Bangladeshi Hindus -Update

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=69190

They have not forgotten the night before the eighth parliamentary election in 2001 which brought them some horrible experiences. The musclemen of former BNP lawmaker Shahjahan Omar, a graft accused, swooped on them with lethal weapons, trained guns on the men, assaulted the women and guarded their houses so that they couldn't go to poll centres.

The Hindus said those who dared to start for the polling centres were blocked on the way and beaten up irrespective of gender.

Anil, who made it to the polling centre, was stripped off his clothes in a public gathering during a victory meeting of BNP the next day, they added.

Shahjahan was so cruel to the community that even the poor among them had to pay his musclemen toll during wedding of their daughters to save them from being snatched from the bridal stage.

Most of those musclemen prevail. And some of those whisper to the ears of the helpless Hindus that it's not certain who would come to power and the army won't save them throughout the year.

"We will know who of you have voted for Boat and who for Sheaf of Paddy," said a whisper in the ears of the Hindu community.

When approached, none of the Hindus, however, dared to talk about the issue yesterday evening despite repeated attempts.

Finally, a BNP activist, who is also a victim of Shahjahan Omar's gang, after seeing the ID card helped this correspondent win the trust of a Hindu family.

"We cannot say whether we can vote as everything changes at the night before polls," said a middle-aged member of the family.

"We can say it for sure after the night tomorrow and once we safely reach the polling centre," added the mid-aged farmer. He stressed the necessity of special security on their way to and from the polling booths.

Requesting not to publish his name he continued, "If my name is mentioned, that might cost either my life or my honour or both."

Christianisation of Nepal - Update

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/Row_in_Nepal_over_sacking_of_Indian_priests_at_Pashupatinath/articleshow/3912870.cms


Prachanda takes the first steps towards the Christianisation of Nepal.


""The people have become suspicious about their intention after the Maoists' attack on the age old tradition," she said yesterday.

The Maoist government has sacked three South Indian priests including chief Priest Mahabaleshwor Bhatta and appointed Bishnu Dahal as head of the temple.

There has been South Indian Priests since the time of Malla Kings in 1747 AD."

Ancient Hindu Prayer To Open Oregon House Of Representatives

http://www.officialwire.com/main.php?action=posted_news&rid=83269&catid=854

Thanksfully there is no Brinda Karat in the USA to cry hoarse about oppression of minorities.

What happened to cross border trade - Update

Srinagar: The absence of telecom and banking facilities is hitting the recently-started cross-border trade in Jammu & Kashmir. Fruit growers and traders in the Valley have decided to stop sending their consignments to Muzaffarabad in PoK.“We don’t know what happened to the 7,000 fruit boxes we sent to Muzaffarabad.

They were worth Rs 35 lakh,” says Haji Farooq Ahmed Malik, president, Kashmir Valley Fruit Buyer's Association. The cross-LoC trade began on October 21 on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalkote routes after 60 years.

Question - What normally happens to apples?

Answer - Possibly, the Pakis ate them.

Kandhamal Update

http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/174C4CB0FFFFF3406525752F00558674?OpenDocument

in the face of the John Dayals and Brinda Karats who were shreiking about Hindu terrorism and RSS Fascism.

Excellent interview presenting the Hindu POV

http://www.zeenews.com/zeeexclusive/2008-12-27/493174news.html

A well known columnist, Rakesh Sinha has done a deep study of the RSS and the philosophy of Hinduism apart from following BJP’s rise to power. Besides being a professor of Political Science in Delhi University, he has also authored a book on the RSS founder titled ‘KB Hedgewar – A Biography’. In another of his famous works ‘Shri Guruji- & Indian Muslims’, he describes the thoughts and ideologies of RSS Sarsanghchalak MS Golwalkar. Being such an authority on the saffron ideology, he talks candidly to Zeenews.com’s Himanshu Shekhar , about the issues in the limelight especially the new face of terror, called ‘Hindu Terrorism’.

Excerpts:

Himanshu : ‘One man’s terrorist is other man’s freedom fighter’ is a saying. How will you react to the term called ‘Hindu Terrorism’ which has actually put the BJP and RSS in a Catch 22 situation?

Rakesh : Hinduism has a rich history and no one can actually tarnish its image. It is shabby media reporting which has coined terms like Hindu Terrorism. It is a religion propagated by the likes of Ramkrishna Paramhans and Swami Vivekananda. It is my firm belief that there may be some aberrations, but Hinduism has never taught any violence.

