Exiles in ghettos keep fire blazing SANKARSHAN THAKUR Agnishekhar Muthi (Jammu), Aug. 24: They live eight, often ten or twelve, to a room. To call th

Exiles in ghettos keep fire blazing

SANKARSHAN THAKUR Source:telegraphindia.com

Agnishekhar Muthi (Jammu), Aug. 24: They live eight, often ten or twelve, to a room. To call them rooms is a stretch; hovels is more appropriate — barely six by eight, the asbestos ceilings knocked low over them, a vast and suffocating narrow-laned warren. They do with temporary power pulled on illicit lines, they have little access to water, they share unsanitary community bathrooms. They live marooned in the putrid discharge oozing from them, amid foraging pigs and pie-dogs. These are Kashmiri Pandits uprooted from their Valley moorings two decades ago, and Muthi, on the forsaken outskirts of Jammu, is their home — a blistered tinderbox of frustration and rage, spewing communal pus. In Muthi, and other similar “migrant camps” littered around Jammu, could lie some of the clues to why this crisis has caught fires that refuse to die. It’s so angry, it doesn’t even want to talk. “Go away, just go away,” protests P.N. Dhar, a former government employee and community leader. “What have you come here now for? To use us to douse the fires those (expletive deleted) Kashmiri Muslims are lighting up? Too late, now it’s our turn to light the fires, to get some notice from this country.” Men from the ghetto have gathered around Dhar and it is instantly evident they have unspent payloads of fury and hatred accumulated over the years; they are now letting it off. “This country has only been bothered about (expletive deleted) who carry Pakistani flags and spit on patriots,” says Sahabji Chrungoo, originally from Baramulla. “Nobody came when we were thrown out, nobody bothered when we were killed, nobody listened when we warned secession had gripped Kashmir. But how long could you have ignored it? This had to happen. If we have to light fires now to get attention, so be it. But this time, we will have it our way.” As an unprecedented regional-communal conflict consumes the state, the Valley’s ousted Kashmiri Pandits have become Jammu’s sword-arm in battle. It’s a sword smelted in decades of unassuaged grievance and of rancour and prejudice. It’s a sword that has verily stabbed the celebrated and inclusive notion of “Kashmiriyat” to death and invoked in its place a ghoulish spectre of intolerance that threatens to extend the current rift. Agnishekhar, convener of Panun Kashmir, the umbrella body of ousted Pandits, isn’t even remorseful or apologetic about pronouncing “Kashmiriyat” dead. “What about it?” he asks combatively. “Where is composite culture when all Hindus have been driven out of the Valley, out of their homes and farmlands? They killed Kashmiriyat, not us. Don’t expect secularism of us when you are pandering to all shades of Islam and anti-nationalism in the Valley. Who is secular in the Valley that Jammu is being called communal in contrast? Those who are unleashing cries of Nizam-e-Mustafa (Islamic rule)?” The Panun Kashmir leader won’t openly admit it, but the strident “Bam-Bam Bole” movement across Jammu is an hour of vindication that he is loath to let go of. “We have been waiting for this for long,” he says. “Jammu didn’t exactly welcome us when we were driven out of the Valley in 1989-90, we haven’t had it easy here. But now Jammu seems to have understood what the problem with Kashmiri Muslims is, it has risen and we are with Jammu. This is not about land in Amarnath, this is about a deeper malaise of which Amarnath is only a symptom. Kashmir has held India to ransom for too long, now it is our turn. Half the Kashmiri leadership deserves to be put behind bars for sedition, we deserve to be reinstated to our homes.” Does he realistically believe, though, that he and his fellow Pandits can make their way back to the Valley laden with such loathing? That they can even, in this surcharge, visualise the “yatra” to Amarnath proceeding next year? “That is for the government to ensure,” Agnishekhar says. “Why does the law of the land not run in Kashmir, can Indians not go there? The government and secularists of this country have nothing to say of the anti-national Islamists of Kashmir, all they can do is blame us. What for? For agitating with the national flag?” As his Muthi compatriots gather, a little clutch that has mushroomed in minutes, Agnishekhar, also a Hindi writer of fair renown, crossly throws off the burden of bigotry from his doorstep. “I was once known as a progressive writer, until they threw me out for protesting the ouster of Pandits and began calling me a religious zealot. But should I not even protest my circumstances? Won’t you if you were thrown out of home? Hum aah bhi karen to ho jaate hain badnaam, woh katl bhi karen to charcha nahin hota (I get defamed if I so much as complain, they commit murder and yet get no blame).” Agnishekhar claims no allegiance to the BJP or the Hindu rightwing, he’s been a Congressman all his life, paid obeisance to Nehru. He does concede, though, that today his worldview is closer to the Hindu rightwing. “Where are Nehru’s children, where is the Congress, feeding the Muslim communalists of the Valley?” he asks. “It’s the BJP that helped us in crisis, if anybody did, we have to be grateful. And now we have to fight its battle to the very end.” The assemblage behind him, virulently anti-Muslim and sporting saffron bandannas, is ominously nodding approval.

