By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Mumbai: In a formal meeting held yesterday at Haj House in Mumbai, Haj Committee of India gave the final shape to the much awaited training center for Muslim aspirants of Indian Administrative Service examination at central Haj House building in Mumbai.
Around four months ago Haj Committee of India had decided to train those Muslim talented youths who are eager to crack the Indian Administrative Service examination but they are unable to clear the exam due to lack of money or means. So far the matter was under consideration but yesterday it was finalized. In Mumbai it will be the first Centre where free training will be available for poor Muslim students for IAS exam.
In yesterday’s meeting Mr. S.A.M Hashmi, ex-principal of Akber Peer Bhai College, Mumbai has been selected as a director of the training centre and four floors of Haj House building have been spared for the purpose which will be used as hostel rooms, class rooms and dining rooms for students while library will be on ground floor.
50 students will be selected for the first batch on the basis of test. Students eligible for UPSC from across the country will be eligible to appear in the test. Among selected students who are financially sound will have to pay Rs. 2000/ as monthly fees while poor students will be provided scholarship along with all the facilities free of cost.
Chief executive officer of Haj Committee of India Mr. Muhammad Owais told media persons: “The centre will provide all the facilities to the students which are required for their training. We are in touch with talented and experienced professors to get their services for the centre. We are advertising about the centre through the newspapers in all parts of the country so that students from whole country may get benefit from the centre” he said.
He also informed that 16th August 2009 has been declared as the last date for submission of application for entrance test in the centre whereas date of exam would be finalized later.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Malegaon protests against dropping of MCOCA from 2008 blast case
By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Mumbai: Hundreds of Malegaon residents assembled in Azad Maidan in Mumbai yesterday to protest against the dropping of MCOCA from the September 2008 Malegaon terror blast case in which some Hindutva extremists including Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur are accused.
The protesters demanded progress in the case on the basis of proofs collected by slain ATS chief Hemant Karkare. They also demanded enquiry against the extremist organization Abhinav Bharat; most of the accused in the blast case had been affiliated to the group.
It was interesting that the protest was organized by Malegaon district Congress committee, Malegaon Youth Congress and Congress Minority cell under the leadership of Malegaon Congress MLA Shaikh Rashid, and they were blaming the ATS as well as ruling Congress-NCP state government for carelessness in the case, which led to the dropping of MCOCA from Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt. Colonel Purohit and others involved in September 29, 2008 Bhikku chowk, Malegaon bomb blast case.
A special court in Mumbai on 31 July ordered to drop MCOCA from Sadhvi Pragya Singh, Lt Col Prasad Purohit and nine others accused in 2008 Malegaon blast case. Since then every day Muslim, social and secular organizations have been holding protest rallies against the verdict in several parts of the country. But it was an agitation which was held by Congress leaders against Congress-led state government.
Leading the protest MLA Shaikh Rashid said that innocent Muslim youths accused in 2006 Malegaon bomb blast case were charged with MCOCA and being tortured while MCOCA has been dropped from Sadhvi Pragya Singh, Lt Col Prasad Purohit and others involved in 2008, Malegaon bomb blast. This was possible only because of carelessness of ATS which filed weak chargesheets against them in court.
“Sadhvi Pragya Singh and her associates are anti-national so if state government will not challenge the special court verdict within 15 days with strong proofs then we will file petition in the court on behalf of Malegaon citizens” said Mr. Shaikh Rashid.
“We are here to demand for justice; so government should take action against culprits of Malegaon bomb blast as soon as possible” he demanded.
Protesters alleged that killing of Hemant Kerkare was a conspiracy to save high-profile personalities whose names were to be disclosed in terror incidents that have taken place in the country. They asked immediate removal of ATS chief KP Raghuvanshi “who is responsible for dropping of MCOCA from accused in the case” and demanded government to put investigation report done by slain Hemant Kerkare before the court.
Meanwhile, home minister for state Mr. Arif Naseem Khan assured protesters to take tough action against culprits. He said that the government was prepared to challenge the special court verdict in High Court with strong evidences to charge accused under MCOCA once again to punish them.
Mumbai: Hundreds of Malegaon residents assembled in Azad Maidan in Mumbai yesterday to protest against the dropping of MCOCA from the September 2008 Malegaon terror blast case in which some Hindutva extremists including Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur are accused.
The protesters demanded progress in the case on the basis of proofs collected by slain ATS chief Hemant Karkare. They also demanded enquiry against the extremist organization Abhinav Bharat; most of the accused in the blast case had been affiliated to the group.
It was interesting that the protest was organized by Malegaon district Congress committee, Malegaon Youth Congress and Congress Minority cell under the leadership of Malegaon Congress MLA Shaikh Rashid, and they were blaming the ATS as well as ruling Congress-NCP state government for carelessness in the case, which led to the dropping of MCOCA from Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt. Colonel Purohit and others involved in September 29, 2008 Bhikku chowk, Malegaon bomb blast case.
A special court in Mumbai on 31 July ordered to drop MCOCA from Sadhvi Pragya Singh, Lt Col Prasad Purohit and nine others accused in 2008 Malegaon blast case. Since then every day Muslim, social and secular organizations have been holding protest rallies against the verdict in several parts of the country. But it was an agitation which was held by Congress leaders against Congress-led state government.
Leading the protest MLA Shaikh Rashid said that innocent Muslim youths accused in 2006 Malegaon bomb blast case were charged with MCOCA and being tortured while MCOCA has been dropped from Sadhvi Pragya Singh, Lt Col Prasad Purohit and others involved in 2008, Malegaon bomb blast. This was possible only because of carelessness of ATS which filed weak chargesheets against them in court.
“Sadhvi Pragya Singh and her associates are anti-national so if state government will not challenge the special court verdict within 15 days with strong proofs then we will file petition in the court on behalf of Malegaon citizens” said Mr. Shaikh Rashid.
“We are here to demand for justice; so government should take action against culprits of Malegaon bomb blast as soon as possible” he demanded.
Protesters alleged that killing of Hemant Kerkare was a conspiracy to save high-profile personalities whose names were to be disclosed in terror incidents that have taken place in the country. They asked immediate removal of ATS chief KP Raghuvanshi “who is responsible for dropping of MCOCA from accused in the case” and demanded government to put investigation report done by slain Hemant Kerkare before the court.
Meanwhile, home minister for state Mr. Arif Naseem Khan assured protesters to take tough action against culprits. He said that the government was prepared to challenge the special court verdict in High Court with strong evidences to charge accused under MCOCA once again to punish them.
On Shab-e-Bra’t Malegaon mourns victims of bomb blasts, prays for release of innocents
By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Mumbai: August 6, 2009 was quite a different day for Malegaon when it saw people of the area organizing silent protest by wearing black strip on their shoulders against dropping of MCOCA from Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and other Hindutva extremists, and mourning the victims of Malegaon bomb blasts in 2006 and 2008 and praying for release of the innocent Muslim youths languishing in jails for these blasts.
Malegaon Kul Jamati Tanzeem (KJT) called for a silent protest yesterday for seeking justice in both September 2006 and September 2008 bomb blasts cases. They selected the day for protest because it was the same occasion –Shab-e-Bra’t- on 8 September 2006 when blasts occurred immediately after Juma prayer in Bara Qabrastan and Mushawrat Chowk which killed 31 people and injured above 300.
According to local people instead of a fair investigation in the case then and present ATS chief Mr. KP Raghuvanshi arrested 12 Muslim youths and charged them with MCOCA while they are innocent and police held them on the basis of fake story.
Kul Jamati Tanzeem which comprised almost all Muslim organizations of Malegaon prepared a 300 pages report on 2006 bomb blast with the help of lawyers and fact finding team to probe innocence of Muslim youth who are behind the bar. KJT submitted that report to CBI but they yet to get justice.
Thousands of Muslims including youths, aged and children as well as political and social leaders attended the protest at Mushawarat Chowk. Social activists Firoz Mithiborwala and Kishore Jagtab of Awami Bharat, Mumbai and several others from different places were present in the protest.
Houses and streets of the locality were flying black flags to show their anger with the attitude of the security and intelligence agencies.
They also expressed their concern over dropping of MCOCA from Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur Lt. col. Pruhit and other nine accused in 29, September 2008 bomb blast which took place in Bhikhu Chowk area of Malegaon which claimed four lives and left at least 70 people injured. They demanded to charge them with MCOCA as soon as possible.
Protesters gave a 6-point memorandum to Additional Collector Mr. Ajay More who came to meet them.
Addressing the protesters Maulana Abdul Qayyum said: We will not sit silently unless real culprits are put behind the jail and innocents are released.”
“This is not a fight to save Muslims but to save the sovereignty of India because it is going to the control of Israel. So we will continue to fight until it is freed” said Firoz Mithiborwala on the occasion.
KJT has threatened to launch a mass jail bharo movement in case justice is not done soon. The protest started at sharp 1:50pm with the speech of Maulana Abdul Hameed Azhari, the convener of KJT, and concluded at 5:00pm peacefully with dua of Maulana Abdul Bari Qasmi.
Mumbai: August 6, 2009 was quite a different day for Malegaon when it saw people of the area organizing silent protest by wearing black strip on their shoulders against dropping of MCOCA from Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and other Hindutva extremists, and mourning the victims of Malegaon bomb blasts in 2006 and 2008 and praying for release of the innocent Muslim youths languishing in jails for these blasts.
Malegaon Kul Jamati Tanzeem (KJT) called for a silent protest yesterday for seeking justice in both September 2006 and September 2008 bomb blasts cases. They selected the day for protest because it was the same occasion –Shab-e-Bra’t- on 8 September 2006 when blasts occurred immediately after Juma prayer in Bara Qabrastan and Mushawrat Chowk which killed 31 people and injured above 300.
According to local people instead of a fair investigation in the case then and present ATS chief Mr. KP Raghuvanshi arrested 12 Muslim youths and charged them with MCOCA while they are innocent and police held them on the basis of fake story.
Kul Jamati Tanzeem which comprised almost all Muslim organizations of Malegaon prepared a 300 pages report on 2006 bomb blast with the help of lawyers and fact finding team to probe innocence of Muslim youth who are behind the bar. KJT submitted that report to CBI but they yet to get justice.
Thousands of Muslims including youths, aged and children as well as political and social leaders attended the protest at Mushawarat Chowk. Social activists Firoz Mithiborwala and Kishore Jagtab of Awami Bharat, Mumbai and several others from different places were present in the protest.
Houses and streets of the locality were flying black flags to show their anger with the attitude of the security and intelligence agencies.
They also expressed their concern over dropping of MCOCA from Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur Lt. col. Pruhit and other nine accused in 29, September 2008 bomb blast which took place in Bhikhu Chowk area of Malegaon which claimed four lives and left at least 70 people injured. They demanded to charge them with MCOCA as soon as possible.
Protesters gave a 6-point memorandum to Additional Collector Mr. Ajay More who came to meet them.
