By TCN News,

Lucknow: The indefinite dharna and relay fast of Rihai Manch outside the Uttar Pradesh Assembly has today completed a month.

Rihai Manch (Forum for the Release of Innocent Muslims imprisoned in the name of Terrorism) is on indefinite dharna outside the UP Assembly since June 20 demanding arrest of police officers involved in Khalid Mujahid's murder, issuing the RD Nimesh commission report and action report, and the immediate release of innocent Muslim youth imprisoned in the name of terrorism.

Hafiz Fayaz Ahmed, uncle of Tariq Qasmi, who was present today and was joined the relay fast said that since the arrest of his nephew entire family lives in fear and great mental stress. He added that after the death of Khalid, they are worried about his nephew’s life and security.

Khalid had died under mysterious circumstances on his way back from Faizabad near Ram Sanehi Ghat on May 18. He was declared brought dead by the doctors at district hospital in Barabanki. Later, on the complain of his uncle Zahir Alam Falahi, a case was registered against 42 police officers including former DGP Vikram Singh, ADG Brijlal and others who were on duty during the time of Khalid's arrest.

Several rights groups and individuals have expressed their support and took token participation in the demonstration.

Chairman of the Rihai Manch Advocate Mohamamd Shoaib has alleged that the SP government is quietly trying to influence the case. He has also accused the government of conniving with few self-interested clerics in an attempt to put the issue under rug.

Rajeev Yadav, spokesperson of the Rihai Manch, has alleged that the government is trying to save police and intelligence officials involved. Protesters have also drawn parallel between the arrest and death of Khalid Mujahid and Ishrat Jahan fake encounter in Gujarat.

Khalid had fainted on his way at Barabanki on Saturday, according to police and was taken to District Hospital, Barabanki where he was declared brought dead by the doctors. Autopsy report has been inconclusive in finding out the reason for death. However, photographs taken before his body was taken for the autopsy, accessed by TCN, clearly show torture marks on the face and blood clots.

Speaking to TCN, his uncle Zaheer Alam Falahi, who saw the dead body in the hospital, confirmed that although his nephew was quite fair, his face appeared to have turned black and that his neck was swollen as if someone twisted it. There were blood marks as well on face, and ankle, elbow, etc had turned black.

Khalid along with Tariq Qasmi was arrested by Special Task Force (STF) on 20 December 2007 from Barabanki. Huge explosives were also shown as recovered from his possession. STF claimed that he was involved in the serial blasts which occurred in Gorakhpur, Faizabad and Lucknow. Later, Nimesh Commission was constituted headed by Justice R D Nimesh who in its report raised fingers over STF's claim about the place of arrest.

Government has earlier claimed that Khalid had fainted on his way back and that he might have died due to heart attack or heat stroke. However, photographs taken before his body was taken for the autopsy, clearly show torture marks on the face and blood clots. Speaking to TCN, his uncle Zaheer Alam Falahi, who saw the dead body in the hospital, confirmed that although his nephew was quite fair, his face appeared to have turned black and that his neck was swollen.

There were blood marks as well on his face, and ankle, elbow, etc had turned black, he added. His family members and rights groups believe that he was murdered by police to protect those involved in his ‘wrongful’ arrest.

Khalid along with Tariq Qasmi was arrested by Special Task Force (STF) on 20 December 2007 from Barabanki. Huge explosives were also shown as recovered from his possession. STF claimed that he was involved in the serial blasts which occurred in Gorakhpur, Faizabad and Lucknow. Later, Nimesh Commission was constituted headed by Justice R D Nimesh who in its report raised fingers over STF's claim about the place of arrest.

By Mohd. Ismail Khan, TwoCircles.net,

Madurai: There are lots of things in this world which money can’t buy, but unfortunately good education is a disgraceful exception to it. For economically poor students in today’s corporate education system determination, hard work and excellence are not the only criteria to achieve their dream; in every step towards their goal our system shows them the mirror and hard realities.

A.Mohammed Navas work as daily wage labor in bicycle spring manufacturing workshop, observing this 17 year old for first time, working in hard labor many will be surprised to know that this teenager topped Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions (TNEA) scoring 194.5 out of 200, he has even bagged first rank in backward class Muslim category.

Mohammed Navas laboring in workshop. (courtesy The Hindu)

Right from the slum of Madurai has risen as topper; Mohammed Navas comes from a very humble background, lives with his mother and elder sister in one room accommodation at Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board quarters in Avaniapuram, Madurai. He lost his father at the age of one and ever since witnessed the cruel realities of life, but never his mother compromised with his studies.

Since Navas father has passed, his mother A. Thara Hussain Beevi work on sewing machine to help her family survive, Navas also work’s tough making bicycle springs to earn a meager Rs. 150 per day to support and supplement his mother’s income.

He completed his 12th from Tamil medium government aided school, it has been a challenge for Navas to excel in his education in spite of all odds and the hard time he had given at the workshop.

But if things don’t go down well, this young, hardworking bright student have to end his studies, as for his family it’s difficult to manage their everyday life, they cannot even think of managing even part of the amount required to get admission in engineering college.

Speaking with TwoCircles.net Navas said every day he feels that his dream of higher education is slipping from his hands. “Without any money in my bank A/C I am getting really discouraged to take part in counseling sessions which will start in few days,” Navas said.

An optimistic Navas who doesn’t even have pennies in his pocket to get the enginnering seat he deserve, dreams of becoming an IAS officer, but behind the positivity Navas also lingers with apprehensions, fear’s that he might have to put a full stop on education if won’t get admission in engineering.

Another brilliant but unfortunate Muslim student is S. Syed Ali Fathima who also topped the state by scoring 197 marks out of 200, but daughter of a cattle feed seller in Othakadai town who can easily get a medical seat find it hard to chase her dream.

Speaking with TCN Fathima said, “After lot of difficulties my poor family and relatives sponsored my education to this point, I can easily get a medical seat but we are not in a position to spend lakhs for my medical education.”

“I studied hard even while facing humiliation in school for not paying required fees in time, but now by the grace of Allah I excelled in all the subjects now even my whole school is really glad with me,” said Fathima in thrilled tune.