His Holiness inaugurates World Conference on Terrorism in New Delhi

Phayul[Monday, June 02, 2008 10:38]

By Tenzin Sangmo At the Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi. (Photo by Tenzin Sangmo/Phayul.com) New Delhi, June 2 – The Dalai Lama on Sunday inaugurated the Terrorism-National and International World Conference at the Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi. Organized by the Jama Masjid United Forum, the conference projected intense deliberation on the root causes of terrorism, its new characteristics and emerging trends. Addressing a gathering that saw eminent personalities like the Union Minister, Government of India Kapil Sibal, MP and Gen Secretary of the Samajwadi Party Amar Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam Tarun K. Gogoi, President of the Jama Masjid United Forum Syed Yahya Bukhari among other dignitaries from Indonesia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Maldives, Jordan, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan the Dalai Lama condemned the act of terrorism stating that is was unfair to generalize the transgression of some Muslims and associate it with Islam as a religion. “I feel that the word ‘terrorism’ comes from an action based on it. Every action whether positive or destructive stems from a motivation and ultimately, we have to address the situation which creates the motivation.” At Jama Maszid in New Delhi. (Photo by Tenzin Sangmo/Phayul.com) He further stated, “We possess the potential of affection from birth which we cannot survive without. We have to develop that sense of care and affection for others. I believe in a deeper sense of human and spiritual values.” Expressing his joy at participating in the conference His Holiness reiterated the promotion of religion and harmony despite different philosophy and tradition all which carry the same message of tolerance, discipline, friendship and peace. Furthering his commitment towards human values and tranquility among all beings the Dalai Lama offered his support and service in face of threats or acts of terrorism in the future. The Dalai Lama then visited the historic Jama Masjid along with other foreign dignitaries in time for the evening mass by local Muslims.

The Statesman india

Leaders from various countries condemn terrorism in all its forms

Jun 2

Political and religious leaders from various countries including Sri Lanka and Pakistan have strongly condemned terrorism in all its manifestations. Participating in the anti terrorism conference in New Delhi yesterday, they called for an unbiased initiative to contain it. They also denounced the sinister campaigns to malign any particular community. The leaders called upon governments to generate awareness about the problem cutting across all sections to overcome the greatest threat to humanity.
While the President of Jama Masjid United Forum Syed Yahya Bukhari condenmend terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said India’s religious tolerance can be a role model for the rest of the world. Science and Technology Minister Mr Kapil Sibal pleaded that terrorism should not be used as a political weapon. The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad, without naming Pakistan, said there are some countries which sponsor violence to bleed another nation and the tendency needs to be checked through innovative strategy.