Addressing the protesters Maulana Abdul Qayyum said: We will not sit silently unless real culprits are put behind the jail and innocents are released.”
“This is not a fight to save Muslims but to save the sovereignty of India because it is going to the control of Israel. So we will continue to fight until it is freed” said Firoz Mithiborwala on the occasion.
KJT has threatened to launch a mass jail bharo movement in case justice is not done soon. The protest started at sharp 1:50pm with the speech of Maulana Abdul Hameed Azhari, the convener of KJT, and concluded at 5:00pm peacefully with dua of Maulana Abdul Bari Qasmi.
Patna Muslim religious institutions celebrate Independence Day
By Manzar Bilal and Mudassir Rizwan, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: With the sun rising in the morning of 15th August 2009 in the erstwhile Azeemabad, people came out in the streets to celebrate Independence Day. Besides hoisting flags, they presented different kinds of cultural programs. Like other communities Muslims of the city also celebrated the day with full enthusiasm – they hoisted flags at offices, workshops and religious and educational institutions, and paid homage to freedom fighters.
Muslim teenagers were excitedly marching on the roads towards their educational institutions raising slogans with holding flags.
Tiranga being hoisted at Imarat Shariah
“Freedom means that a man can express his view, can act upon his religious obligations and can think freely without any barrier. It is one of the most important bounties of Almighty God which was snatched from us by British government. It was the same day-15th August 1947- when we Indian got that bounty back. We, therefore, celebrate this day as national celebration day” said Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi, nazim Imarat Shariah Bihar, Orissa and Jharkhand while talking to TwoCircles.net.
“As Muslims we give especial importance to this day and remember our forefathers who sacrificed for the freedom and we also convey the message to new generations that to protect the freedom and sovereignty of the country is responsibility of every Indian” he added.
Tiranga being hoisted at Al-Ma’had-ul-Aali
Freedom fighter Maulana Saeed Ahmad, who is also na’eb Qazi of Imarat Shariah, hoisted the Tiranga at Imarat Shariah headquarters in Patna.
On the occasion he recalled the British rule: “It was the time when we all Indian had one aim – to throw out the British government from our country. We actively participated in the freedom movement. We visited rural areas to create awareness about freedom struggle. Whenever we went, we went with national flag with making slogans: ‘Hindustan Zindabad, Congress Zindabad and Jamiat Ulema Zindabad’. It was happiest moment when we got freedom from cruelty of British government” he told.
Muslim kids with Tiranga
In another programme, at 8 am a team of Ulema gathered to celebrate Independence Day in the compound of Al-Ma’had-ul-Aali, a centre where ulema are trained in Islamic fiqh. After hoisting the flag they recited the famous poem of Allama Iqbal ‘Sare Jahan se Accha Hindustan Hamara.’
Though students at Al-Ma’had were little in number because of annual vacation but those who were present there actively participated in the ceremony.
Muslim kids with Tiranga
Expressing his view on why we celebrate Independence Day Maulana Badr Ahmad Mujibi, headmaster of Al-Ma’had told TCN, “We celebrate this day as Independence Day as after a long struggle our country got freedom on this day. Our forefathers also took part in freedom struggle and gave matchless contribution to the country.
“Maulana Fazle Haq Kherabadi, Maulana Ismail Shaheed, Mulana Ahmad Shaheed, Maulana Qasim Nanotwi, Maulana Mhmood Hasan Deobandi and Maulana Hussain Ahmad Madni and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad etc. are some names of those who played a vital role in freedom of country” he added.
Patna: With the sun rising in the morning of 15th August 2009 in the erstwhile Azeemabad, people came out in the streets to celebrate Independence Day. Besides hoisting flags, they presented different kinds of cultural programs. Like other communities Muslims of the city also celebrated the day with full enthusiasm – they hoisted flags at offices, workshops and religious and educational institutions, and paid homage to freedom fighters.
Muslim teenagers were excitedly marching on the roads towards their educational institutions raising slogans with holding flags.
Tiranga being hoisted at Imarat Shariah
“Freedom means that a man can express his view, can act upon his religious obligations and can think freely without any barrier. It is one of the most important bounties of Almighty God which was snatched from us by British government. It was the same day-15th August 1947- when we Indian got that bounty back. We, therefore, celebrate this day as national celebration day” said Maulana Anisur Rahman Qasmi, nazim Imarat Shariah Bihar, Orissa and Jharkhand while talking to TwoCircles.net.
“As Muslims we give especial importance to this day and remember our forefathers who sacrificed for the freedom and we also convey the message to new generations that to protect the freedom and sovereignty of the country is responsibility of every Indian” he added.
Tiranga being hoisted at Al-Ma’had-ul-Aali
Freedom fighter Maulana Saeed Ahmad, who is also na’eb Qazi of Imarat Shariah, hoisted the Tiranga at Imarat Shariah headquarters in Patna.
On the occasion he recalled the British rule: “It was the time when we all Indian had one aim – to throw out the British government from our country. We actively participated in the freedom movement. We visited rural areas to create awareness about freedom struggle. Whenever we went, we went with national flag with making slogans: ‘Hindustan Zindabad, Congress Zindabad and Jamiat Ulema Zindabad’. It was happiest moment when we got freedom from cruelty of British government” he told.
Muslim kids with Tiranga
In another programme, at 8 am a team of Ulema gathered to celebrate Independence Day in the compound of Al-Ma’had-ul-Aali, a centre where ulema are trained in Islamic fiqh. After hoisting the flag they recited the famous poem of Allama Iqbal ‘Sare Jahan se Accha Hindustan Hamara.’
Though students at Al-Ma’had were little in number because of annual vacation but those who were present there actively participated in the ceremony.
Muslim kids with Tiranga
Expressing his view on why we celebrate Independence Day Maulana Badr Ahmad Mujibi, headmaster of Al-Ma’had told TCN, “We celebrate this day as Independence Day as after a long struggle our country got freedom on this day. Our forefathers also took part in freedom struggle and gave matchless contribution to the country.
“Maulana Fazle Haq Kherabadi, Maulana Ismail Shaheed, Mulana Ahmad Shaheed, Maulana Qasim Nanotwi, Maulana Mhmood Hasan Deobandi and Maulana Hussain Ahmad Madni and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad etc. are some names of those who played a vital role in freedom of country” he added.
A new company offers services for Shariah compatible investment in India
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: In today’s world stock market is an easy way to make money. There are a lot of companies across the world working in this field where people invest their money and get financial gain. Though Muslims in other countries are investing in stock markets but Indian Muslims have not shown much interest for reasons: in India most of the companies in this field are violating Islamic laws and norms of banking; most Muslims have little knowledge about stock market.
But in last few years several Shariah based investment companies came into field in India which promised to provide pure and Halal benefits to investors. These companies got good response from Muslims as well as others.
Ethical WealthCity & Investment Services is one of them. It was started last year in Chennai with the goal to provide Muslim community financial solutions and protections without compromising Islamic laws and ethics and now it will make entry markets practically in some other cities of the country after upcoming Ramadhan.
Talking to TwoCircles.net Mr. Abrar, Media Relations of Ethical WealthCity & Investment Services said: “Though we have launched it last year in Chennai but now we have plan to make entry into markets in some other cities of the country after Ramadhan. In these periods we have been investigating companies who are not violating Islamic laws and finally we have tied up with many companies in this category” he said. “Firstly we will establish its branches in Hyderabad, Bangalore and Kerala as Muslims are in sizable number there than other places.”
Asked whose brain is behind this project he said: “Mohamed Ajmal, Managing Director of WealthCity who is also a specialist in Islamic banking and finance, and a team of qualified people who are expert in stock market as well as Islamic law of commerce initiated to provide Muslims with a platform to get pure benefits from stock market” he said.
“Being the first company in whole South India to provide Shariah Compatible Investment Services, we have received positive and good response from people of the state and also across the country by the virtue of our reliable and Shariah based services” said Mr. Abrar.
Asked what is the difference between WealthCity and other Shariah based companies he told: “Actually our aim is to be the most trusted investment company and to combine the strength and our firm with the insight and experience of our associates to give our clients objective to help them achieve their long-term financial goals and to assist them in creating wealth, ethically, in financial markets” he said.
“We maintain the realistic communication with our clients. All of our recommendations are made with our clients' best interests in mind. We believe that our clients' success is our success” he added.
WealthCity claims to provide a complete financial suite to investors to pursue their investment goals with a dedicated team of advisors and an advanced e-trading portal which enables investors to buy and sell shares with ease, anywhere, anytime.
WealthCity has its Advisory Board which comprises Scholars, products of well-known Islamic universities such as Madina University, Deoband, Jamia Dar us Salam etc, who are well versed in the concept of Islamic Finance and people of high eminence giving exemplary service in the field of Islamic Finance. They provide Islamic guidelines on Stock Selection and on other financial matters.
“We have a team of experts who conduct in-depth research into nearly 6000 stocks listed in stock market, applying various Shariah Screening norms, like on the company’s Business activity and checking the company’s balance sheet for various complex financial ratios (for eg Debt,Equity & Recievables ratios), to weed out all companies not conforming to Islamic Standards” says Shams Tabraze Research Head of WealthCity.
WealthCity has tie up with Religare, a Ranbaxy promoter group company, is one of India's leading integrated financial service institutions.
“Keeping in mind, the Muslim’s dilemma and the need to be guided properly for investing in a Shariah Compliant and Profitable Way, WealthCity has teamed up with Religare and come up with a list of companies, which is well researched by financial specialists and screened for Islamic Parameters by Shariah scholars,” said Mohamed Ajmal, Managing Director of WealthCity.
WealthCity launched its website www.wealthcity.in with the aims to inform all users through the web about their products and services along with the reason for their participation in Islamic Stocks and finance. Information regarding why people tend to choose only Halal companies and what other religious scriptures say about investing the money in the right place.
The website also carries information about current trends in stock and financial market for its users.
For more information one can visit: www.wealthcity.in
Patna: In today’s world stock market is an easy way to make money. There are a lot of companies across the world working in this field where people invest their money and get financial gain. Though Muslims in other countries are investing in stock markets but Indian Muslims have not shown much interest for reasons: in India most of the companies in this field are violating Islamic laws and norms of banking; most Muslims have little knowledge about stock market.
But in last few years several Shariah based investment companies came into field in India which promised to provide pure and Halal benefits to investors. These companies got good response from Muslims as well as others.
Ethical WealthCity & Investment Services is one of them. It was started last year in Chennai with the goal to provide Muslim community financial solutions and protections without compromising Islamic laws and ethics and now it will make entry markets practically in some other cities of the country after upcoming Ramadhan.
Talking to TwoCircles.net Mr. Abrar, Media Relations of Ethical WealthCity & Investment Services said: “Though we have launched it last year in Chennai but now we have plan to make entry into markets in some other cities of the country after Ramadhan. In these periods we have been investigating companies who are not violating Islamic laws and finally we have tied up with many companies in this category” he said. “Firstly we will establish its branches in Hyderabad, Bangalore and Kerala as Muslims are in sizable number there than other places.”