The story and plight of this two Muslim students was first got highlighted in The Hindu Madurai edition by Mohammed Imranullah, Navas and Fathima informed TCN that Madurai collector called them up and assured them scholarship support from the Government, but both of them showed reservations on collector’s assurance.

According to Fathima it is doubtful that state Government will sponsor full fees, because lately state Government has started the mechanism of fee reimbursement which often doesn’t come with full fee structure of the college, and if any technicality arises the student future hangs in middle, with Govt. red tapes.

And red tape is something which no one better than Navas can know, last year Navas first time in his life opened a bank A/C with Indian Bank hoping to get state Govt. promised Rs. 2,000 scholarship for backward Muslim students, one year has passed but still it has Rs. 100 opening balance with Government scholarship yet to show up.

Both of them informed that ever since their report was published in The Hindu their phone doesn’t stop ringing, many have pledge their help even many Muslim political leaders showed promises of bright future, but as only two days are left for their counseling and certificate verification, this two bright Muslim students in any word an asset for the community and whole nation stands in urgent need of help. Navas and Fathima despite the background they come from, even with the severe conditions which surrounded them topped the highly competitive exam of the state, which is enough to show their metal.

Fathima said she is hopeful that Allah will make way for her as she promised that one day if she becomes a doctor she will definitely help many other students like her who doesn’t have any one to cry for except Allah.

Post Script: Anyone interested in supporting the future of these bright students can provide them financial assistance to below bank accounts.

Mohammed Navas (contact No. 09943086937) - A/C No. 6043140069 Indian Bank, East Veli street branch, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, (contact No. 09943086937)

S. Syed Ali Fathima (contact No. 07639850527) - A/C No. 31810788545 State Bank of India, Othakadai branch, Madurai district, Tamil Nadu

By TCN News,

New Delhi: Campus Front of India organized a nationwide signature campaign against the Delhi University’s Four Year Undergraduate Program(FYUP) today on 20th June 2013 at more than 100 colleges and Universities Campuses. In Delhi it was organized at Jamia Millia Islamia University, Jawaharlal University and Delhi University.

P.Abdul Nazar National President Campus Front said that “Till date the protest against FYUP was consolidated to the state of Delhi, Campus Front through this signature campaign has attempted to make it national campaign and it is just a beginning.

The signature campaign was held at the colleges and universities in Delhi, Rajasthan, Bihar, West Bengal, Andra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerela and Tamil Nadu. If the FYUP is not scrapped Campus Front will organize massive nationwide demonstrations.

“We are organizing a massive joint protest under the banner of Joint Action Front for Democratic Education (JAFDE) on 22nd June at Jantar Mantar and will also create awareness among masses in the following days. So the UPA led government should immediately take action to scrap the FYUP which is against the national education policy and welfare of the nation” Nazar added.

Atiya Firdous National Vice president Campus Front said that “it is quite alarming that when most of the political parties starting from CPI(I), CPI(M), RJD, BJP’s leadership has been condemning the FYUP and even few Congress leaders have come out against it then why the UPA led by Congress who blows trumpet of being secular party has not come out against FYUP”.

Campus Front has condemned the dictatorial attitude of DU VC in implementing FYUP, VC is still continuing his dictatorial attitude even today as Campus Front was organizing a peaceful signature campaign at Faculty of Arts Delhi University, the administration tried to interrupt the campaign but due to the support of students and teachers it was successful

Several students’ bodies have demonstrated against DU’s FYUP, calling it “anti-student and against educational reform that will adversely affect students coming from the SC/ST/OBC/PH and minority communities in many ways.”

Most importantly it introduces the ‘exit-point’ policy which legitimizes the dropout rate of the most deprived sections of student who come to this university. This extra year in the undergraduate programme will add to the financial burden of the majority of students. Further, the changes in the curriculum clearly reflect the the neo-liberal Indian State in collusion with the multinational corporate houses. The major victims of FYUP would be the SC ST and the minorities of the nation. Campus Front of India has been agitating with the demanding for the scrapping of this anti student FYUP for the day it was announced. Despite the vacations of college the movement against FYUP has been supported massively supported by the fraternity of students and teachers. And many politicians who believe in nation interest have openly come against the FYUP.

By IANS,

Thiruvananthapuram : The Kerala government Thursday decided to help migrants returning from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, following the tightening of labour laws there, by arranging alternate jobs or self-employment schemes for them, said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

"We had a detailed presentation by the Non-Resident Keralite Affairs (Norka) department on the various self-employment projects that these returning migrants can take up," said Chandy told media persons here after a special cabinet meeting.

"Norka will next week give the complete details of the self employment schemes that these return migrants can take up. I will also meet up with the commercial banks representatives to see what sort of assistance they can provide for these projects," he added.

He also said that he is going to call a meeting of the rich and influential businessmen who hail from Kerala but doing business in Middle East to see if they can provide employment to those people who return from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Chandy noted that there was speculation that a huge number of people would return from Saudi Arabia, "but now that appears not to be true because not many Keralites have registered with Indian Embassy there".

He thanked the Saudi authorities for "kindly agreeing to India's requests.

"They have agreed that they will have no objection if those who are asked to leave return with proper documents and they (the migrants) are free to seek employment in other Middle East countries," added Chandy.

He said the situation in Kuwait is such that even those with valid documents are sent back.

"We will again ask the Indian government to make a similar effort - as they did in Saudi Arabia - with authorities in Kuwait, so that they take a lenient step," said Chandy.

By TCN News,

Hyderabad: Students Islamic Organization of India, Andhra Pradesh zone organized a refugee meet on the occasion of world refugee day at Balapur, Hyderabad. This meet was especially been held for Rohingya Muslim refugees from Burma, whom many of them are sheltering in scattered refugee accommodations in the outskirts of the city.

While addressing the gathering Abdul Jabbar Siddiqi, Chairman, Human Welfare Foundation, A.P. extended his sympathies and best wishes to the refugees who had to fled from their lands. He said that one of the biggest problems in world is rehabilitation of refugees and every nation should take this issue seriously to reintegrate their refugees.

He exhorted the gathering that refugees are no less human and it’s the tragedy of modern times that the rise of the sectarian violence, rebellion against the governments and the state wars are displacing huge populations from their lands. He expressed his grieves on their plight and promised every possible help to them.