PTI
Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama today led a special prayer for world peace at the historic Jama Masjid here and said it is regrettable that Muslims are being targeted in the name of terrorism.
The Dalai Lama, who was here in the city to participate in an international Anti-Terrorism Conference, was accompanied by several foreign dignitaries and people of different faiths.

At the special prayer, the Dalai Lama said Islam has always been identified with peace and Muslims “are peace loving people.” “Muslims are one of the most peace loving people in the world,” he said, adding “it is regrettable that Muslims are targeted in the name of terrorism.” The Dalai Lama also said a person who engages in terror activities cannot be a true Muslim.

“Muslims cannot be terrorists. If a person is a terrorist, he cannot be a Muslim,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and senior officials at the Jama Masjid were present at the prayer meet.

ECONOMIC TIMES
NEW DELHI: Political and religious leaders from various countries including Sri Lanka and Pakistan today strongly condemned terrorism in all its manifestations and demanded “unbiased initiative” to contain it while denouncing sinister campaigns to malign any particular community.

At a conference on “Anti Terrorism”, also attended by the Dalai Lama and a galaxy of leaders from India and abroad, the leaders called upon governments to generate awareness about the problem cutting across all sections to overcome the “greatest threat” to humanity.

“It is vital to consistently, unequivocally and strongly condemn terrorism in all forms and manifestations, committed by whomever and for whatever purposes. We condemn all forms of terrorism,” President of Jama Masjid United Forum Syed Yahya Bukhari said addressing the gathering.

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said India’s “religious tolerance” can be a “role model” for the rest of the world.

“Major religions of the world like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated in India and it provided shelter to followers of religions like Zoroastrianism. These can be a model for the rest of the world,” he said.

Union Science Minister Kapil Sibal said terrorism should not be used as a political weapon. “Making it an electoral issue will encourage terrorists,” he said.

Comparing terrorism with HIV, Sibal said, “The disease knows no boundary. We need global cooperation and understanding to check it. The nations indulging in arms supply and financing terrorists for narrow political gains must stop such activities.”

Howrah news

New Delhi

June 1: Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has termed India’s secularism and religious tolerance as role model for the world. “India’s long tradition of religions tolerance can be a role model for rest of the world. Major religions of the world like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated in India and the country provided shelter to followers of religions like Zoroastrianism,” said The Dalai Lama at an international anti-terrorism conference on Sunday.

Political and religious leaders from various countries, including Sri Lanka and Pakistan, also strongly condemned terrorism in all its manifestations and demanded “unbiased initiative” to contain it while denouncing sinister campaigns to malign any particular community Comparing terrorism with HIV, Union science and technology minister Kapil Sibal said, “The disease knows no boundary. We need global cooperation and understanding to check it. The nations indulging in arms supply and financing terrorists for narrow political gains must stop such activities.”

“It is vital to consistently, unequivocally and strongly condemn terrorism in all forms and manifestations, committed by whomever and for whatever purpose. We condemn all forms of terrorism,” said president of Jama Masjid United Forum Syed Yahya Bukhari.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, without naming Pakistan, said there are some countries which sponsor violence to bleed another nation and this tendency needs to be checked.

“These countries believe that they can bleed another country in this way,” he said.

(UPI) — An Indian Cabinet minister Sunday urged delegates at an international terrorism summit in New Delhi to stop politicizing terrorism.

Minister of Science and Technology and Minister of Earth Sciences Kapil Sibal called terrorism a disease that “knows no boundary,” noting politicizing the issue only encourages terrorism.

“The nations indulging in arms supply and financing terrorists for narrow political gains must stop such activities,” the Press Trust of India quoted him as saying.

The Dalai Lama, also speaking at the conference, said combating terrorism is a “universal responsibility” that all the world religions can embrace by promoting “secular values and religious harmony,” PTI said.

The Dalai Lama also praised India as a model for religious tolerance for the rest of the world.