Asked whose brain is behind this project he said: “Mohamed Ajmal, Managing Director of WealthCity who is also a specialist in Islamic banking and finance, and a team of qualified people who are expert in stock market as well as Islamic law of commerce initiated to provide Muslims with a platform to get pure benefits from stock market” he said.
“Being the first company in whole South India to provide Shariah Compatible Investment Services, we have received positive and good response from people of the state and also across the country by the virtue of our reliable and Shariah based services” said Mr. Abrar.
Asked what is the difference between WealthCity and other Shariah based companies he told: “Actually our aim is to be the most trusted investment company and to combine the strength and our firm with the insight and experience of our associates to give our clients objective to help them achieve their long-term financial goals and to assist them in creating wealth, ethically, in financial markets” he said.
“We maintain the realistic communication with our clients. All of our recommendations are made with our clients' best interests in mind. We believe that our clients' success is our success” he added.
WealthCity claims to provide a complete financial suite to investors to pursue their investment goals with a dedicated team of advisors and an advanced e-trading portal which enables investors to buy and sell shares with ease, anywhere, anytime.
WealthCity has its Advisory Board which comprises Scholars, products of well-known Islamic universities such as Madina University, Deoband, Jamia Dar us Salam etc, who are well versed in the concept of Islamic Finance and people of high eminence giving exemplary service in the field of Islamic Finance. They provide Islamic guidelines on Stock Selection and on other financial matters.
“We have a team of experts who conduct in-depth research into nearly 6000 stocks listed in stock market, applying various Shariah Screening norms, like on the company’s Business activity and checking the company’s balance sheet for various complex financial ratios (for eg Debt,Equity & Recievables ratios), to weed out all companies not conforming to Islamic Standards” says Shams Tabraze Research Head of WealthCity.
WealthCity has tie up with Religare, a Ranbaxy promoter group company, is one of India's leading integrated financial service institutions.
“Keeping in mind, the Muslim’s dilemma and the need to be guided properly for investing in a Shariah Compliant and Profitable Way, WealthCity has teamed up with Religare and come up with a list of companies, which is well researched by financial specialists and screened for Islamic Parameters by Shariah scholars,” said Mohamed Ajmal, Managing Director of WealthCity.
WealthCity launched its website www.wealthcity.in with the aims to inform all users through the web about their products and services along with the reason for their participation in Islamic Stocks and finance. Information regarding why people tend to choose only Halal companies and what other religious scriptures say about investing the money in the right place.
The website also carries information about current trends in stock and financial market for its users.
For more information one can visit: www.wealthcity.in
Friday, August 7, 2009
BHIWANDI HOPES
Bhiwandi power loom sector is happy that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs gave its approval to the implementation of the Comprehensive Power loom Cluster Development Scheme at Bhiwandi (Maharashtra) as a Central Sector Plan Scheme.
Manzar Bilal Qasmi
manzarqasmi13@gmail.com
The writer is a trainee journalist with MMERC, Mumbai
Recently, a delegation under the leadership of ex-MLA Rashid Tahir Momin met the state finance minister Mr. Patang Rao Kadam and requested him not to take a monetary fine from power looms owners. It is noteworthy that power loom owners pay eleven thousand yearly per power loom. In case of non- payment the power looms are seized by government officials which they claimed was totally unjust, because only gram panchayats and municipal corporations have the right to collect these kinds of penalties.
However, Mr. Patang assured the delegation that soon he would take a joint meeting with officials, district collector and representatives of power loom workers and would try to find a workable solution to this problem. He announced an immediate ban on collecting fines till any decision is taken.
Bhiwandi, known for its powerlooms all over the world, is situated about 50 kilometers from Mumbai in Maharashtra state. It is a key textile center of western India and comes under the administration of the Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation. According to a census, the total population of the Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation area is about 598,703.
Bhiwindi has approximately 12 lakhs powerlooms, which is 33% of country's total power looms. The turnover of this segment is projected to be around Rs.10,000 crores annually.
When textile mills in Mumbai and Gujarat were closed down, it was Bhiwandi's proximity to Mumbai's textile trading market and its already established handloom mills that made it a viable area for cloth production. In fact, several well-known mill brands now get most of their cloth from looms in Bhiwandi.
A majority of the powerlooms in Bhiwandi produce grey materials which are used as shirting and dress material. Cloth produced in Bhiwandi is mainly consumed by Indian market as it is not up to the mark in the international market. One reason for that is the second-hand technology. Most of the power looms in Bhiwandi are obsolete and old, as manufacturers over here prefer low-priced second hand power looms over new looms. Excluding some big players most of the units run in Bhiwandi are small units and could not afford to purchase or import high-priced machinery.
Despite being the country's largest power loom centre, Bhiwandi does not have the appearance of even a town. It looks more like a sprawling slum. There is very little development in the area. Open sewers and garbage dumps are seen everywhere. Most workers live in kuccha houses with tin roofs. Hopeless poverty is seen all round. No proper water or power supply is available to the residents.
Power consumption in Bhiwandi circle is around 2400 million units and more than 50% of this is consumed by the power loom sector. Power cut has been a daily story of this region. Although regular supply of electricity is lifeline of this industry it is facing hard times as there is a load shedding of 9-10 hours and that too everyday.
Workers are not happy in Bhiwandi
Workers in Bhiwandi live miserable lives since they have not been given sufficient salaries though government ruling in 1971 set down minimum wages for workers, but rarely are they given the fixed monthly salary according to the government ruling. Seeing their bleak future, workers have started to give up working at power looms that lead power looms owners to face several kinds of problems.
“Earlier in Bhiwandi you could pick up anyone off the road and he was willing to work in the loom for any amount. But now we are facing problems for lack of workers. Subsequently owners are forced to close down their looms.” said a trade union activist.
Shankar Chakarverti, the leader of workers union, said, “Bhiwandi has more than 10 lakh power looms in which most of the workers come from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Since they do not get sufficient salary, they now prefer other jobs or to go back home. Mostly they are not paid more than 3,000-4,000 for the whole month on which their entire families are dependent.”
Munir a worker, who is skilled in operating both the English and the Japanese machines, earns between Rs.3, 500 and Rs.4, 000 a month. He pays Rs.500 towards rent, Rs, 1000 for food. He sends the rest of his earnings to his family in U.P., which depends entirely on his salary.
Another worker Ramesh Yadav said, “There are no toilets, not even water to drink. We stand most of the time in queue to go to the toilet while we are already very tired. If I make even a small mistake on the fabric or if a little grease gets on the material, I can be fired." said Yadav adding that he has not been working for two weeks because of a leg injury while working on the loom. "The owner would not pay for my treatment," he said expressing his grief.
What is wrong with owners?
Akhter Ansari, Praween Jain, Ganesh Agarwal, Babu Lal Jain, Anil Kumar and many other power loom owners accept the fact that since they do not get even break-even prices of the cloths and are unable to pay better salaries to workers. But they also add that one of the root causes behind the fate of workers at powerlooms is the violence raised by MNS workers which forced North Indian workers to return home. They are facing two kinds of trouble: less income and lack of workers. In this scenario the once thriving powerloom industry has reached its nadir and powerlooms are closing down day by day. Industry leaders of the region have been shouting for help from the government to revive the sector
However, in this critical condition, this news made them hopeful that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs gave its approval to the implementation of the Comprehensive Power loom Cluster Development Scheme at Bhiwandi (Maharashtra) and Erode (Tamil Nadu) as a Central Sector Plan Scheme with a budget provision of Rs.140 crore i.e. Rs.70 crore for each cluster during the XI Five Year Plan in order to assist the entrepreneurs to set up world-class units with modern infrastructure, latest technology and adequate training and Human Resource Development (HRD) inputs along with appropriate market linkages.
The approved clusters would provide requisite support and linkages in terms of infrastructure and technology progression, product diversification, design development, raw material bank, marketing and promotion, credit, social security and other components that are vital for sustainability of weavers engaged in the decentralized power loom sector.
The clusters would also provide road connectivity, power supply, water supply, water reservoir with water harvesting facility, drainage and sewage lines, streetlights, secured compound wall and wire fence, solid waste disposal plant or effluent treatment plant, transportation facility etc.
The implementation of the scheme will benefit the weavers in developing and diversifying into new designs and products, providing a suitable workplace, market support etc. to improve their earnings and socio-economic conditions.
The scheme will be implemented through Public Private Partici patrion (PPP) model between central/state government, weavers and their groups who are financially creditworthy and commercially linked.
When EC talked to people of Bhiwandi to know their feelings about this scheme, Faizan Azmi, president of the Maharashtra State Powerloom Industry said “This will be for the betterment of the powerlooms sector and the city. We had been demanding some sort of help for the city. We had also met the textile minister and the Union agriculture minister to help us out,” he added.
“Powerloom owners need bank loans and electricity at subsided rates for improvement of the sector,” said Zahid Mukhtar, who owns 144 powerloom units in Bhiwandi. “As per my knowledge the scheme has all the facilities we needed for a long time but it depends on implementation,” he pointed out.
“I don't know anything about the scheme. But if anything good is happening for the city, we are happy with it,” said 65-year-old Azimullah, a native of Allahabad who has been a powerloom worker in Bhiwandi for 35 years.
“We need electricity for more hours every day, first,” said Mohammed Ibrahim Makhdum (35), another power loom worker and a native of Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh who earns a monthly salary of Rs 5,000. “If this load-shedding continues for nine to 10 hours everyday, we lose out on precious hours of work and money as well.”
Although Bhiwandi power loom sector is happy at this announcement and most take this as a positive step for the industry, they are waiting for the day when they will see the scheme implemented in the sector. Because they have been promised relief packages several times in the past, but they did not receive any help.
In 2004-5 the central government announced Rs. 125 crores for the development of power looms and likewise the state government also promised to cut 55% electricity bill for powerloom owners but it remained a promise only. Therefore, most of the people in Bhiwandi think the belated steps taken by the government are only to collect the votes in forthcoming elections and it will not make much difference to their lives as they had been duped time and again by both the central and state governments.
Manzar Bilal Qasmi
manzarqasmi13@gmail.com
The writer is a trainee journalist with MMERC, Mumbai
Recently, a delegation under the leadership of ex-MLA Rashid Tahir Momin met the state finance minister Mr. Patang Rao Kadam and requested him not to take a monetary fine from power looms owners. It is noteworthy that power loom owners pay eleven thousand yearly per power loom. In case of non- payment the power looms are seized by government officials which they claimed was totally unjust, because only gram panchayats and municipal corporations have the right to collect these kinds of penalties.
However, Mr. Patang assured the delegation that soon he would take a joint meeting with officials, district collector and representatives of power loom workers and would try to find a workable solution to this problem. He announced an immediate ban on collecting fines till any decision is taken.