Br Iqbal Hussain, State President SIO asked the youth not to deviate from the path of truth and honesty and always have faith in God.

The refugees participated in singing and Quran recitation competitions. SIO distributed monsoon kits to all the refugee participants.

In this second and concluding part of his analysis Dr Mohammad Manzoor Alam says Nitish Kumar has to prove his credentials.

Dr. Mohammad Manzoor Alam,

JDU is trying to project its split with BJP as a reassertion of its secular credentials. It is difficult to understand how a party that has cohabited with BJP for so many years can become secular overnight.

In the last piece I had tried to analyse the long association of our Socialists with the Sangh, and Nitish Kumar’s long relationship with the BJP. This relationship has harmed Muslims of Bihar even though Nitish would be the last person to admit it. Unless he undos the harm, if not fully, at least substantially, his claims to secularism will not be credible.

When the Sangh supporters tried to force shopkeepers in Patna on their Vishwaghat Diwas (Betrayal Day) in protest against JDU for divorcing NDA, some shopkeepers resisted. The Sanghis tried, as usual, violence to enforce their will. This led to counter violence. A provoked Nitish called BJP “goondon ki party” (a party of violent criminals).

This raises the question as to who legitimised the goondon ki party by sharing power with it knowing that the goondas would harm Muslims. Nitish has only himself to blame today. Because of this power-sharing arrangement BJP has become very powerful today, and would certainly pose an electoral challenge to JDU in days ahead.

Test of Secularism

The Supreme Court asked Bihar government to fill 34,540 primary school teachers’ positions and out of these 12,862 were reserved for Urdu teachers. The government of Bihar issued a fresh advertisement changing the criteria for Urdu teachers’ appointment. Only those candidates could apply who had studied Urdu at plus two level with 200 marks. Also, they must have the degree of B.Ed. or B.T. before 23rd Jan, 2006. There was no such condition in the original advertisement. This new advertisement also mentioned that if no Urdu candidate was available, this vacancy would be transferred to general candidates. As a result, only around 7,000 were able to apply. Out of these around 4,000 got appointed. The rest were appointed as general-category teachers, leaving many schools without an Urdu teachers.

Earlier, a Fazil degree holder was recognised as a trained degree holder. Now this degree holder is not recognised as a trained degree holder.

In another unjust, anti-Muslim move, Persian and Arabic have been deleted from High School board examination.

The infamous Forbesganj killings have gone unpunished. Recently almost all adults fled the area as they were being falsely implicated in various cases. No compensation has been given.

As if to culturally harm Muslims and demoralise them not even a single Muslim Vice-Chancellor has been appointed. In JDU manifesto madarsa teachers were assured of 6th Pay Commission. But till date no action has been taken in this regard, which shows somebody in influential position in government has been subverting every action that could benefit Muslims.

Pension Scheme for minority college teachers was passed by the cabinet, but till date it has not been implemented because of interference of by the bureaucracy. There is no clear-cut policy for promotion of minority college teachers.

No permanent land, building, staff has been given to Maulana Mazharul Haque Arabic and Persian University. They are running the affairs from Urdu Bhavan as other universities have got hundreds of acres of land. All that shows a consistent effort to undermine the educational progress of Muslims.

Unless the above injustices are undone the JDU claim of secularism will sound hollow.

(Dr Mohammad Manzoor Alam Chairman Institute of Objective Studies.)

Related:

Today’s Bihar Could be Tomorrow’s India

By IANS,

Aligarh : A six-member delegation of the State Islamic University of Indonesia Friday visited the Aligarh Muslim University and discussed the possibility of greater cooperation in study and research between the two countries.

A student exchange programme was agreed upon by the two universities.

The Education Attache of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in India, Engineer Son Kuswadi, said Aligarh Muslim University was highly regarded in Indonesia. He recalled that the first Indonesian vice president Mohammad Hatta had also visited AMU in 1955. He said many Indonesian students who studied in AMU rose in position to serve their country.

Kuswadi said there were many students in Indonesia who wished to study in India, especially at AMU.

Rohimin, dean of the State Islamic University of Indonesia, pointed out that there were particular areas of study like Islamic Finance, Islamic Banking, Islamic Theology and Islamic Studies in which student exchange progarmmes could be undertaken.

Brig (retd) S. Ahmad Ali, pro-vice Chancellor of AMU, introduced the Indonesian delegation to the university and highlighted specific areas of mutual interest.

While widespread protests have taken place in the Eurosian Republic of Turkey with an unprecedented number of people taking to the streets, it is important for the world not to confuse or compare it with any recent revolution in the Arab world, writes Mohammad Behzad Fatmi.

By Mohammad Behzad Fatmi for TwoCircles.net,

The clashes in Turkey broke out after police tried to forcefully push people out of Gezi Park sitting in defiance of government's plan to demolish the park and build a commercial complex and a mosque on it. The park is located in the central Istanbul area of Taksim Square. The plan to uproot trees in one of the green spaces in the area is a part of wider urban redevelopment projects initiated by the government which also include rebuilding an Ottoman era military barracks adjacent to it.

Protesters shouting anti government slogans in front of policemen on June 11, 2013, in Taksim Square area in Turkey. People have been protesting for more than 14 days against the demolition of Gezi Park near Taksim Square.

Though in the initial days protest was peaceful and protestors had legitimate demand to protect the park in their locality but as soon as the police committed a mistake of trying to force people out of the park using tear gas and pepper spray, the demonstration took an ugly turn and escalated into clashes between police forces and demonstrators in different areas of Istanbul as well as some other Turkish cities.

The unnecessary excessive use of force by the police on peaceful protesters is undoubtedly unacceptable and should be a matter of concern for all the democratic societies but that does not in any way likens the healthy democracy of Turkey to the dictatorial regimes of Arab world which were toppled in recent past or are facing political turmoil.

A peaceful sit-in which has started with a demand of saving a park in the Taksim Square intensified into anti-government protests particularly targeting Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Now the protests are once again reflecting the country’s historical division between religious conservatives and secularists.

An angry protester shouts at the policemen, telling them to leave from Taksim Square, June 11, 2013 in Taksim Square, Turkey.

One special feature of Turkish politics is the ideological difference of secularism and religious conservatism being at the center of political structure in the country.