BJP has opposed the high handedness of the political system and its ideological pre-disposition in handling the Malegaon case. Sadhvi’s affidavit has exposed the poltical pressure on criminal justice system. However, in the larger interest of democracy and judiciary one has to maintain faith in the judicial system.

Himanshu : Do you think that very usage of terms like ‘Hindu Terrorism’ or ‘Islamic Terrorism’ is hitting the contours of Indian nationalism and secular fabric?

Rakesh : Of course it will have an impact, but in the long run India is strong enough to weather such things. People, who have come out on streets in Mumbai against terrorism, don’t want to see politicians. But surprisingly there has been increased voter turn out in recent elections which indeed is a welcome sign. Results of the recent elections also indicate that Indian democracy is vibrant enough to tackle any issue- even terrorism and separatism.

Himanshu : That does not answer my question on coinage of Hindu Terrorism and its impact?

Rakesh : Terrorism in Islamic countries is a worldwide phenomenon. I condemn media for using terms like Islamic terrorism. But you need to understand that things like ‘Jihad’ exist in Islam. Quran says that reaching to Allah is only possible if you practice Islam. I understand that people misinterpret it in different ways. Hinduism on the other hand says ‘Ishwar’ is one and there are uncountable numbers of ways that you can connect to him. It becomes the responsibility of the community to send a message that what is wrong is wrong, whosoever does it. And whatsoever faith they practice. It’s the educated Muslims who have taken to Jihad which is disturbing. Hinduism by and large is free from it mainly because there is no such concept like Jihad and I assure you there never will be.

Himanshu . The basic ideology which instils divisive politics is the philosophy of We and They. Guruji ( MS Golwalkar) was of the view that the Indian Constitution made a grave mistake by treating Hindus (WE) and Muslims (THEY) equally. Where does BJP or RSS stand on this Anti-Semitism now?

Rakesh : Guruji (MS Golwalkar) never used ‘They’ for all Muslims. The very use of the word ‘They’ is there in a book that is titled ‘We or our Nationhood defined.’ We was actually an abridged version of GD Savarkar’s book written in Marathi and Guruji just did a translation. As a matter of fact I would also like to make it clear that ‘They’ was specifically used in reference to people in Muslim League, who never thought of one India. In Pirpur, Muslim League passed a resolution which charged Mahatma Gandhi of protecting Hindu Fascism, which was not true.

Himanshu : …Why such hatred against the Mahatma then?

Rakesh : There is no hatred. Mahatma was a man whose secular credentials can never ever be questioned. It was he, who said, ‘…Iswar Allah Tero naam...’but he still had to face such charges from the Muslim League. He could have easily taken steps to save India. But it turned out that he could not. The man whom Gandhiji called Qaid-e-Azam was the chief motivator behind India’s partition. Appeasement was accepted by the Congress then and people like Guruji stood up against it. When people have a problem in calling India a mother, or have problems in singing ‘Vande Matram’, then it is an issue. Appeasement just can’t be accepted.

Himanshu : Today Indian politics is fragmented on basis of regionalism, casteism and communalism. Especially after the Mumbai attack, when there is so much public anger, what should political parties do to win back people’s trust?

Rakesh : The question is do you accept the existence of India. There is a growing intolerance in various sections of societies. I believe it is appeasement which has increased people’s militancy. India has to fight terrorism, naxalism and corruption in a big way. Only a united India can fight it. An India, which parts ways with the pan-Islamic approach, and works on Indianization of Islam. Politics is a reflection of society and it is the society which should work towards change.

Himanshu : Do you think that political-social degeneration has also affected RSS ideology, which has resulted in waning of committed cadres and to add, has BJP lost the tag of the party with a difference?

Rakesh : RSS ideology and organizations are unaffected by political environment. But there is an element of truth that the Bhartiya Janta Party is certainly affected by new rules and behavioral systems of competitive politics, still as a party BJP has shown more resilience than others. But, it also needs to do self introspection.

Himanshu : That means RSS has given up the long standing practice of screen testing people before they could actually get to join BJP. Is RSS losing its hold over the BJP?

Rakesh : It is an issue which media has often talked about. But let me tell one thing again that RSS never interferes with BJP’s inner strategy. Yes it’s a fact that people like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani proudly claim to be Swyamsevaks, but there is no law in the BJP which states that only a Swyamsevak can get party membership

Himanshu : BJP’s chief Rajnath Singh gave a clean chit to Sadhvi Pragya and Saraswati Dayanand Pandey, where does RSS stand on the issue?