Bhiwandi, known for its powerlooms all over the world, is situated about 50 kilometers from Mumbai in Maharashtra state. It is a key textile center of western India and comes under the administration of the Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation. According to a census, the total population of the Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation area is about 598,703.
Bhiwindi has approximately 12 lakhs powerlooms, which is 33% of country's total power looms. The turnover of this segment is projected to be around Rs.10,000 crores annually.
When textile mills in Mumbai and Gujarat were closed down, it was Bhiwandi's proximity to Mumbai's textile trading market and its already established handloom mills that made it a viable area for cloth production. In fact, several well-known mill brands now get most of their cloth from looms in Bhiwandi.
A majority of the powerlooms in Bhiwandi produce grey materials which are used as shirting and dress material. Cloth produced in Bhiwandi is mainly consumed by Indian market as it is not up to the mark in the international market. One reason for that is the second-hand technology. Most of the power looms in Bhiwandi are obsolete and old, as manufacturers over here prefer low-priced second hand power looms over new looms. Excluding some big players most of the units run in Bhiwandi are small units and could not afford to purchase or import high-priced machinery.
Despite being the country's largest power loom centre, Bhiwandi does not have the appearance of even a town. It looks more like a sprawling slum. There is very little development in the area. Open sewers and garbage dumps are seen everywhere. Most workers live in kuccha houses with tin roofs. Hopeless poverty is seen all round. No proper water or power supply is available to the residents.
Power consumption in Bhiwandi circle is around 2400 million units and more than 50% of this is consumed by the power loom sector. Power cut has been a daily story of this region. Although regular supply of electricity is lifeline of this industry it is facing hard times as there is a load shedding of 9-10 hours and that too everyday.
Workers are not happy in Bhiwandi
Workers in Bhiwandi live miserable lives since they have not been given sufficient salaries though government ruling in 1971 set down minimum wages for workers, but rarely are they given the fixed monthly salary according to the government ruling. Seeing their bleak future, workers have started to give up working at power looms that lead power looms owners to face several kinds of problems.
“Earlier in Bhiwandi you could pick up anyone off the road and he was willing to work in the loom for any amount. But now we are facing problems for lack of workers. Subsequently owners are forced to close down their looms.” said a trade union activist.
Shankar Chakarverti, the leader of workers union, said, “Bhiwandi has more than 10 lakh power looms in which most of the workers come from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Since they do not get sufficient salary, they now prefer other jobs or to go back home. Mostly they are not paid more than 3,000-4,000 for the whole month on which their entire families are dependent.”
Munir a worker, who is skilled in operating both the English and the Japanese machines, earns between Rs.3, 500 and Rs.4, 000 a month. He pays Rs.500 towards rent, Rs, 1000 for food. He sends the rest of his earnings to his family in U.P., which depends entirely on his salary.
Another worker Ramesh Yadav said, “There are no toilets, not even water to drink. We stand most of the time in queue to go to the toilet while we are already very tired. If I make even a small mistake on the fabric or if a little grease gets on the material, I can be fired." said Yadav adding that he has not been working for two weeks because of a leg injury while working on the loom. "The owner would not pay for my treatment," he said expressing his grief.
What is wrong with owners?
Akhter Ansari, Praween Jain, Ganesh Agarwal, Babu Lal Jain, Anil Kumar and many other power loom owners accept the fact that since they do not get even break-even prices of the cloths and are unable to pay better salaries to workers. But they also add that one of the root causes behind the fate of workers at powerlooms is the violence raised by MNS workers which forced North Indian workers to return home. They are facing two kinds of trouble: less income and lack of workers. In this scenario the once thriving powerloom industry has reached its nadir and powerlooms are closing down day by day. Industry leaders of the region have been shouting for help from the government to revive the sector
However, in this critical condition, this news made them hopeful that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs gave its approval to the implementation of the Comprehensive Power loom Cluster Development Scheme at Bhiwandi (Maharashtra) and Erode (Tamil Nadu) as a Central Sector Plan Scheme with a budget provision of Rs.140 crore i.e. Rs.70 crore for each cluster during the XI Five Year Plan in order to assist the entrepreneurs to set up world-class units with modern infrastructure, latest technology and adequate training and Human Resource Development (HRD) inputs along with appropriate market linkages.
The approved clusters would provide requisite support and linkages in terms of infrastructure and technology progression, product diversification, design development, raw material bank, marketing and promotion, credit, social security and other components that are vital for sustainability of weavers engaged in the decentralized power loom sector.
The clusters would also provide road connectivity, power supply, water supply, water reservoir with water harvesting facility, drainage and sewage lines, streetlights, secured compound wall and wire fence, solid waste disposal plant or effluent treatment plant, transportation facility etc.
The implementation of the scheme will benefit the weavers in developing and diversifying into new designs and products, providing a suitable workplace, market support etc. to improve their earnings and socio-economic conditions.
The scheme will be implemented through Public Private Partici patrion (PPP) model between central/state government, weavers and their groups who are financially creditworthy and commercially linked.
When EC talked to people of Bhiwandi to know their feelings about this scheme, Faizan Azmi, president of the Maharashtra State Powerloom Industry said “This will be for the betterment of the powerlooms sector and the city. We had been demanding some sort of help for the city. We had also met the textile minister and the Union agriculture minister to help us out,” he added.
“Powerloom owners need bank loans and electricity at subsided rates for improvement of the sector,” said Zahid Mukhtar, who owns 144 powerloom units in Bhiwandi. “As per my knowledge the scheme has all the facilities we needed for a long time but it depends on implementation,” he pointed out.
“I don't know anything about the scheme. But if anything good is happening for the city, we are happy with it,” said 65-year-old Azimullah, a native of Allahabad who has been a powerloom worker in Bhiwandi for 35 years.
“We need electricity for more hours every day, first,” said Mohammed Ibrahim Makhdum (35), another power loom worker and a native of Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh who earns a monthly salary of Rs 5,000. “If this load-shedding continues for nine to 10 hours everyday, we lose out on precious hours of work and money as well.”
Although Bhiwandi power loom sector is happy at this announcement and most take this as a positive step for the industry, they are waiting for the day when they will see the scheme implemented in the sector. Because they have been promised relief packages several times in the past, but they did not receive any help.
In 2004-5 the central government announced Rs. 125 crores for the development of power looms and likewise the state government also promised to cut 55% electricity bill for powerloom owners but it remained a promise only. Therefore, most of the people in Bhiwandi think the belated steps taken by the government are only to collect the votes in forthcoming elections and it will not make much difference to their lives as they had been duped time and again by both the central and state governments.
Give 10% reservation to Muslims: Ram Vilas Paswan
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: “If Bihar government is really serious to solve the problems of Muslims as it propagates, it must give 10% reservation to Muslims in jobs and educational institutions on the pattern of minority quota system in states like Kerala, Karnatka,Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pardesh” said Lok Janshakti Party chief Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan.
He was speaking at a conference held by LJP state minority cell at Shri Krishn Memorial Hall in Patna, Bihar.
“Muslims and Dalits are sailing in the same boat. As Dalits are facing problems in every field of life, Muslims also have been deprived of their actual rights. There is no confusion about sorry condition of Muslims after Sachar Committee Report revealed all the ground reality” he added.
Thousands of LJP workers from across the state attended the program. Shri Krishn Memorial Hall was full of LJP workers and common citizens. Both national and state level LJP leaders were present there.
“We are demanding the central government to table the Ranganath Mishra Commission Report in Parliament as soon as possible. LJP is making efforts in this regard at its level best” said Mr. Paswan.
“According to article 341 Dalit Muslims and Dalit Christians also deserve reservation and it is necessary to solve their social, educational and financial backwardness for the cause of a developed country” he added.
Criticizing Bihar government he said that it is a matter of concern that the government returned centeral funds for the welfare of minority communities, which has shown its seriousness about Minority especially Muslims’ problems.
He alleged that though Nitish Kumar claims to be a secular leader but reality is that his government is working on the instruction of Sangh Parivar. “No sooner the Lok sabha elections processes came to an end in the state than Nitish Kumar hugged Gujarat chief minister Mr. Narendra Modi in Haryana. Where was his secularism when he was hugging a communalist?” asked Mr. Paswan.
Addressing the gathering senior LJP leader Mr.Ahmed Ashfaq Kareem said that according to Sacher Committee Report Muslims’ condition is worse than Dalits. Therefore, Muslims should be given share in 125 LS seats which are reserved for Dalits. He also demanded that government budgets should be published in Urdu also as in Hindi and English.
President of state LJP Minority cell, Dr. Shahnavaz Kaifi demanded the government to make Liberhan Commission Report public and to implement Sacher as well as Ranganath Mishra Commission Report without further delay. He also emphasized on a separate quota to Muslim women in Women Reservation Bill.
Others who addressed the program included national president of LJP Minority cell, Afzal Abbas, Member of Parliament, Mr. Sabir Ali, national LJP general secretary, Abdul Khaliq, Ram Chander Paswan and Suraj Bhan Singh.
Patna: “If Bihar government is really serious to solve the problems of Muslims as it propagates, it must give 10% reservation to Muslims in jobs and educational institutions on the pattern of minority quota system in states like Kerala, Karnatka,Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pardesh” said Lok Janshakti Party chief Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan.
He was speaking at a conference held by LJP state minority cell at Shri Krishn Memorial Hall in Patna, Bihar.
“Muslims and Dalits are sailing in the same boat. As Dalits are facing problems in every field of life, Muslims also have been deprived of their actual rights. There is no confusion about sorry condition of Muslims after Sachar Committee Report revealed all the ground reality” he added.
Thousands of LJP workers from across the state attended the program. Shri Krishn Memorial Hall was full of LJP workers and common citizens. Both national and state level LJP leaders were present there.
“We are demanding the central government to table the Ranganath Mishra Commission Report in Parliament as soon as possible. LJP is making efforts in this regard at its level best” said Mr. Paswan.
“According to article 341 Dalit Muslims and Dalit Christians also deserve reservation and it is necessary to solve their social, educational and financial backwardness for the cause of a developed country” he added.
Criticizing Bihar government he said that it is a matter of concern that the government returned centeral funds for the welfare of minority communities, which has shown its seriousness about Minority especially Muslims’ problems.
He alleged that though Nitish Kumar claims to be a secular leader but reality is that his government is working on the instruction of Sangh Parivar. “No sooner the Lok sabha elections processes came to an end in the state than Nitish Kumar hugged Gujarat chief minister Mr. Narendra Modi in Haryana. Where was his secularism when he was hugging a communalist?” asked Mr. Paswan.
Addressing the gathering senior LJP leader Mr.Ahmed Ashfaq Kareem said that according to Sacher Committee Report Muslims’ condition is worse than Dalits. Therefore, Muslims should be given share in 125 LS seats which are reserved for Dalits. He also demanded that government budgets should be published in Urdu also as in Hindi and English.