An important point to be noted here is that the Prime Minister Erdogan is widely perceived as an Islamist leader and his Justice and Development Party (AK Party) overtly has its roots in political Islam. Ever since he came to power in 2002 he has been seen as a matter of concern by the ultra-nationalist secular groups or Kemalist groups (the self proclaiming followers of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk) because of his image as an Islamist leader.

The widespread violent protests which are causing injuries to many people, damage to public properties and billions of dollars of losses to the state is not anymore led by nature-loving-common-man of Taksim Square but has spiraled out in the hands of the opposition forces in the country which are taking the incident at Gezi Park as an opportunity to tarnish the image of Erdogan’s government and if possible take his democratically elected government down.

Turkey has always had a turbulent state of democracy which has witnessed four military coups (1960, 1971, 1980 and 1997) as the country’s military considers itself guardian of the state and above political parties. They consider themselves the protector of secularism in the country and therefore whenever according to them a government deviates from the course of their stated secularism, they tend to act against it. In fact even if the government is freely and fairly elected for a third term to power (Erdogan’s government) in compliance with the internationally accepted democratic norms; the conspiracies of the military are still on.

Police firing tear gas canisters at the protesters to disperse them and evacuate the area, June 11, 2013 at Taksim Square in Turkey.

Just a few months back some confidential official documents were realized from the office of General Staff, the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) revealing plans to defame and discredit the government of the AK Party. The documents clearly indicate plans of the pro-coup faction nested within the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) to lay ground for facilitating another coup d'état in the country because they consider this government to be inclined towards religion.

Besides, the famous Ergenekon trials also revealed high profile conspiracy against the government of AK Party. Ergenekon is a clandestine network aimed at overthrowing the government by fomenting chaos in the country. The network includes members from the Turkish military and security forces as well as known faces from the fields of journalism and politics. Ergenekon trials are likely to conclude in a few months.

In a similar fashion another plot against the government dubbed as Sledgehammer came to light in 2010 though reportedly dates back to 2003. It included plans to bomb two Istanbul mosques and accuse Greece of shooting down a Turkish plane over the Aegean Sea. Again the purpose was to mobilize people against the government and spark violence which could justify a coup d'état.

A volunteer helping a protester, who is having problems to breathe due to the tear gas fired by the police, June 11, 2013, in Taksim Square, Turkey.

However, the government of Erdogan has not only defied all these challenges but has also strengthened the Turkish beleaguered democracy by providing long term political stability. The Turkish democracy which was earlier plagued by number of military coups and consistent threats of military intervention has now been emboldened. The long pending Turkey’s European Union accession talks started during his tenure. The economy has grown even faster than the biggest economies in the EU. The government has negotiated and convinced the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to withdraw from its soil (however, the militants have not fully retreated yet). The hostility among Turks and minority ethnic population of Kurds has subsided.

In view of the above mentioned conspiracies and considering sudden escalation of a park demonstration into violent anti-government protests, large and active involvement of opposition forces including political opponents and radical ultra nationalist groups is easily predictable.

Albeit, Erdogan’s government definitely committed a mistake by ordering its police forces to crackdown on peaceful protestors and the Turkish citizens might have many more matters of contention with his government but he still is the biggest and most liked political figure in the country. He still draws support from millions of people from all walks of life.

And to reiterate, he and his government is freely and fairly elected for a third term to power in compliance with the internationally accepted democratic norms. Therefore, comparing protests in Turkey to the uprisings in Arab world against the totalitarian dictatorial regimes will be unjust and a naive perception.

--

(Fatmi is an Indian journalist working in Turkey.)

(Photos & captions: Nasir Lone)

By IANS,

Thane (Maharashtra) : Ten people, including six children, were killed when a building collapsed here Friday, a police official said.

The accident occurred around 2 a.m. Friday, when the 35-year-old Shakuntala building suddenly came crashing down, catching sleeping occupants unaware, Inspector N.D. Chavan of Thane police said.

At least 23 people were rescued alive, Chavan said.

The dead children are Mahek Punjabi (two months old), Hamja Shaikh (four months), Hasina Maqdoom Shaikh (3), Taslima Karim Shaikh (3), Shabbir Karim Shaikh (6) and Rohan Farooqui (7).

The adults who died are Aliya Maqdoom Shaikh (22), Farid karim Shaikh (28), Karim Abdul Shaikh and Maqdoom Shaikh (both 32).

Chavan said that by Friday evening, most victims had been rescued.

There are no more victims feared trapped under the debris, he said.

District officials, including Mayor Harishchandra Patil, acting Municipal Commissioner Shyamsunder Patil, Thane District Collector P. Velrasu, Police Commissioner K.P. Raghuvanshi and others supervised the relief and rescue operations.

Mumbra Mayor Harishchandra Patil said the civic body will soon make arrangements to shift people from dilapidated and dangerous buildings to new rental houses.

"We are finalising the rent to be charged, which should be in the range of Rs.1,500 per month, so that occupants can be shifted out of dangerous buildings," Patil told reporters.

This is the second major building collapse tragedy in the Mumbai metropolitan region in the past 10 days.

On June 10, an old four-storeyed building collapsed at Mahim, central Mumbai, killing 10 and injuring another six.

Nearly three months ago, Thane's Mumbra district witnessed the state's worst-ever building crash, which left 75 dead and 60 injured.

The incident occurred April 4 at Shilphata, near this township, around 40 km from Mumbai.

By IANS,

Patna : The Congress party will not join the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar, state unit chief Ashok Choudhary said Friday.

"Congress has supported Nitish Kumar government but will not join it," Choudhary told media persons here, saying his party decided to support Nitish Kumar as his government was secular.

The four Congress legislators supported Nitish Kumar in the trust vote in the assembly June 19.

Choudhary said it was early to say anything on future political realignment in the state.

After the ruling Janata Dal-United (JD-U) ended its 17-year-old alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) BJP in Bihar, speculation was rife that the Congress will join hands with Nitish Kumar, deserting its old political ally, the Rashtriya Janata Dal of Lalu Prasad.