Rakesh : Infact Rajnath Singh has opposed the politics behind Malegaon case. His opposition was vindicated by bail granted to Sadhvi and Dayanad Pandey. Pragya was an activist of ABVP but she later began her own mission in a different manner. In Hindutva movement RSS had hegemonic position but there are small streams some of which radically disagree with RSS. It is a misnomer to consider ‘Hindutva’ movement as monolithic and it is wrong to blame RSS for activities of any ‘Hindutva’ activist.

Himanshu : How does the RSS see itself in today’s era where moderation and inclusive politics are the key words? Is modern day RSS shifting its ideology and taking a more realistic approach?

Rakesh : It has expanded its base. RSS talks of one nation and talks of Hindu rights but if someone hates to hear the word Hindu, then there is a problem. What can you say to people who object to calling India as ‘Mother India?’ How will you explain the fact that 100 acres of land given to a Hindu shrine board had to be taken back? If RSS talks of all this, they are termed as playing divisive politics. Though there is no denying the fact that Indian politics is by and large inclusive and RSS has a responsibility towards generation next, which has more pragmatic things to worry about e.g. jobs, security and freedom.

Himanshu : RSS and BJP have for long talked of ‘Cultural Nationalism’ and alleged Congress of being pseudo-secular. But in a country with over 150 million of Muslims, what have they done to earn their trust?

Rakesh : This is one area where a lot of work needs to be done. We are not against Muslims, but we are for ‘One India’ and that is what should be showcased. But yes, there is an urge among current leadership in the RSS to be more proactive and send the right signals.

Himanshu : Atal Bihari Vajpayee was BJP’s most neutral face. Now that he has distanced himself from active politics, do you think LK Advani can gain that support, in case BJP falls short of a majority?

Rakesh : Well, long time back a US journalist asked Pandit Nehru: ‘Who after Nehru?’ And the reply was, “India is a vast and fertile land.” Whenever such situation arises, people come and take responsibilities. There are people who can easily step in the role but it won’t be good to name and single out people.

Himanshu : Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.

RakeshWelcome.

Don’t forget, don’t forgive

http://dailypioneer.com/DisplayContent.aspx?ContentID=146798&URLName=Don%25u2019t-forget-don%25u2019t-forgive

Of late, Mr Pranab Mukherjee has been adopting a tone and tenor worthy of the Foreign Minister of a great nation like India while dealing with a rogue state like Pakistan, which has made sponsorship of terrorism a key instrument of state policy. But if Mr Mukherjee is to take these threats to their logical conclusion and make our country terrorism-proof, he and the Union Government need to get an unambiguous signal from across the country that India will neither forget nor forgive Mumbai 26/11.

This can happen only if we shake off the tentativeness and confusion that has permeated national discourse in regard to Pakistan, and come face to face with reality. Though Pakistan was created on the premise that Muslims constitute a separate nation, it broke up into two within a quarter century of its birth and most South Asian experts predict a further disintegration of that country. Second, unlike India, which has become a vibrant democracy, Pakistan chose to become an Islamic state and this had a major social and political impact. For example, on the social side, Pakistan has virtually extinguished its Hindu population. The Hindus, who constituted 25 per cent of Pakistan’s population at the time of its birth, are now reduced to just 1.64 per cent. On the political front, the absence of democracy has encouraged the Army to often take control and to display belligerence towards India to retain its hold on the Government.

Often, even when there is a civilian Government, the Pakistani Army has resorted to unilateral military action. It made the first attempt to grab Indian territory when it sent in infiltrators into Jammu & Kashmir in October 1947. Instead of following the advice of top class military men like Field Marshal Cariappa and Gen Thimmiah, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru foolishly rushed to the United Nations complaining about Pakistan’s aggression. The UN promptly ordered a cease fire and India lost 30,000 square miles of territory to Pakistan.

Indians soon forgot what Pakistan had done. Worse, they even forgave Pakistan for this act of aggression. This suicidal Indian trait tempted Pakistan to do an encore in August 1965. The Indian Army pushed back the infiltrators and captured strategic positions in Haji Pir and Tithwal areas to effectively prevent further incursions. This clash resulted in a war, which concluded after the UN called for a cease fire. As the hostilities ended, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto swore in the Security Council that Pakistan would launch a ‘thousand-year war’ against India. When the Indian delegation walked out in protest, Bhutto said, “The Indian dogs are going home.”

This may seem incredible, but soon after Mr Bhutto showered these abuses on us, we bartered away the key territorial acquisitions at the negotiating table at Tashkent. This encouraged Pakistan to attack India yet again in 1971 when the latter objected to the brutality unleashed by the Pakistani Army in what is now Bangladesh, leading to the influx of 20 million refugees into our country. This led to a full-scale war in which the Pakistani Army was disgraced. India captured 93,000 Prisoners of War and 5,000 square miles of territory.