President of state LJP Minority cell, Dr. Shahnavaz Kaifi demanded the government to make Liberhan Commission Report public and to implement Sacher as well as Ranganath Mishra Commission Report without further delay. He also emphasized on a separate quota to Muslim women in Women Reservation Bill.
Others who addressed the program included national president of LJP Minority cell, Afzal Abbas, Member of Parliament, Mr. Sabir Ali, national LJP general secretary, Abdul Khaliq, Ram Chander Paswan and Suraj Bhan Singh.
J&K Gujjar women most neglected in the country: survey
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
The empowerment of a woman leads to empowerment of entire family. But unfortunately women have always been neglected lot in every field of life. They have been generally kept out of development in the country. A survey reveals Gujjar women in Jammu and Kashmir are among the most backward and discriminated women in the country.
Compared to women of other communities, a worse picture of J&K Gujjar women has recently come to light as more than 1.4 million Gujjar women are facing utter gender discriminations in socio-political and government organizations in J&K. Since Independence, their presence in all major institutions in the state, is almost negligible, says a survey conducted by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation – a national organization working on Indian tribes with special focus on Gujjars.
The national secretary of the Foundation Dr. Javed Rahi while releasing the survey claimed that early marriage system, illiteracy, extreme poverty, and nomadic way of life are causing dark shadows over the future of Gujjar women who constitute more than 14% of total population of J&K. They are residing in the most backward, hilly and border areas of the state. According to Census 2001, the state population is 10, 143, 700.
The survey revealed that although the state government has declared 10% reservation to Gujjars since 1991 under Scheduled Tribe category, but it is surprising that the presence of women folk of this tribe in political and government organizations is almost zero. One of the root reasons is that they are not aware of the schemes launched by the government for their education and social uplift as they live in far-flung areas.
According to the survey which covers the overall development of Gujjar women, since 1947 no Gujjar woman has either been elected or nominated as member of state Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council or Parliament till the date.
It should be noted that during last sixty-two years only three women from this community have cleared the Combine Service Examination. No women from Gujjar tribe has served as under Secretary or above rank in J&K Civil Secretariat since its establishment, and none of them have become Sub Divisional Magistrate or above in state administration.
The situation of J&K police department is worst for women as among 390 DSPs, 163 SPs/SSPs, 2l DIGs and 19 IGs/ADGs/ DGs there has never been a Gujjar woman in the last 62 year after Independence, the survey revealed.
Moreover, in the state judiciary there are 85 Munsifs, 56 Sub Judges 67 District and Sessions Judges and 14 High Court Judges while only one woman from Gujjar community has served as Sessions Judge, the survey says.
The survey also threw light on the presence of Gujjar women in the banking sector. In J&K Bank, there are 3352 officer ranking staff members from Probationary Officers/Managers to the Chairman of the Bank. No woman from Gujjar tribe has yet become as PO or above in this institution since its establishment.
The survey further reveals that there are 303 teachers in the University of Jammu and 364 in Kashmir University. They include lecturers, readers and professors. No single Gujjar woman has been appointed as teacher to either of the universities since their establishment.
The most surprising revelation is that the only government department working for Gujjar affairs in Civil Secretariat is the State Advisory Board for the Development of Gujjars and Bakerwals. The Board has 16 staff members from Chairman to orderly and no Gujjar woman has ever been on the board.
The empowerment of a woman leads to empowerment of entire family. But unfortunately women have always been neglected lot in every field of life. They have been generally kept out of development in the country. A survey reveals Gujjar women in Jammu and Kashmir are among the most backward and discriminated women in the country.
Compared to women of other communities, a worse picture of J&K Gujjar women has recently come to light as more than 1.4 million Gujjar women are facing utter gender discriminations in socio-political and government organizations in J&K. Since Independence, their presence in all major institutions in the state, is almost negligible, says a survey conducted by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation – a national organization working on Indian tribes with special focus on Gujjars.
The national secretary of the Foundation Dr. Javed Rahi while releasing the survey claimed that early marriage system, illiteracy, extreme poverty, and nomadic way of life are causing dark shadows over the future of Gujjar women who constitute more than 14% of total population of J&K. They are residing in the most backward, hilly and border areas of the state. According to Census 2001, the state population is 10, 143, 700.
The survey revealed that although the state government has declared 10% reservation to Gujjars since 1991 under Scheduled Tribe category, but it is surprising that the presence of women folk of this tribe in political and government organizations is almost zero. One of the root reasons is that they are not aware of the schemes launched by the government for their education and social uplift as they live in far-flung areas.
According to the survey which covers the overall development of Gujjar women, since 1947 no Gujjar woman has either been elected or nominated as member of state Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council or Parliament till the date.
It should be noted that during last sixty-two years only three women from this community have cleared the Combine Service Examination. No women from Gujjar tribe has served as under Secretary or above rank in J&K Civil Secretariat since its establishment, and none of them have become Sub Divisional Magistrate or above in state administration.
The situation of J&K police department is worst for women as among 390 DSPs, 163 SPs/SSPs, 2l DIGs and 19 IGs/ADGs/ DGs there has never been a Gujjar woman in the last 62 year after Independence, the survey revealed.
Moreover, in the state judiciary there are 85 Munsifs, 56 Sub Judges 67 District and Sessions Judges and 14 High Court Judges while only one woman from Gujjar community has served as Sessions Judge, the survey says.
The survey also threw light on the presence of Gujjar women in the banking sector. In J&K Bank, there are 3352 officer ranking staff members from Probationary Officers/Managers to the Chairman of the Bank. No woman from Gujjar tribe has yet become as PO or above in this institution since its establishment.
The survey further reveals that there are 303 teachers in the University of Jammu and 364 in Kashmir University. They include lecturers, readers and professors. No single Gujjar woman has been appointed as teacher to either of the universities since their establishment.
The most surprising revelation is that the only government department working for Gujjar affairs in Civil Secretariat is the State Advisory Board for the Development of Gujjars and Bakerwals. The Board has 16 staff members from Chairman to orderly and no Gujjar woman has ever been on the board.
Communal violence erupts in Sitamarhi
y Manzar Bilal, TowCircles.net,
Being Holi and Eid-Miladun Nabi on the same day several incidents of communal violence broke out in several parts of the country which claimed many lives and left others injured. One thing similar in all the incidents was that Muslims lost their wealth and lives by Hindu extremists where they were in majority and by Police firing where Muslims were in majority.
In the morning of 13th March, thousands of Hindu extremists attacked on Muslim houses and shops and beat up Muslims and looted goods worth lakhs of rupees in Kaprol village of Sitamarhi district in Bihar. The miscreants also damaged the water-tank of the mosque in the village. Six people were injured and two of them are in serious condition.
The incident created fear among Muslims. They were forced to leave their homes and take refuge in other places. It is to be noted that Muslims are here in minority and Hindu communalists always try to torture them. Few days ago on the occasion of Saraswati Puja they took out idol procession through a restricted route as a mosque fell on it. They tried to unleash violence in the village but by the virtue of tolerance from Muslims situation remained normal and under control.
Talking about the yesterday’s incident, a local Muslim Mohammad Bashir said the incident occurred when a group of rioters entered Muslim houses with arms, attacked people and looted their properties. “It is not the first time but whenever they find chance they target us only because they are in majority” he told TCN.
However, after the clash security has been tightened in the locality and surrounding areas. So far no rioter has been arrested. Muslims of the area are frightened and situation is tense.
“The incident left bad impact on whole the area as Sitamarhi is one of the sensitive district which has seen several riots in past. But administration does not seem to take any tough action against culprits” said Bashir.
Meanwhile, both religious and political Muslim leaders from Sitamarhi expressed their anger on this shameful incident and demanded Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to take action against the accused. They also demanded sufficient compensation to affected families. They urged the chief minister to provide the local Muslims with adequate security.
Being Holi and Eid-Miladun Nabi on the same day several incidents of communal violence broke out in several parts of the country which claimed many lives and left others injured. One thing similar in all the incidents was that Muslims lost their wealth and lives by Hindu extremists where they were in majority and by Police firing where Muslims were in majority.
In the morning of 13th March, thousands of Hindu extremists attacked on Muslim houses and shops and beat up Muslims and looted goods worth lakhs of rupees in Kaprol village of Sitamarhi district in Bihar. The miscreants also damaged the water-tank of the mosque in the village. Six people were injured and two of them are in serious condition.
The incident created fear among Muslims. They were forced to leave their homes and take refuge in other places. It is to be noted that Muslims are here in minority and Hindu communalists always try to torture them. Few days ago on the occasion of Saraswati Puja they took out idol procession through a restricted route as a mosque fell on it. They tried to unleash violence in the village but by the virtue of tolerance from Muslims situation remained normal and under control.
Talking about the yesterday’s incident, a local Muslim Mohammad Bashir said the incident occurred when a group of rioters entered Muslim houses with arms, attacked people and looted their properties. “It is not the first time but whenever they find chance they target us only because they are in majority” he told TCN.
However, after the clash security has been tightened in the locality and surrounding areas. So far no rioter has been arrested. Muslims of the area are frightened and situation is tense.
“The incident left bad impact on whole the area as Sitamarhi is one of the sensitive district which has seen several riots in past. But administration does not seem to take any tough action against culprits” said Bashir.
Meanwhile, both religious and political Muslim leaders from Sitamarhi expressed their anger on this shameful incident and demanded Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to take action against the accused. They also demanded sufficient compensation to affected families. They urged the chief minister to provide the local Muslims with adequate security.
In Bihar and Jharkhand, Muslim orgs demand due share in LS seats
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: As parliamentary election is coming closer all the community are putting their demands before the political parties Muslim organizations in Bihar also released a combined statement and demanded the political parties to give Muslims proper representation in the elections and make all efforts for their success.
The statement was released by Imarat-e-Sharia, Idar-e-Sharia, Jamiat-e-Ulema-eHind,Imarat Ahl-e-Hadith and all India United Muslim Morcha in which their leaders expressed their sorrow on current backwardness of Muslim community in all sectors and blamed political parties for that.
Talking to TwoCircles.net Hasan Ahmad Qadri, the nazim of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Bihar said: “We have put our demands before the political parties and waiting for their reactions. If they will not fulfill our demands we will take decisions which we think is best for the community.”
He said that our organization is not political party so Muslim leaders themselves should also make pressure on their parties to give them their due share.
“We see that political parties are not acting upon our demands as in their lists Muslims are in fewer numbers so soon we will decide what to do next” said Syed Sanaullah of Idara-e-Sharia Bihar.
On the other hand in Jharkhand also Muslim organizations uniting under the flags of Imarate-Sharia and Idara-e-Sharia, warned the UPA, particularly the Congress that unless Muslims get proper representation in the coming parliamentary elections, the community will field its own candidates in at least six out of the 14 seats.
“The community has been used as a vote bank by the political parties. Most Muslims live in miserable conditions not only in this state but all over the country as well” said Idara-e-Sharia chief, Qutubuddin Rizwi. "In Jharkhand, Muslims constitute about 21 per cent of the population. Therefore, they deserve to contest in at least four seats,” he added.