By TCN News,

New Delhi: Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) as part of national campaign intensified the campaign for the release of Muslims, tribals and rights activists languishing in jails being falsely accused of terror charges under UAPA and other anti-people black laws, organized a massive rally and a public meeting on 21 June in Okhla, New Delhi.

The rally with the theme of “Chalo Batla House” began from the Shaheen Bagh Police Post in Okhla New Delhi. The rally was inaugurated by Yasmin Farooqui, National Working Committee Member of SDPI. The rally participants raised slogans demanding the release of Muslim youth implicated in terror cases and scraping of anti people laws UAPA and AFSPA.

A public meeting was organized following the rally at Batla House Chowk. The meeting emphasized that a large number of innocent persons remain in prisons and their trials are indefinitely delayed. It is revealed by study reports that in all states the percentage of Muslim prisoners far exceeds their population percentage. Along with Muslims, tribals and right activists are also being jailed after falsely implicating them in extremism cases in some parts of the country. They are repeatedly denied bail in the name of UAPA provisions even after no concrete evidence could be produced to justify their detention.

SDPI National president, while addressing the public gathering said, “The situation will change only if victimized communities get politically empowered by themselves. Muslims have now become the target of communalist and imperialist forces all over the world. Global anti-Muslim forces are successfully implementing their programmes in India using government machinery. All the incidents now being projected as terrorist attacks from the side Muslims, took place after 1992, after the doors of the country were opened for Israel through diplomatic relationship. Allegations against Muslims in several incidents were afterwards proved false, but jails and defamation are still reserved for Muslims. Protests and demands have proved futile in front of the prejudices prevailing in the governance in India and it is time for the victimized communities to get empowered politically by their own means.”
E Abu Backer [former National Prez, SDPI] said, “Other than the lip services repeatedly offered by a few minority leaders of the Congress party, the UPA government has not yet initiated any steps for its implementation. Other political parties also are not showing any interest in the issue of Muslim reservation. The fact that the parliament has not even witnessed a serious discussion about the issue illustrates the apathy of mainstream political parties”.

P. Abdul Nazar, National President Campus Front and Ansar Indori, Popular Front Delhi State President also spoke on the occasion.

This meeting was the inauguration of the campaign and then follows various relevant programmes like pamphlet distribution, protest rallies and public meetings in the following months in all state head quarters of SDPI across the country.

By TCN News,

New Delhi: The central government will restore minority status of the Aligarh Muslim University by declaring it a minority institution, senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh has assured the a Muslim delegation who met the leader on June 10. Singh said that his party and the government is very serious on the issue.

“Congress Party and the UPA government are very serious and keen to restore the minority status to the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU),” said Digvijaya Singh, General Secretary of Congress party while interacting with a delegation of Sir Syed Minority Foundation of India (SSMFI), Aligarh led by its General Secretary MD Perwez siddiqui.

Perwez further quoted Mr. Singh as saying: “AMU has served nation and community well which is documented and its unfortunate that still AMU is waiting for its real status”. He pointed out that UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi had herself assured that minority status of AMU will be restored.

Presenting the demand of restoration of minority status to AMU, SSMFI Secretary Md Perwez siddiqui said that usually Members of Parliament, Members of state Assembly and people are not aware about the minority status of AMU and so we will publish a short Magazine on the issue soon. He said that it is the historical fact that AMU was established for bringing Muslims of India into mainstream. He demanded that the government should amend Article 30(1) if necessary and declare Minority Status to AMU.

SSMFI Vice-President, Abdul khalique kamil pointed out that in 1920 MAO College was incorporated into AMU and there is no controversy over it that MAO College was founded by Muslims, so the government has no difficulty in declaring AMU, a minority institution.

The delegation included Executive members SSMFI, Mobashshir Jamal,Tarique Reza Khan, Md Tabrez Siddiqui and also President Shamsul Rahman, along with some some students from Jamia Millia Islamia.

By Abdul Gani, TwoCircles.net,

Guwahati: One of the renowned female faces in the field of painting and sculpture of Assam Saleha Ahmed was honoured with Bishnu Prasad Rabha award along with dance exponent Garima Hazarika on the occasion of Bishnu Rabha Divas in Guwahati.

The death anniversary of Bishnu Prasad Rabha, one of the brightest personalities the state has ever produced in the socio-cultural scenario is observed across the state. On the occasion, the cultural department of Assam government has been honouring artistes for their life-long contribution to the field of art and culture and to the society as well. Bishnu Rabha also known as Kala Guru died on June 20 in 1969.

Award winners Saleha Ahmed (left) and Garima Hazarika with Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi. [Photo: Abdul Sajid]

“This award means a lot to me. I hope we too can do our part what Bishnu Rabha had wanted to do through art and culture,” said Saleha who became the first woman from the state to have the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Viswa Bharati University in 1972.

By doing that she has also set a standard for the women artistes in the state. “My family has been extremely helpful in chasing my dream. I’m happy doing that,” she added.

Saleha Ahmed, born and brought up in a liberal Muslim family in Jorhat. Her parents -- Kalimuddin and mother Nasreen Ahmed never deterred her from doing what she wanted to do.

Saleha, for whom painting and sculpture has been an integral part of her life exhibited her works in Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim and in several other places of the country.

She has been awarded for her contribution by several organizations like by Wood Curving, Assam, Assam Handicraft Board, International Fine Art Conservation Studios (IFACS), New Delhi and others. She has also been associated with number of organizations including Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, Gauhati Artists Guild, Jorhat Fine Arts School and others. Besides, her works have been placed at various institutes and organizations across the state.

By TCN News,

Aligarh: “The Aligarh Muslim University will send a medical team to provide medical aid to the pilgrims and tourists stranded in the flood-hit Uttarakhand”, said Brig. (Retd.) S. Ahmad Ali, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Aligarh Muslim University, while addressing a press conference at AMU. Aligarh Muslim University deeply mourns the death of pilgrims and shares the grief of those who have lost their dears in the tragedy. AMU fully stands by them in their hour of peril, he added.

Brig. Ali said that a Medical Team consisting of ten doctors of different specialties with adequate medicine and other accessories would visit Uttarakhand, which is reeling under the devastating flood, to help the people being rescued and treated in the hospitals of Rudra Prayag and other adjoining places. The medical team will try to reach as far as possible to provide instant medical relief to the victims.