His Holiness inaugurates World Conference on Terrorism in New Delhi

Phayul[Monday, June 02, 2008 10:38]

By Tenzin Sangmo At the Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi. (Photo by Tenzin Sangmo/Phayul.com) New Delhi, June 2 – The Dalai Lama on Sunday inaugurated the Terrorism-National and International World Conference at the Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi. Organized by the Jama Masjid United Forum, the conference projected intense deliberation on the root causes of terrorism, its new characteristics and emerging trends. Addressing a gathering that saw eminent personalities like the Union Minister, Government of India Kapil Sibal, MP and Gen Secretary of the Samajwadi Party Amar Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam Tarun K. Gogoi, President of the Jama Masjid United Forum Syed Yahya Bukhari among other dignitaries from Indonesia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Maldives, Jordan, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan the Dalai Lama condemned the act of terrorism stating that is was unfair to generalize the transgression of some Muslims and associate it with Islam as a religion. “I feel that the word ‘terrorism’ comes from an action based on it. Every action whether positive or destructive stems from a motivation and ultimately, we have to address the situation which creates the motivation.” At Jama Maszid in New Delhi. (Photo by Tenzin Sangmo/Phayul.com) He further stated, “We possess the potential of affection from birth which we cannot survive without. We have to develop that sense of care and affection for others. I believe in a deeper sense of human and spiritual values.” Expressing his joy at participating in the conference His Holiness reiterated the promotion of religion and harmony despite different philosophy and tradition all which carry the same message of tolerance, discipline, friendship and peace. Furthering his commitment towards human values and tranquility among all beings the Dalai Lama offered his support and service in face of threats or acts of terrorism in the future. The Dalai Lama then visited the historic Jama Masjid along with other foreign dignitaries in time for the evening mass by local Muslims.

The Statesman india

Leaders from various countries condemn terrorism in all its forms

Jun 2

Political and religious leaders from various countries including Sri Lanka and Pakistan have strongly condemned terrorism in all its manifestations. Participating in the anti terrorism conference in New Delhi yesterday, they called for an unbiased initiative to contain it. They also denounced the sinister campaigns to malign any particular community. The leaders called upon governments to generate awareness about the problem cutting across all sections to overcome the greatest threat to humanity.
While the President of Jama Masjid United Forum Syed Yahya Bukhari condenmend terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said India’s religious tolerance can be a role model for the rest of the world. Science and Technology Minister Mr Kapil Sibal pleaded that terrorism should not be used as a political weapon. The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad, without naming Pakistan, said there are some countries which sponsor violence to bleed another nation and the tendency needs to be checked through innovative strategy.

PTI
Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama today led a special prayer for world peace at the historic Jama Masjid here and said it is regrettable that Muslims are being targeted in the name of terrorism.
The Dalai Lama, who was here in the city to participate in an international Anti-Terrorism Conference, was accompanied by several foreign dignitaries and people of different faiths.

At the special prayer, the Dalai Lama said Islam has always been identified with peace and Muslims “are peace loving people.” “Muslims are one of the most peace loving people in the world,” he said, adding “it is regrettable that Muslims are targeted in the name of terrorism.” The Dalai Lama also said a person who engages in terror activities cannot be a true Muslim.

“Muslims cannot be terrorists. If a person is a terrorist, he cannot be a Muslim,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and senior officials at the Jama Masjid were present at the prayer meet.

ECONOMIC TIMES
NEW DELHI: Political and religious leaders from various countries including Sri Lanka and Pakistan today strongly condemned terrorism in all its manifestations and demanded “unbiased initiative” to contain it while denouncing sinister campaigns to malign any particular community.

At a conference on “Anti Terrorism”, also attended by the Dalai Lama and a galaxy of leaders from India and abroad, the leaders called upon governments to generate awareness about the problem cutting across all sections to overcome the “greatest threat” to humanity.

“It is vital to consistently, unequivocally and strongly condemn terrorism in all forms and manifestations, committed by whomever and for whatever purposes. We condemn all forms of terrorism,” President of Jama Masjid United Forum Syed Yahya Bukhari said addressing the gathering.