But he made it clear that since Imarat-e-Sharia and Idara-e-Sharia are religious bodies, they are not interested in taking part in the polls.
"We want the UPA to pick good Muslim candidates and give them tickets in at least four - five constituencies like Godda, Dhanbad, Koderma, Chatra and Hazaribagh," Rizwi said.
The statement said in case their demands are not met by the political parties, they would field independent candidates from Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Koderma, Chatra, Dhanbad and Rajmahal with the support of other minority and deprived sections of the society.
Patna: As parliamentary election is coming closer all the community are putting their demands before the political parties Muslim organizations in Bihar also released a combined statement and demanded the political parties to give Muslims proper representation in the elections and make all efforts for their success.
The statement was released by Imarat-e-Sharia, Idar-e-Sharia, Jamiat-e-Ulema-eHind,Imarat Ahl-e-Hadith and all India United Muslim Morcha in which their leaders expressed their sorrow on current backwardness of Muslim community in all sectors and blamed political parties for that.
Talking to TwoCircles.net Hasan Ahmad Qadri, the nazim of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Bihar said: “We have put our demands before the political parties and waiting for their reactions. If they will not fulfill our demands we will take decisions which we think is best for the community.”
He said that our organization is not political party so Muslim leaders themselves should also make pressure on their parties to give them their due share.
“We see that political parties are not acting upon our demands as in their lists Muslims are in fewer numbers so soon we will decide what to do next” said Syed Sanaullah of Idara-e-Sharia Bihar.
On the other hand in Jharkhand also Muslim organizations uniting under the flags of Imarate-Sharia and Idara-e-Sharia, warned the UPA, particularly the Congress that unless Muslims get proper representation in the coming parliamentary elections, the community will field its own candidates in at least six out of the 14 seats.
“The community has been used as a vote bank by the political parties. Most Muslims live in miserable conditions not only in this state but all over the country as well” said Idara-e-Sharia chief, Qutubuddin Rizwi. "In Jharkhand, Muslims constitute about 21 per cent of the population. Therefore, they deserve to contest in at least four seats,” he added.
But he made it clear that since Imarat-e-Sharia and Idara-e-Sharia are religious bodies, they are not interested in taking part in the polls.
"We want the UPA to pick good Muslim candidates and give them tickets in at least four - five constituencies like Godda, Dhanbad, Koderma, Chatra and Hazaribagh," Rizwi said.
The statement said in case their demands are not met by the political parties, they would field independent candidates from Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Koderma, Chatra, Dhanbad and Rajmahal with the support of other minority and deprived sections of the society.
Muslims still scared in Ujjain town
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: Muslims in Mahidpura town in Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh are still under fear four days after the eruption of communal violence during which a Muslim youth was killed in police firing on the day of Eid-e-Miladun Nabi.
On 10th March a procession to celebrate Eid Milad-un-Nabi was taken out in the town. When the processionists were returning through their usual route – on which a group of the Hindu community was organizing ‘Akhand Ramayan Path’ on that day – some fierce argument took place between the two groups. Rather than handling the situation wisely, it is alleged, the police present on the occasion opened fire on the Muslim crowd resulting in the death of a Muslim youth and injuries to 17 others. Curfew was clamped immediately. Four days later situation yesterday was almost under control with Muslims still under fear.
Police claimed that they stopped members of a Muslim group, returning from a religious procession, from going towards the area where Hindus were holding a religious programme but the appeal went unheeded, leading to the communal clash.
But Nasir Mohammad, a social activist who rushed four injured people to the city hospital, said that instead of convincing the Muslim crowd, police opened fire immediately on Muslims while they could use lathi or fire in the air. “Police targeted Muslims deliberately,” added Nasir.
“If Muslim youth tried to go by the path where Hindus were holding religious programme the Hindus did not remain silent; on the contrary they started fighting with the processionists because they knew security forces were with them” Nasir told TwoCircles.net adding that while both the groups were pelting stones on each other, the police opened fire at Muslims.
Nasir also said that with a group of Muslim leaders he went to affected area and asked people to have patience. Asked about the current position of the area he said that now situation is calm but Muslims are still scared as police have arrested many Muslims after the incident and it is still going on.
Patna: Muslims in Mahidpura town in Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh are still under fear four days after the eruption of communal violence during which a Muslim youth was killed in police firing on the day of Eid-e-Miladun Nabi.
On 10th March a procession to celebrate Eid Milad-un-Nabi was taken out in the town. When the processionists were returning through their usual route – on which a group of the Hindu community was organizing ‘Akhand Ramayan Path’ on that day – some fierce argument took place between the two groups. Rather than handling the situation wisely, it is alleged, the police present on the occasion opened fire on the Muslim crowd resulting in the death of a Muslim youth and injuries to 17 others. Curfew was clamped immediately. Four days later situation yesterday was almost under control with Muslims still under fear.
Police claimed that they stopped members of a Muslim group, returning from a religious procession, from going towards the area where Hindus were holding a religious programme but the appeal went unheeded, leading to the communal clash.
But Nasir Mohammad, a social activist who rushed four injured people to the city hospital, said that instead of convincing the Muslim crowd, police opened fire immediately on Muslims while they could use lathi or fire in the air. “Police targeted Muslims deliberately,” added Nasir.
“If Muslim youth tried to go by the path where Hindus were holding religious programme the Hindus did not remain silent; on the contrary they started fighting with the processionists because they knew security forces were with them” Nasir told TwoCircles.net adding that while both the groups were pelting stones on each other, the police opened fire at Muslims.
Nasir also said that with a group of Muslim leaders he went to affected area and asked people to have patience. Asked about the current position of the area he said that now situation is calm but Muslims are still scared as police have arrested many Muslims after the incident and it is still going on.
Do not vote for the demolishers of Babri Masjid: Jagannath Mishra
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: With a day left for first phase of Lok sabha election, former Chief Minister of Bihar Dr. Jagannath Mishra has strongly opposed to vote for NDA and appealed to Muslims to vote for those who are in position to defeat BJP and its allies. Ruling JD-U in Bihar is part of NDA.
“The demolishers of Babri Masjid should not be given the governance of the country. Today, the country is being challenged seriously by communalism and terrorism. Therefore, communalist extremists must be kept away from the governance" said Mr. Mishra to media persons.
“The incidents of terror have been taking place for last few years which terrified the common people. Today a big question before the people is that which party should form the government at centre. Majority of the people wants a secular government at centre which will curb the communalism and terrorism” said former senior Congress leader Dr. Mishra adding “Definitely during the NDA government terrorism was increased. So, it is not worthy to take charge as central government.”
After quitting Congress Dr Mishra formed his own party. Later he joined JD-U. But two weeks ago he quit JD-U too.
“The root of the terrorism in India is demolition of Babri Masjid which created insecurity among the minority community. The party which demolished Babri Masjid is now claiming to hold the post of central government it is tragedy”
Mentioning the controversial issues in BJP manifesto, he said “BJP once again raised in its manifesto the issues which have been forgotten by people such as Ram Mandir, Article 370 and Uniform Civil Code. How government could be handed over to those persons who are facing trial in courts.”
He said that after Gujarat riot, then prime minister of India Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee had said that Gujrat riot is a blot on the face of nation and he wanted to remove the Narindra Modi but it was LK Advani who did not let him to do so.
“These kinds of leaders will promote the communalism and violence. Therefore, I appeal to all the secular people specially Muslims not to vote for any party which will help the formation of BJP government at centre. Vote for any candidate who may defeat the candidate of NDA alliance” he said.
Criticizing Bihar chef minister Mr. Nitish Kumar he said “Chief Minister claims that he will not accept the BJP’s agendas but it is known for all people that if BJP forms government at centre with the help of JD-U, then Mr. Nitish Kumar would not be able to stop BJP from acting upon its agendas and he will not bring down the BJP government” he said.
He alleged that the state government of Bihar did not much on PM-15 point program, Indira Awas Yojna, employment guarantee scheme, Madrasa modernisation programme and the appointment of Urdu translators.
Patna: With a day left for first phase of Lok sabha election, former Chief Minister of Bihar Dr. Jagannath Mishra has strongly opposed to vote for NDA and appealed to Muslims to vote for those who are in position to defeat BJP and its allies. Ruling JD-U in Bihar is part of NDA.
“The demolishers of Babri Masjid should not be given the governance of the country. Today, the country is being challenged seriously by communalism and terrorism. Therefore, communalist extremists must be kept away from the governance" said Mr. Mishra to media persons.
“The incidents of terror have been taking place for last few years which terrified the common people. Today a big question before the people is that which party should form the government at centre. Majority of the people wants a secular government at centre which will curb the communalism and terrorism” said former senior Congress leader Dr. Mishra adding “Definitely during the NDA government terrorism was increased. So, it is not worthy to take charge as central government.”
After quitting Congress Dr Mishra formed his own party. Later he joined JD-U. But two weeks ago he quit JD-U too.
“The root of the terrorism in India is demolition of Babri Masjid which created insecurity among the minority community. The party which demolished Babri Masjid is now claiming to hold the post of central government it is tragedy”
Mentioning the controversial issues in BJP manifesto, he said “BJP once again raised in its manifesto the issues which have been forgotten by people such as Ram Mandir, Article 370 and Uniform Civil Code. How government could be handed over to those persons who are facing trial in courts.”
He said that after Gujarat riot, then prime minister of India Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee had said that Gujrat riot is a blot on the face of nation and he wanted to remove the Narindra Modi but it was LK Advani who did not let him to do so.
“These kinds of leaders will promote the communalism and violence. Therefore, I appeal to all the secular people specially Muslims not to vote for any party which will help the formation of BJP government at centre. Vote for any candidate who may defeat the candidate of NDA alliance” he said.
Criticizing Bihar chef minister Mr. Nitish Kumar he said “Chief Minister claims that he will not accept the BJP’s agendas but it is known for all people that if BJP forms government at centre with the help of JD-U, then Mr. Nitish Kumar would not be able to stop BJP from acting upon its agendas and he will not bring down the BJP government” he said.
He alleged that the state government of Bihar did not much on PM-15 point program, Indira Awas Yojna, employment guarantee scheme, Madrasa modernisation programme and the appointment of Urdu translators.
Imarat Shariah to political parties: Promise to implement Mishra, Sachar reports
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: Ameer-e-Shariat Maulana Syed Nizamuddin has demanded political parties to include resolution to implement recommendations of Sachar Committee and Ranganath Mishra Commission in their election manifestos.
Addressing mediapersons in Patna yesterday, Maulana Nizamuddin, who heads Imarat Shariah (Bihar, Jharkhand and Orisssa) said that reports of Sachar Committee and Ranganath Mishra Commission have established the fact that minority communities are backward because they have been consistently denied their constitutional rights, and political parties did not keep their promises made during elections for the betterment of minorities. “Political parties should implement their promises, only then minority communities can trust them” said the Maulana who is also general secretary of All India Muslim Personal Law Board.