AMU PVC addressing the Press Conference at Administrative Block

The doctors who have been included in the team are Dr. Anjum Parvez, Medicine (Team Leader), Dr. Murad Ahmed, President, Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA), Dr. Mahfooz Alam, Secretary, RDA, Dr. Naved, Paediatrics, Dr. Ehsan, Ophthalmology, Dr. Tausif, Surgery, Dr. Mansoor, ENT, Dr. Azhar Husain, Anaesthesia, Dr. Pramod, Gynaecology, Dr. Saleem Mohd., Intern Plastic Surgery, Mr. Rajiv Kumar, Paramedical Staff.

Pro-Vice Chancellor pointed out that the Aligarh Muslim University has earlier served by sending medical teams to help the rescued people during Bihar floods in 2008. It also sent humanitarian aid to Gujarat to assist people hit by devastating earthquakes that took place in recent times.

According to Brig. Ali, AMU intends to send National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers to help the army in rescuing people stranded in different parts of the Uttarakhand. He stressed the need for extending helping hand to those hit by the tragic calamity and express solidarity with the people of ravaged Uttarakhand. He urged the teaching and non-teaching staff of the University to volunteer their one day salary to the relief fund for helping out the victims of devastating flood in Uttarakhand.

By Mohd Mudassir Alam for TwoCircles.net,

On Thursday (June 20, 2013) the civil society came together at All India Muslim Majlis-E-Mushawarat under a platform to discuss the condition of Muslims in a symposium organized by Delhi based non-government society Human Chain. Named as the “The Role of Civil Society in promoting Education”, the symposium was attended by Sirajuddin Qureshi, President India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi as Chief Guest. Other notable speakers were Padmashree Prof Akhtarul Wasey, Director Zakir Hussain Institute of Islamic Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, Mahbubul Hoque, Founder and Chancellor, University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya and Prof Asif Ramiz Daudi, Jubail Industrial College, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

All the guest speakers and participants shared their views and the ways to empower them in all ways. Mohammad Aslam, President Human Chain in his speech presented a detailed statistics about the dismal condition of education among Muslims especially women. An Engineer by profession Aslam said, be it the national literacy percentage or state level literacy, representation in bureaucracy, share in politics, Muslims are far behind in comparison to other communities in India. The facts and stats presented by Aslam were eye-opening and compelled all to think about the issue sincerely. Minnat Rahmani, Secretary Human Chain while expressing his view on the topic insisted that we need people like Qureshi to bring changes in the status of Muslims.

Sirajuddin Qureshi, the Chairman and Managing Director at Hind Industries shared the experiences from his life including the role played in social activities. After accepting the proposal of mentorship of Human Chain happily, Qureshi assured all possible support for the society.

A B.A L.L.B from University of Delhi, Qureshi said that social activism has always remained important for him. With an aim to add value to Delhi’s rich culture and tradition I had gone ahead with the idea of establishing India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC) in 1980s. Although establishment of IICC was not an easy job but thanks to my dedicated approach and well-wishers this became a reality. Today alongwith serving as a good venue for seminars, conferences and other related social, cultural programmes, IICC is standing as a masterpiece of architecture. IICC is running various short-term courses, certificate courses, coaching and guidance programmes all round the year. I am dreaming to open a university in India, hope this would be a reality soon, added Qureshi.

Prof Akhtarul Wasey, a renowned name in the field of education poured in life the symposium by sharing the instances from his life. The Padamshree award winner insisted on the need of taking positive action in the field of education. “If we can use the resources of government like schools, colleges and institutions properly, I am sure the literacy rate and education status would surely improve,” mentioned Wasey. Appreciating the efforts of Human Chain in past one year, Wasey said hardy non-government societies work in a focused area and with specific goal. Human Chain is an exception since it has it specified area of work “Seemanchal”, which badly needs attention from all for all-round development.

Often referred to as “Modern Sir Syed”, Mahbubul Hoque specially visited Delhi from Assam to participate in the symposium. In his keynote address Mahbubul Haque share the story of his journey from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh as a student of MCA in early 2000s to the Chancellor of a University of Science and Technology. Hoque said, if with a personal computer I can open groups of institutions including CBSE affiliated schools, I am sure at least 50 percent of the participants in the symposium can open a school. He had also invited the audience to visit the north-eastern state of Assam where his institutions are flourishing with support of all sections.

The guest of honour Prof Asif Ramiz Daudi accepted the responsibility of “President Human Chain – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Chapter. Daudi said he is keenly following the activities of Human Chain for past a couple of months. “I am very much impressed with the modus operandi and dedication of society members. I will give my best to extend the chain of Human Chain to Gulf countries,” said Daudi. An AMU Alumni Daudi lauded the mission and vision of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and emphasized that if we deeply study them and work accordingly big change could be observed in the regions like Seemanchal and other parts of country, added Daudi.

Manzar Imam, a Delhi based freelance journalist hailing from Purnia had given a detailed explanation about the topic especially the meaning of “Civil Society”. Imam said, I am seeing a spark of a “Civil Society” in members of Human Chain, which has the potential to bring changes. Organising symposium and conferences on key issues like “Education” is the role of civil society and Human Chain is doing this wonderfully. Abid Anwar, a journalist with UNI too shared his views on the need of action from civil society in the field of education.

During the symposium the society handed over “Dazzling Star Certificates” to four of the members for outstanding performances namely Mujahid Akhtar Naaz, Tarique Sufyan, Salam Anwar and Abid Anwar. Nasim Haider, Ghulam Tarique, Shah Firoz, Mokarram Zia, Dilshad Alam, Mansoor Alam, Ghaznafar Elahi, Sarwar Alam, Mudassir Nazar, Shah Azam, Dilshad Ghani, Mubashshir Hussain participated in the symposium along with many others.

(Mohd Mudassir Alam is a Delhi based Journalist)

By TCN News,

Bhopal: In an attempt to awake political parties from there stupor, today several hundred gas victims staged a rally from Ganesh Mandir, Chhola to Bhopal Bus Stand for their long standing demands of compensation, punishment of guilty individuals and corporations. In the upcoming elections of state and central government, Bhopal gas victims have resolved that they will only vote for those political parties who will ensure their compensation and end the continuing injustices against them. Residents from J.P. Nagar, Shakti Nagar, Kainchi Chhola, Risaldar Colony and Rajgarh participated in this rally and shouted slogans “No compensation to Gas Victims, then No Vote of Gas Victims”, “No Justice, No Vote”.