But all this was returned to Pakistan by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the Simla Summit without reclaiming even a part of the 30,000 square miles of territory that we lost in 1947. Everything was given back on a platter to Mr Bhutto, who by now had become Pakistan’s Prime Minister. Why? Because we did not want to ‘humiliate’ this uncouth politician who had classified us as ‘dogs’! We would never have suffered the embarrassment of 26/11 if only we were in the habit of reminding ourselves and every successive generation of Indians of Mr Bhutto’s abuses and bravado.

Strangely, even those who appeared wise when they sat in the Opposition benches have made terrible compromises on national security. The prize for the best somersault by an Indian politician vis-à-vis Pakistan goes to Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He had opposed the policy of appeasement followed by the Governments of the day after the 1965 and 1971 wars and scoffed at then Foreign Minister Swaran Singh for saying that the Simla Accord was the ‘first step’ towards durable peace.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha on July 31, 1972, Mr Vajpayee had said: “In the last 25 years, we have always been taking the first step. We took the first step when Nehru met Liaquat Ali Khan, then yet again when Nehru met Ayub Khan. We again took the first step when Shastri met Ayub Khan at Tashkent. And now, again at Simla we are taking the first step. How many times do we keep taking the ‘first step’ towards durable peace with Pakistan?”

Twenty-seven years later, Mr Vajpayee became the Prime Minister. It was now his turn to forget and forgive. Succumbing to pressure, Mr Vajpayee started speaking the language of Swaran Singh. So he ventured on an ill-advised bus ride to Lahore that culminated in that spurious bear hug with Mr Nawaz Sharif. Pakistan returned the compliment by invading Kargil. We lost hundreds of brave soldiers while reclaiming our territory. Soon thereafter, Mr Vajpayee was again under pressure and he invited Gen Musharraf to Agra for an ill-fated summit. Pakistan gave us a return gift by way of the assault on our Parliament House on December 13, 2001. In a short span of three years, Pakistan betrayed Mr Vajpayee thrice.

Now that the Congress is back in power and is, as usual, under the influence of many resident non-Indians, those of us who wish to secure India for posterity need to remind the Government of the following: If we had not forgotten the loss of 30,000 square miles of territory in October 1947, August 1965 would not have happened; if we had been firm and unyielding in 1965, Pakistan would not have had the courage to wage war on us in 1971; if we had driven in the knife in 1971, when we had 93,000 Pakistani Prisoners of War and territory, Pakistan would never have had the nerve to intrude into Kargil in 1999; if we had not forgotten Kargil, December 13, 2001 would not have happened; if we had not forgiven Pakistan for the audacious attack on our Parliament House, India would not have suffered the humiliation it did on 26/11.

The terror attacks in Mumbai offers us yet another opportunity to get our act together to protect our unity and territorial integrity. But we cannot achieve this unless we shun the policy of forget and forgive when it comes to Pakistan.

Politics with Terror - Update 2

Congress denies another BJP rules state sufficient security against terror - http://deccanherald.com/Content/Dec292008/state20081229109461.asp?section=updatenews

Seems like the congress is determined to punish the people of Karnataka for electing the BJP with almost a unanimous verdict just like they are punishing the people of Gujarat for electing Modi. It is an ode to the electoral gimmics of the Congress party which is determined to be back in power at all posssible costs even at the cost of lives of Indian citizens. In the event of any terrorist (on gunmen if you are from the BBC) strike in Bengaluru the lack of speed in response, caused by the congress denial of an NSG hub, will undoubtedly be used in the fingerpointing that will certainly follow.

Congress pats itself on its back - for what??

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/south-asia/india-responded-to-terror-attack-with-maturity-minister_100136251.html

India has acted with maturity and diplomatically…

Pakistan should act. It’s the responsibility of Pakistan to check militant activities in its soil. It must honour its commitment and assurances (to India and international community) that it will dismantle terror outfits

As a mature democracy of the world, India does not want to fix any timeframe for Pakistan to initiate action against culprits of the Mumbai terror attacks,
(http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008\12\30\story_30-12-2008_pg7_40)

Politics with Terror - Update

While Pakistan seems to have won the first battle with India in wriggling out of the situation it found itself in after the Mumbai attacks, the Congress party seems to be determined to notch up a couple of "victories" of its own in the domestic front. Here is Digvijay Singh making a couple of claims - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Terrorists_demands_were_rejected_Digvijay/articleshow/3910277.cms

But the Maharashtra Home minister denies it outright - http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=2&theme=&usrsess=1&id=238174

Confused? The Congress hand is with you. They are just as confused.