He also demanded political parties to give Lok Sabha tickets to Muslims proportionately, and called upon party workers to work sincerely for the success of Muslims candidates.
Asked which party Muslims should vote for in the upcoming parliamentary election, he said that Muslims should support secular parties. But he reserved his opinion on which party is secular.
Maulana Nizamuddin strongly supported Muslim reservation, saying “Muslims representation in government sectors is going low day by day and the only way to increase their percentage is reservation.” Unless Muslims are given 10% reservation in all government sectors their actual representations and partnership in nation building is impossible.
When TwoCircles.net asked how he was going to put pressure on the political parties to include Muslim reservation issue in their election manifesto, Maulana Nizamuddin said “Though it is very difficult and complicated matter but we are trying to make a national level platform with the association of all Muslim organizations. Through that platform we will put pressure on political parties to include Muslims reservation in their manifesto.”
He rejected the idea that demand of reservation will promote separation. “Because of backwardness Muslims are already alienated and reservation will help them to strengthen development of the country.
Expressing his grief on presence of several Muslim candidates in one constituency he suggested Muslims to agree upon one candidate so that they could minimize division of their votes and strengthen the possibility of their victory.
Asked if Imarat Shariah will issue any appeal before the Voting Day, the Maulana did not rule out the possibility.
Patna: Ameer-e-Shariat Maulana Syed Nizamuddin has demanded political parties to include resolution to implement recommendations of Sachar Committee and Ranganath Mishra Commission in their election manifestos.
Addressing mediapersons in Patna yesterday, Maulana Nizamuddin, who heads Imarat Shariah (Bihar, Jharkhand and Orisssa) said that reports of Sachar Committee and Ranganath Mishra Commission have established the fact that minority communities are backward because they have been consistently denied their constitutional rights, and political parties did not keep their promises made during elections for the betterment of minorities. “Political parties should implement their promises, only then minority communities can trust them” said the Maulana who is also general secretary of All India Muslim Personal Law Board.
He also demanded political parties to give Lok Sabha tickets to Muslims proportionately, and called upon party workers to work sincerely for the success of Muslims candidates.
Asked which party Muslims should vote for in the upcoming parliamentary election, he said that Muslims should support secular parties. But he reserved his opinion on which party is secular.
Maulana Nizamuddin strongly supported Muslim reservation, saying “Muslims representation in government sectors is going low day by day and the only way to increase their percentage is reservation.” Unless Muslims are given 10% reservation in all government sectors their actual representations and partnership in nation building is impossible.
When TwoCircles.net asked how he was going to put pressure on the political parties to include Muslim reservation issue in their election manifesto, Maulana Nizamuddin said “Though it is very difficult and complicated matter but we are trying to make a national level platform with the association of all Muslim organizations. Through that platform we will put pressure on political parties to include Muslims reservation in their manifesto.”
He rejected the idea that demand of reservation will promote separation. “Because of backwardness Muslims are already alienated and reservation will help them to strengthen development of the country.
Expressing his grief on presence of several Muslim candidates in one constituency he suggested Muslims to agree upon one candidate so that they could minimize division of their votes and strengthen the possibility of their victory.
Asked if Imarat Shariah will issue any appeal before the Voting Day, the Maulana did not rule out the possibility.
Controversial ‘India Summit 2009’ cancelled
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: A programme in London called “India Summit 2009” that had Muslim objecting to it because it invited Gujarat’s Chief Minister Narendra Modi has been cancelled.
Summit was organized by Dow Jones Financial News and to be held in London on 19th and 20th May 2009. Controversial Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi is blamed for the anti-Muslim violence of 2002 in his state that saw thousands of killings. Many continue to live displaced lives.
Modi was refused visitor visa by the US government in 2005 and revoked his existing diplomatic visas under the International Religious Freedom Act.
It is to be noted that in 2005 when Modi was to visit the UK, British Indian Muslims had demanded the Foreign Office of Britain to declare him a persona non grata and refuse him visa. Their demand at that time was rejected, despite strong evidences of Modi’s crimes.
In this year, when news came that Modi has accepted an invitation to address “India Summit 2009” organized by Dow Jones Financial News in London in May 2009, Munaf Zeena of Council of Indian Muslims wrote a letter to British Home Secretary Ms Jacqui Smith in which he conveyed to the government the annoyance that British Indian Muslims feel to see a mass murderer to be welcomed to Britain.
Munaf Zeena argued in his letter to probe Modi for his crimes and reminded the British government to follow the international law which says that a person against whom there is evidence that he has committed international crimes is subject to arrest, trial and if found guilty, to punishment.
Now this controversial programme has been canceled, a Dow Jones representative informed TwoCircles.net that it was “due to business reasons.”
Patna: A programme in London called “India Summit 2009” that had Muslim objecting to it because it invited Gujarat’s Chief Minister Narendra Modi has been cancelled.
Summit was organized by Dow Jones Financial News and to be held in London on 19th and 20th May 2009. Controversial Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi is blamed for the anti-Muslim violence of 2002 in his state that saw thousands of killings. Many continue to live displaced lives.
Modi was refused visitor visa by the US government in 2005 and revoked his existing diplomatic visas under the International Religious Freedom Act.
It is to be noted that in 2005 when Modi was to visit the UK, British Indian Muslims had demanded the Foreign Office of Britain to declare him a persona non grata and refuse him visa. Their demand at that time was rejected, despite strong evidences of Modi’s crimes.
In this year, when news came that Modi has accepted an invitation to address “India Summit 2009” organized by Dow Jones Financial News in London in May 2009, Munaf Zeena of Council of Indian Muslims wrote a letter to British Home Secretary Ms Jacqui Smith in which he conveyed to the government the annoyance that British Indian Muslims feel to see a mass murderer to be welcomed to Britain.
Munaf Zeena argued in his letter to probe Modi for his crimes and reminded the British government to follow the international law which says that a person against whom there is evidence that he has committed international crimes is subject to arrest, trial and if found guilty, to punishment.
Now this controversial programme has been canceled, a Dow Jones representative informed TwoCircles.net that it was “due to business reasons.”
Lok Sabha elections: For Patna Muslims security a major issue
By Manzar Bilal and Mudassir Rizwan, TwoCircles.net,
We do not hope anything from political parties for it is useless. Yes, we will vote for a party which assures to provide adequate security to the Muslim community from organized violence. Given the scenario of the country it will be better for us to vote for UPA at least to keep L K Advani away from being prime minister of India” says Muhammad Saleem, a fruit seller in Patna.
His views are shared by most of those Patnaites TwoCircles.net talked to. Security and keeping communal forces out of power are major concerns for people in this backward state where civic amenities are rare. Given the history of the Congress, a section is considering alternative. However, many are fed up with political parties, and hence have lost interest in elections.
Muhammad Saleem, a fruit seller in Patna
When TCN team in Patna met Muslims from different classes to know their opinions they found them angry with political parties because all of them have always exploited and cheated the community. They also criticized Muslim leaders who just serve their own purposes and do not dare to raise voice in Parliament and assemblies against cruelty on Muslims.
“We are not happy with any political party because all have been befooling us since Independence. No one is going to solve our problems until we ourselves stand to do so. Once our ratio in government sector was 14 percent and now it is less than 2 percent” said Qamar Rizwi, a businessman in Patna city. He further said: “I am not able to decide as to which party I should vote as all parties are sailing in the same boat”.
Qamar Rizwi, a businessman in Patna
50-year-old Hafiz Mazaherul Haq is so much upset with political parties that he is not interested to vote. He does not remember when he voted last. “I do not vote for any party because they are not serious about our problems and I do not see any alternative for which I should vote” he added.
Though Muslims are disappointed with all the parties including Congress but because they do not see any suitable alternative so some of them have soft corner for UPA alliance compared to NDA. They are going to vote only on the basis of security matter and to keep BJP out of power.
“This is a parliamentary election so we should vote for the party keeping an eye on national and international issues” said Mr. Fazluddin, owner of a cloth shop, adding that the present government led by UPA alliance has done better works at national and international level than NDA alliance. “Though the Sachar Committee report remains to be implemented but this government implemented many schemes for the minority communities compared to the previous one” he said.
Mr. Fazluddin, owner of a cloth shop in Patna
Muhammad Mahmood, a poor worker from Sitamarhi district working in Patna, expressed his anguish saying that besides giving every kind of sacrifice Muslims are discriminated in every aspect of life in the country. Asked which party he is going to vote for he said: “I will vote for the party which will provide security to Muslims and manage peaceful environment in the country because whenever violence erupts we become jobless” said Md. Mahmood.
Muhammad Saleem, a fruit seller in Sabzi Bagh, Patna, felt sorry to say that even Muslim leaders are not sincere to solve the problems faced by Muslims, let alone the politicians from other community. “We do not hope anything from political parties for it is useless. Yes, we will vote for a party which will give assurances that they will provide adequate security to the Muslim community from organized violence” he said adding, “Seeing the scenario of the country it will be better for us to vote for UPA alliance at least to keep L K Advani away from being prime minister of India” said Saleem.
“We want to live peacefully along with other communities in the country, and during this government led by UPA we did not see any pre-planned riot such as Gujarat riot so we will give vote in favour of UPA alliance” said 60-year-old vendor Muhammad Moheet. “Government should initiate to tackle poverty that we are facing today” he added.
Muhammad Moheet, vendor in Patna
As Muslims have bitter experience with Congress and BJP some of them want to do new experience and give chance to any new alliance.
Muhammad Asrar, a social activist, blamed all political parties that came to power after Independence for pushing Muslim community towards educational, social and financial backwardness by their double-standard policies. “Both Congress and BJP have always pained us. If Congress is a secular party so why it did not implement the Sachar Committee report and Sri Krishna Commission report and why Babri Masjid case is still stuck in court” he said. He also said that many welfare schemes were announced by government but how many Muslims have benefited is not known. “We will vote for non-UPA and non-BJP alliance so we can test them also” said Asrar.
“We want to change the government so that no party can take us as for granted and then neglect our problems and exploit us as happened in the past” said Dr. Ataur Rahman. He also advised Muslim leaders to learn lessons from the leaders of other communities who do not hesitate to go any extent for the benefit of their communities.
We do not hope anything from political parties for it is useless. Yes, we will vote for a party which assures to provide adequate security to the Muslim community from organized violence. Given the scenario of the country it will be better for us to vote for UPA at least to keep L K Advani away from being prime minister of India” says Muhammad Saleem, a fruit seller in Patna.
His views are shared by most of those Patnaites TwoCircles.net talked to. Security and keeping communal forces out of power are major concerns for people in this backward state where civic amenities are rare. Given the history of the Congress, a section is considering alternative. However, many are fed up with political parties, and hence have lost interest in elections.