Several residents of J.P. Nagar, Kainchi Chhola and Rajgarh have painted slogans “Compensation First, Second Vote” on their houses. “This time we will tell representatives of political parties visiting our communities that first secure our compensation and then ask for vote”, says Anees Qureshi from J.P. Nagar who lives right across from the Union Carbide factory.

Several gas victims believe that this is the right time to get answers from political parties towards resolving the lingering issues of compensation, punishment of guilty, medical and social rehabilitation. “This time we will only vote for that political party which ensures compensation and justice for Bhopal gas victims and we want to see result before the elections not after,” says Premlata Chowdhary of Kainchi Chhola,

In March 2013, five organization working among the survivors of the December 1984 Union Carbide gas disaster had written a letter to dozen political parties seeking their response and support to their 8 demands on additional compensation for the gas disaster, correction of figures of injury and death caused by the disaster, cleanup of contaminated soil and ground water, compensation for injuries and birth defects caused by toxic contamination, setting up empowered commission for rehabilitation and stopping Dow Chemical from doing business in India till it presents Union Carbide in the ongoing criminal case on the disaster. Except Aam Aadmi party, none of the parties have bothered to respond to the demands of gas victims.

Gas victims participating in this rally appealed to gas victims living in 36 wards to make judicious and strategic use of their power to elect candidates so that that the lingering issues of the disaster are resolved in their favor. They also said that similar rallies should be taken out by all gas victims in their own communities, Paint slogans on houses and shops, and question all the political representatives that come in their community on what steps they have taken in ensuring there compensation from the state and central governments.

By TCN News,

New Delhi: The Press Council of India has issued intimation to ten newspapers to appear before the inquiry committee for hearing on 16 July in response to the complaints filed by Popular Front of India, said O.M.A. Salam, General Secretary of the organization here on Friday.

Popular Front had approached the Press Council of India, the regulatory body over media, in April, last year against ten news papers viz., Dainik Jagran Hindi Daily (Meerut), Dainik Jagran Hindi Daily (Delhi), Hindustan Times English Daily (Lucknow), The Asian Age English Daily (Delhi), Deccan Chronicle English Daily (Ernakulam, Kerala), Nav Bharat Times Hindi Daily (Delhi), The Inquilab Urdu Daily (Delhi), The New Indian Express English Daily (Calicut, Kerala), The Sunday Guardian English Weekly (Delhi), The Pioneer (Delhi) for publishing “defamatory news against the organization with malicious intention to lower and damage its reputation.”

Subsequently, the complaints were taken on the file and show cause notices were issued to the newspapers.

In furtherance, now the Council had issued intimation to said news papers to appear before the inquiry committee for hearing on 16th July. The advocates Bahar U. Barki, Maroof Ahmed and A. Mohamed Yusuff will represent Popular Front of India in the Council.

What will it take to deal with the scourge of extremism eating into the vitals of the world of Islam?

By Aijaz Zaka Syed,

Some of my Pakistani friends had been offended when in an emotional piece some time ago I had the temerity to suggest that some of the greatest crimes against Islam and its followers have been committed in the land that was earned in the name of the faith. It was a situation of, in Parveen Shakir’s words, “Baat toe sach hai magar baat hai ruswai ki” (although this is the truth, it’s not good for our reputation).

Friday’s attack on a Shiite mosque in Peshawar, killing at least 15 people, is the third major suicide bombing in the country in the past six days. With these terror strikes in Pakistan last week, more senseless, totally absurd atrocities have been added to the long roll of crimes perpetrated in the name of Islam against the Muslims by fellow Muslims.

On June 18, a suicide bomber detonated his explosives at a funeral in Mardan in northwestern Pakistan. A member of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provincial assembly was among 35 people killed in the deadly blast.

On June 16, at least 25 people, including 14 female university students, four nurses, a medical officer and the deputy commissioner of Quetta, were killed when a bomb tore through a bus, followed by a suicide attack and a bloody gun battle in the Bolan Medical College hospital, where the injured students were taken for treatment. The authorities reveal that the first attack targeting the students of the region’s only all-women university was carried out by a female suicide bomber and has proudly been claimed by the banned Lashkar-i-Jhangvi,.

These terror strikes are apparently aimed at strengthening the hands of Pakistan’s new leader, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who has gone against the established traditions to confront the United States and his own army, warning in no uncertain terms that the dance of death in Pakistan’s skies must end.

With all those Lashkars, Jaishes and defenders of faith though, Pakistan hardly needs the services of Uncle Sam or assorted Indian and Zionist conspirators and saboteurs. Of course, this isn’t the first such attack and, rest assured, it will not be the last one. This conflict has already claimed more than 48,000 lives in the past few years, suggests a report by South Asia Terrorism Portal and Institute for Conflict Management.

In the past few years Pakistan has witnessed so much of mindless violence and splurging of innocent blood in its streets, mosques, schools and hospitals that the issue now evokes little more than helpless resignation and revulsion. After a point, death becomes a dull, daily routine and lost lives mere statistics.

But indifference and aversion cannot wish away this menace, this deep sickness that has crept into Muslim lands in the past few years. Convenient and convoluted interpretations and spin cannot treat this deadly disease.

What sort of people send a young woman to blow herself up with other totally innocent, unsuspecting fellow women on the way to college with stars and dreams in their eyes? What kind of religion do they believe in and where and how they came up with this morbid, sick interpretation of the faith? No religion sanctions killing of innocent people, especially women and children, least of all Islam. The faith I know and believe in along with more than 1.6 billion people sternly warns its followers against targeting of innocents including animals and plants even during a conflict.

What kind of holy war is this that drives people to turn on fellow believers and what divine goals do these holy warriors hope to achieve? Do they really think God will reward them for snuffing out the beautiful lives that He created? Would He shower His blessings on them for spilling the blood and guts of His children in the prime of life? Can there be a greater atrocity and outrage against the faith that so many believers led by the Prophet himself, peace be upon him, sacrificed so much to spread and strengthen?

