and Mr. Marang Hansda, aicc assistant. They visited Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Gurdaspur districts, including villages deep in the rural hinterland from 22 to 25 February 2010, and Chandigarh.

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