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said India’s “religious tolerance” can be a “role model” for the rest of the world.

“Major religions of the world like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated in India and it provided shelter to followers of religions like Zoroastrianism. These can be a model for the rest of the world,” he said.

Union Science Minister Kapil Sibal said terrorism should not be used as a political weapon. “Making it an electoral issue will encourage terrorists,” he said.

Comparing terrorism with HIV, Sibal said, “The disease knows no boundary. We need global cooperation and understanding to check it. The nations indulging in arms supply and financing terrorists for narrow political gains must stop such activities.”

Howrah news

New Delhi

June 1: Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has termed India’s secularism and religious tolerance as role model for the world. “India’s long tradition of religions tolerance can be a role model for rest of the world. Major religions of the world like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated in India and the country provided shelter to followers of religions like Zoroastrianism,” said The Dalai Lama at an international anti-terrorism conference on Sunday.

Political and religious leaders from various countries, including Sri Lanka and Pakistan, also strongly condemned terrorism in all its manifestations and demanded “unbiased initiative” to contain it while denouncing sinister campaigns to malign any particular community Comparing terrorism with HIV, Union science and technology minister Kapil Sibal said, “The disease knows no boundary. We need global cooperation and understanding to check it. The nations indulging in arms supply and financing terrorists for narrow political gains must stop such activities.”

“It is vital to consistently, unequivocally and strongly condemn terrorism in all forms and manifestations, committed by whomever and for whatever purpose. We condemn all forms of terrorism,” said president of Jama Masjid United Forum Syed Yahya Bukhari.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, without naming Pakistan, said there are some countries which sponsor violence to bleed another nation and this tendency needs to be checked.

“These countries believe that they can bleed another country in this way,” he said.

(UPI) — An Indian Cabinet minister Sunday urged delegates at an international terrorism summit in New Delhi to stop politicizing terrorism.

Minister of Science and Technology and Minister of Earth Sciences Kapil Sibal called terrorism a disease that “knows no boundary,” noting politicizing the issue only encourages terrorism.

“The nations indulging in arms supply and financing terrorists for narrow political gains must stop such activities,” the Press Trust of India quoted him as saying.

The Dalai Lama, also speaking at the conference, said combating terrorism is a “universal responsibility” that all the world religions can embrace by promoting “secular values and religious harmony,” PTI said.

The Dalai Lama also praised India as a model for religious tolerance for the rest of the world.

Nandigram and pseudo secularism: terrorism prospering

FACT has been following closely the hypocrasy of Left lobbyists (yes they are) over the Gujarat violence and other issues related to the communal (so called) violences and flare ups. They have always called themselves the harbingers if not demi gods that would protect the Muslims and other minorities (God knows what that means.).

All said and done we the layman in us are compelled to think that Muslims when it comes to protesting are the best and violently best. Thats shows through out the world. Why and how in the world in a democratically empowered nation (I am not talking of our neighbours its just Hindustan as they call us) are people compelled to violence in a peaceful rally. Come on give us a break when u say the external elements have done all the wrong things and we werwe spectators. Mr Home minister you are a real one aren’t you ?

Look at what the blogging community feels about this.

This is one blog from Seriously sandeep

The Indian media sometimes acknowledges truth when it has no alternative. This Indian Express report of Muslims who were butchered in the Nandigram saga belongs to that category.
…dominance of Muslims in Opp, relief camps prompts
attack from Muslim voices
But thanks to excellent blogs like this, we get closer to the truth. One reason that strikes me is bloggers like Offstumped blog because they are passionate about what they write unlike mainstream media, which is a curious creature of ideology, politics, fear, opportunism, and all of the above.

And look at what the media and pseudo secular press the blogger is mentioning to feels about the whole thing.