Islam was sent down as a blessing for the whole of humanity, demolishing all false distinctions of birth, color, gender and social status. Who would have thought that Muslims would be killed for believing in it by fellow Muslims? According to a much quoted Hadith, the Prophet is said to have warned of a period when his followers notwithstanding their extraordinary numbers would find themselves under siege everywhere. Who would have known that the Muslims would end up their own worst enemies and of their own kind?

And this isn’t a problem that is confined to Pakistan. From the killing fields of Afghanistan, Iraq and Yemen to the battlefronts of Syria, Lebanon and Turkey, it is the same sickening story of the faithful being slaughtered at the hands of fellow travelers.

Groups like Al-Qaeda and Tahreek-i-Taleban that seemingly came into being to avenge the Western crimes and injustices against the faithful have killed more of their own people--an infinite number more—than their intended enemy. Indeed, more believers have died at the hands of their brethren than all the recent Western wars put together may have.

Remember the decade-long disastrous war between Iran and Iraq at the turn of the last century? Millions perished in the pointless clash, not to mention the mutual destruction of the two oil-producing nations under the benign gaze of the West and the rest. In Syria, what began as a people’s uprising against the long night of the Bathist tyranny has turned into a bitter, endless civil war claiming nearly 100,000 lives.

Clearly, we have a serious problem in our midst and the sooner we confronted it the better for everyone. We can go on deluding ourselves that all is well and that this is all part of a grand conspiracy to malign Islam and Muslims and do nothing. We can stand and stare while the world around us unravels and more and more impressionable minds are claimed by violent extremism with fingers inevitably being pointed at our faith.

Alternately, we could start fighting back confronting the dark forces in our midst. The enemy within now threatens our very identity and the sweet name of the faith that continues to conquer hearts and minds against all odds. This is the only way forward if we believe in Islam’s humane teachings and care for the future of our succeeding generations.

This is not a tiny fringe that we confront anymore. What we are staring at is an extraordinary ideological and existential challenge, the kind Muslim societies have never encountered in their eventful history. This calls for an equally extraordinary response from governments, Muslim scholars, intellectuals and everyone who is concerned over this mayhem and murder in our name. Mere condemnations and denouncements from the pulpit will not do. It is time for more forceful and effective measures to fight the scourge and present the real face and spirit of Islam — not just before the world but for the sake of our own. This is the real jihad calling us right now.

(Aijaz Zaka Syed is a commentator on the Middle East and South Asian affairs. Email: aijaz.syed@hotmail.com)

Advocate Ashok Agarwal, national president of All India Parents’ Association has written letter to Delhi’s Education Minister and urged to intervene.

By TwoCIrcles.net Staff Reporter,

New Delhi: A 14 yrs old Muslim girl Sidhra Malik from Shashi Garden in New Delhi is facing difficulty and resistance at the hands of Delhi Government as none of the Delhi Government schools nearby her residence is granting her admission in class IX for the academic year 2013-14.

Sidhra has now approached the President of All India Parents’ Association (AIPA) for help. Advocate Ashok Agarwal, national president of AIPA has now written a letter to the Education Minister of Delhi NCT, Kiran Walia urging her to intervene.

Sidhra Malik

14 yrs old Sidhra, daughter of Mohd. Eddrish Malik of the Jawahar Mohalla, Shashi Garden, Delhi-91 wanted to continue her studies despite the fact that her father is reluctant to allow her to study further. However, with support from her mother she overcame father’s resistance. However, school authorities are creating hurdles for her.

Eddrish Malik has a small junk/scrap shop in Mayur Vihar and has three children. Eldest son Shakib Malik has passed class XII this year, while youngest Sabiha is in class VI.

Sidhra passed class VIII in 2012-13 from Modern Convent Junior High School (Recognised), Noida (U.P.) while living with her grandparents at Ghaziabad. Since her grandparents have died, she has shifted to her parents who are living at Shashi Garden for last several years.

She possesses a valid Transfer certificate, required for changing school; she has still been made to run from one school to another for no known reason.

Speaking to TCN Advocate Agarwal said that school authorities play with the future of students coming from poor background for no valid reason and unnecessarily harass their parents. Earlier also similar complaints had come and with the intervention of AIPA, three Muslim students were finally admitted.

When Sidhra along with her mother approached the Government Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, Patparganj, Delhi-91 for admission, the Principal denied her admission saying “go to other school”. She also approached the Government School at Pocket IV but the principal of that school has also denied her admission arbitrarily.

Thereafter, she approached the Education Officer at Shakarpur Zone –II on 20.06.2013 with a written request. The Education Officer wrote to HoS, RSKV, Patparganj to consider her case for admission.

She immediately approached the Principal of RSKV, Patparganj for admission. The Principal again refused her admission by writing, “This address attached with Pocket IV School”. Sidhra again approached Pocket IV School but the Principal of the school again denied admission.

Sidhra informed all this to the Education Officer but the Education Officer seems to be helpless.

In the letter to the Education Minister Advocate Agarwal writes, “It appears that the Principals have no respect for their superiors and the superiors are dummy officers unable to take any action against the erring principals. This is how your education department works!”

Advocate Agarwal added, “It is really unfortunate that the Delhi Government has been making tall claims for the rights of the children belonging to minority communities but on ground, their basic rights are often violated with impunity.”

He considers it a deprivation of the her fundamental and human right to education as guaranteed to her under Articles 21 and 21-A of the Constitution of India read with the provisions of Right to Education Act, 2009.

National president of AIPA has hence urged the minister for intervention to help Sidhra study further in any school near her residence.

Related:

‘Muslim girls want to study – Delhi Government School says No’

By TCN News,

New Delhi: All India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat has called upon milli organizations to come forward and offer whatever help is possible to the hapless victims of the natural calamity.

Charity Alliance too is part of this effort and it will offer all possible help. In a press statement, Mushawarat appealed to “urgently donate whatever is possible to help our brothers and sisters in their hour of need and to boost the government’s efforts to rebuild the devastated areas.”

Whatever help comes, will be offered along with the milli organizations’ donations to the Prime Minister’s relief fund as direct relief work is not possible for ordinary persons in the present circumstances where roads have been washed off.