Bharat let down again by the Leaders

The usual bungling by DhimmiMohan Singh and team. Pakistan has got away yet again after aiding, arming, training and funding terrorist activities against India from Pakistani soil. Our Government yet again is confused and soft in dealing with an avowedly terrorist state. A country with ambitions of entering the global league of powers find itself incapacitated for lack of ideas and confidence. Bharatiyas let down again by the Congress cabal.
Seems like Indian hopes of US and UK support went no further than lip service form the self proclaimed supporters of democracy.

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1217482

"If Pakistan has won round one in the eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation following the Mumbai terror attacks, India has only its own poorly-thought-out strategy to blame.

The worldwide outrage following the Mumbai carnage and strident calls for action against terror outfits based in Pakistan appear to have fizzled out, with the international community shifting focus from terror to stopping a military escalation on the India-Pakistan border."

Land Grabbing Islamists

http://deccanherald.com/Content/Dec292008/district20081228109366.asp

Landgrabbing by pious mohammedans. This is a story that is repeated all over the world. Claim historical connection with a prime piece of land and shriek about it till the lies become truth. One hopes the government calls their bluff.

Jeans un-islamic

http://deccanherald.com/Content/Dec292008/national20081229109423.asp

wonder how far the "school" will go in banning pieces of clothing. Hugh Hefner must be looking at this very closely!!

Bangladeshi Infiltrator - Update

http://www.organiser.org/dynamic/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=269&page=33

ABVP fighting the Bangladeshi infiltrator problem. With the government not heeeding the opinion of the public, seems like mass mobilisation by the public is the only option.

Excellent article by Subramaniam Swamy

http://expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=A+strategy+to+deter+terrorism&artid=|Ci|Xx68mic%3d&SectionID=XVSZ2Fy6Gzo%3d&MainSectionID=XVSZ2Fy6Gzo%3d&SectionName=m3GntEw72ik%3d

Pakistani involvement is not because its civil society wants it, but because of the Islamic fervour in the army that is not reconciled to the defeat of its forces in Bangladesh.The same fervour has turned the Bangladesh establishment against India, and hence with the help of the ISI, al Qaeda has through its Indonesian wing established a base to help these terrorists and also to develop the HuJI, which is emerging as the human infrastructure of terrorists in India. Thus, Islam is the heart and Pakistan is the brain of terrorism in India.

Congress resents Dhimmis getting free

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/rise-of-bjp-in-j&k-worrying-sign-azad/403866/

So finally a party thats half nationalistic, BJP, get 11 seats in JK. After a hitwicket in Rajasthan and Delhi, something to cheer for.
Funny that some "experts" point towards communal voting to explain the good showing by BJP but the same verbiage wasnt used to explain the success of PDP and NC in JK, Muslim League in Kerala, MAJLIS ITTEHADUL MUSLIMEEN in Hyderabad......
Its communal only when hindus assert their identity.

Taliban will kill "school girls"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7799926.stm

More love forthcoming from the religion of peace.

Israel pounds Gaza

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7801662.stm

Something to learn from the Israelis. PM DhimmiMohan Singh probably should read up and introspect during his "sleepless night" bouts.

Marad killings: Five years on, 63 found guilty

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Marad_killings_Five_years_on_63_found_guilty/articleshow/3900654.cms

Some interesting snippets from the article -

"The case relates to the murder of eight Hindu fishermen by an armed mob at Marad beach on the night of May 2, 2003. One of the assailants was also killed during the attack."

"This assumes significance given that a one-man judicial commission under District Judge Thomas P Joseph, which probed the incident, had hinted at a foreign angle to it and raised fingers at the role of some Muslim League leaders."

"The commission's report was hard hitting and blamed some bureaucrats and politicians for their alleged role in the communal frenzy. In particular it pointed to the role of the then district collector T O Sooraj. He had taken control of the Marad Juma Masjid soon after the clashes following information that some of the accused had fled into it.

But then he allowed Muslim League MP E Ahmed, who is currently Union MoS for external affairs to enter the mosque. Later police recovered a huge cache of arms from the place of worship."

And the current PM asks people to eschew vote bank politics. This is the pot calling the kettle black!

Manmohan decries what Congress party stands for

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200812272028.htm

Appealing political parties to eschew the temptation of focussing on narrow agendas, Singh also asked the people to work together to "devalue the currency of so-called vote bank politics and mint a new currency of the politics of national development and unity".

Congress will be left with no election plan in that case.