THE INDIAN EXPRESS reports

No issue, says CPM, but dominance of Muslims in Opp, relief camps prompts attack from Muslim voices
KOLKATA, NOVEMBER 19: •The first fallout of what has happened at Nandigram is that it weakens our case in Gujarat. The CPM, which always speaks of high ideals, is indulging in such shameful acts of violence. This is not an issue that concerns Muslims only. It’s a national issue: Kamal Faruqui, permanent member, All India Muslim Personal Law Board

THE OFFSTUMPED reports

The picture is now complete from gangrapes to letters of extortion, the CPI-Mafioso has it all figured. The only debate is whether the “hafta” so collected from the mostly Muslim farmers of Nandigram is being directly routed to the Central Politburo to fill Karat’s coffers or if Buddhadeb is being paid back those very same coins.

The City express reports
Jamiat attacks Muslim body, Buddha
Express News Service
Kolkata, March 2: The Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind (JH) has condemned the Jamiat Ulama Bangla’s (JB) ‘inclination’ towards the Left-Front and has alleged that the JB is acting as a mouthpiece for the Left-Front government.

Look at this piece from INDIAN MUSLIMS

From Prakash Karat to Buddhadeb all are giving reasons as to why the killings happened, what led to that killing, what were the events before that. But they are evading the point. The fact is that there have been innumerable people killed, some like Udit Raj putting it as high as 600! There are recorded cases that the bodies were swiftly removed before they could be counted. Along with that there have been numerous rape cases where a report in Indian Express about ‘Sabina Begum’ looks like a leaf out of Gujarat 2002.

IBNLIVE.COM reports

Nandigram and Muslim voter: CPM in a hot soup

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and his party apparatchiks were alarmed. And the violent scenes of Kolkata on Wednesday with arsonists torching buses, pelting stones at passing vehicles and hooligans aiming brickbats at policemen were seriously alarming. The Muslim in West Bengal seemed to be announcing his grave disappointment with the Left. Idris Ali of the All India Minority Forum has long been associated with the Congress, running the party’s state minority cell. He has one of those perennial hangers-on in the Congress headquarters of Kolkata which had long lost its sheen and glamour after Mamata Banerjee walked out to become the principal Opposition force in West Bengal. It must have warmed Ali’s cockles to witness such a huge turnout for an otherwise muted protest call against issuance of visa to Taslima Nasreen. The controversial Bangladeshi author has made Kolkata her second home many years ago.

And look at what the Secular icons of peace from the Left have to say on Tasleema nasreen and ofcourse very often we can always say we were quoted out of context.

Under fire over Taslima talk, Bose eats his words

New Delhi: CPI-M’s state General Secretary and Left Front Chairman Biman Bose had to eat his words on Thursday after he came under fire from intellectuals for his statement that Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen should leave Kolkata if her stay disturbs peace.
Retracting his statement, Bose on Thursday said only the Union Government can cancel or extend her visa. “I should have mentioned this in clear language,” he said.
“I don’t want to speak elaborately on the role played by the Centre on Taslima Nasreen’s stay in West Bengal. But if her stay creates a problem for peace, she should leave the state,” Bose had said in a written statement issued on Wednesday evening.

This is the IBNLIVE.COM’s REPORT on Nandigram and the Mulim voter well well cant we say voters just voters why have we all the way being tagged come on media people you cant just go on dividing us like this.

Bengal’s minority report puts CPM in the red

New Delhi: CPI-M’s state General Secretary and Left Front Chairman Biman Bose had to eat his words on Thursday after he came under fire from intellectuals for his statement that Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen should leave Kolkata if her stay disturbs peace.
Retracting his statement, Bose on Thursday said only the Union Government can cancel or extend her visa. “I should have mentioned this in clear language,” he said.
“I don’t want to speak elaborately on the role played by the Centre on Taslima Nasreen’s stay in West Bengal. But if her stay creates a problem for peace, she should leave the state,” Bose had said in a written statement issued on Wednesday evening.