Muhammad Saleem, a fruit seller in Patna
When TCN team in Patna met Muslims from different classes to know their opinions they found them angry with political parties because all of them have always exploited and cheated the community. They also criticized Muslim leaders who just serve their own purposes and do not dare to raise voice in Parliament and assemblies against cruelty on Muslims.
“We are not happy with any political party because all have been befooling us since Independence. No one is going to solve our problems until we ourselves stand to do so. Once our ratio in government sector was 14 percent and now it is less than 2 percent” said Qamar Rizwi, a businessman in Patna city. He further said: “I am not able to decide as to which party I should vote as all parties are sailing in the same boat”.
Qamar Rizwi, a businessman in Patna
50-year-old Hafiz Mazaherul Haq is so much upset with political parties that he is not interested to vote. He does not remember when he voted last. “I do not vote for any party because they are not serious about our problems and I do not see any alternative for which I should vote” he added.
Though Muslims are disappointed with all the parties including Congress but because they do not see any suitable alternative so some of them have soft corner for UPA alliance compared to NDA. They are going to vote only on the basis of security matter and to keep BJP out of power.
“This is a parliamentary election so we should vote for the party keeping an eye on national and international issues” said Mr. Fazluddin, owner of a cloth shop, adding that the present government led by UPA alliance has done better works at national and international level than NDA alliance. “Though the Sachar Committee report remains to be implemented but this government implemented many schemes for the minority communities compared to the previous one” he said.
Mr. Fazluddin, owner of a cloth shop in Patna
Muhammad Mahmood, a poor worker from Sitamarhi district working in Patna, expressed his anguish saying that besides giving every kind of sacrifice Muslims are discriminated in every aspect of life in the country. Asked which party he is going to vote for he said: “I will vote for the party which will provide security to Muslims and manage peaceful environment in the country because whenever violence erupts we become jobless” said Md. Mahmood.
Muhammad Saleem, a fruit seller in Sabzi Bagh, Patna, felt sorry to say that even Muslim leaders are not sincere to solve the problems faced by Muslims, let alone the politicians from other community. “We do not hope anything from political parties for it is useless. Yes, we will vote for a party which will give assurances that they will provide adequate security to the Muslim community from organized violence” he said adding, “Seeing the scenario of the country it will be better for us to vote for UPA alliance at least to keep L K Advani away from being prime minister of India” said Saleem.
“We want to live peacefully along with other communities in the country, and during this government led by UPA we did not see any pre-planned riot such as Gujarat riot so we will give vote in favour of UPA alliance” said 60-year-old vendor Muhammad Moheet. “Government should initiate to tackle poverty that we are facing today” he added.
Muhammad Moheet, vendor in Patna
As Muslims have bitter experience with Congress and BJP some of them want to do new experience and give chance to any new alliance.
Muhammad Asrar, a social activist, blamed all political parties that came to power after Independence for pushing Muslim community towards educational, social and financial backwardness by their double-standard policies. “Both Congress and BJP have always pained us. If Congress is a secular party so why it did not implement the Sachar Committee report and Sri Krishna Commission report and why Babri Masjid case is still stuck in court” he said. He also said that many welfare schemes were announced by government but how many Muslims have benefited is not known. “We will vote for non-UPA and non-BJP alliance so we can test them also” said Asrar.
“We want to change the government so that no party can take us as for granted and then neglect our problems and exploit us as happened in the past” said Dr. Ataur Rahman. He also advised Muslim leaders to learn lessons from the leaders of other communities who do not hesitate to go any extent for the benefit of their communities.
Ex-Bihar Assembly Speaker Hidayatullah Khan passes away
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: The former Speaker of Bihar Assembly and senior leader of Congress party, Mr. Hidayatullah Khan passed away in Patna yesterday. Khan, 82, had been ill for last few years. He took his last breath in Hai Hospital in the state capital.
Mr. Hidayatullah Khan, who has been an active prominent personality in Bihar politics, belonged to East Champaran district of Bihar. He was elected for Harsiddhi assembly seat in the district in 1972, 1980 and 1990 on Congress ticket.
He had been the president of Bihar Congress for a long period. He had also been Speaker of Bihar Assembly from 1989 to 1990.
Bihar Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar expressed his grief on his death and announced state honor to Khan’s last procession.
Mr. Hidayatulaah Khan’s body was brought to Sadaqat Ashram, Bihar Congress party headquarters in Patna, in the morning where many Congress leaders offered floral tributes to Khan. On behalf of Congress party Mr. Sumeer kumar Singh did it.
Anil Sharma, the president of Bihar Congress party, also expressed his deep concern on the demise of the Congress leader Khan and said that Mr. Hidayatullah Khan was a sincere and honest leader and as a president he strengthened Congress party while as an MLA and minister he did great service to Bihar.
Former Chief Minister of Bihar, Mr. Jagannath Mishra who had worked with Mr. Khan, said that his death is not only the loss of Bihar but also the loss of whole country. He said that Mr. Khan was recognized as a social activist and honest leader. Mr. Mishra also termed Khan’s death his personal loss because Khan was his close friend.
Patna: The former Speaker of Bihar Assembly and senior leader of Congress party, Mr. Hidayatullah Khan passed away in Patna yesterday. Khan, 82, had been ill for last few years. He took his last breath in Hai Hospital in the state capital.
Mr. Hidayatullah Khan, who has been an active prominent personality in Bihar politics, belonged to East Champaran district of Bihar. He was elected for Harsiddhi assembly seat in the district in 1972, 1980 and 1990 on Congress ticket.
He had been the president of Bihar Congress for a long period. He had also been Speaker of Bihar Assembly from 1989 to 1990.
Bihar Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar expressed his grief on his death and announced state honor to Khan’s last procession.
Mr. Hidayatulaah Khan’s body was brought to Sadaqat Ashram, Bihar Congress party headquarters in Patna, in the morning where many Congress leaders offered floral tributes to Khan. On behalf of Congress party Mr. Sumeer kumar Singh did it.
Anil Sharma, the president of Bihar Congress party, also expressed his deep concern on the demise of the Congress leader Khan and said that Mr. Hidayatullah Khan was a sincere and honest leader and as a president he strengthened Congress party while as an MLA and minister he did great service to Bihar.
Former Chief Minister of Bihar, Mr. Jagannath Mishra who had worked with Mr. Khan, said that his death is not only the loss of Bihar but also the loss of whole country. He said that Mr. Khan was recognized as a social activist and honest leader. Mr. Mishra also termed Khan’s death his personal loss because Khan was his close friend.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Secular government is necessary to protect democracy: JUH
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Bihar held annual meeting of its members of Working Board yesterday at Madni Musafirkhana Patna, Bihar under the presidency of Bihar president of JUH, Maulana Moeenudeen Qasmi.
In his welcome speech, Hasan Ahmad Qadri,nazim of Bihar JUH, said that Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind has been guiding Muslim community positively about national and milli affairs. “Today secular people are confused about upcoming parliamentary elections. Therefore, JUH consider its responsibility to guide people to the right way” he said.
Later the meet expressed sorrow on divergence of secular parties (UPA) alliance and called it tragedy for the nation. It appealed to all secular people for casting their votes wisely to protect secularism and democracy in the country and not to benefit communal parties and its candidates by dividing secular votes.
The meeting also felt sorry on secular parties’ candidates fighting each others and asked people especially minorities that in such conditions they should vote for any winnable secular candidate.
The meeting considered it necessary to make efforts for the success of secular and clean leaders.
Seeing the improper representation of Muslims in parliament, the meeting pressed to vote for Muslim candidates wherever they are in winning position otherwise to support unitedly any secular candidate.
The meeting was attended by many scholars and leaders including Maulana Mukarram Hussani, Maulana Ishaque, maulana Mashhood Qasmi, Suhail Ahmad Khan, the chairmen of minority commission, Shamael Nabi, former minister of Bihar, Dr. Inam Zafar Shamshi etc.
Patna: Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Bihar held annual meeting of its members of Working Board yesterday at Madni Musafirkhana Patna, Bihar under the presidency of Bihar president of JUH, Maulana Moeenudeen Qasmi.
In his welcome speech, Hasan Ahmad Qadri,nazim of Bihar JUH, said that Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind has been guiding Muslim community positively about national and milli affairs. “Today secular people are confused about upcoming parliamentary elections. Therefore, JUH consider its responsibility to guide people to the right way” he said.
Later the meet expressed sorrow on divergence of secular parties (UPA) alliance and called it tragedy for the nation. It appealed to all secular people for casting their votes wisely to protect secularism and democracy in the country and not to benefit communal parties and its candidates by dividing secular votes.
The meeting also felt sorry on secular parties’ candidates fighting each others and asked people especially minorities that in such conditions they should vote for any winnable secular candidate.
The meeting considered it necessary to make efforts for the success of secular and clean leaders.
Seeing the improper representation of Muslims in parliament, the meeting pressed to vote for Muslim candidates wherever they are in winning position otherwise to support unitedly any secular candidate.
The meeting was attended by many scholars and leaders including Maulana Mukarram Hussani, Maulana Ishaque, maulana Mashhood Qasmi, Suhail Ahmad Khan, the chairmen of minority commission, Shamael Nabi, former minister of Bihar, Dr. Inam Zafar Shamshi etc.
Maulana Naseeruddin conditionally ends hunger strike
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: In protest to the oppression and brutality which were going on upon Muslim prisoners in Sabarmati Central jail of Gujarat, Maulana Naseeruddin was on indefinite hunger strike from 27th March 2009. He ended the strike two days ago.
When Maulana Naseeruddin, who himself is in Sabarmati Central Jail, came to know about the inhuman behavior of the officials with Muslim inmates, he demanded that violence be stopped, guilty police officials are punished and injured Muslim inmates are provided medical facilities. But when his demands were not heeded to, he went on indefinite hunger strike.
Civil Liberties Monitoring Committee in a press release said that Maulana Naseeruddin detained in Sabarmati Jail of Gujarat for four and a half years, was on indefinite hunger strike against the atrocities on prisoners by the jail authorities.
The hunger strike of Maulana Naseeruddin put much pressure on the jail authorities. Therefore, they were forced to talk to him for ending his hunger strike.
Maulana made clear his stand that he would not end his strike until the jail authorities give him assurance that his demands will be fulfilled. Maulana handed over his list of demands and sought immediate implementation on that. He said that all the rights of the prisoners should be restored whole-heartedly.
He demanded the environment of judicial custody should be restored in the jail. Whoever prisoner commits mistake, only that particular person should be punished according to law instead of punishing all the inmates.
He asked that the beatings should be immediately stopped. Lathis and sticks should be immediately taken away from the wardens. All the facilities of medicines, hospitals and the recommendations of doctors should be provided.
He also said that FIRs of all the injured should be registered. They should be given medical treatment. Judicial inquiry should be conducted on all violence that took place in the jail and guilty officials should be punished.
The higher authorities assured Maulana that they will try to act upon his all demands and appealed him to end his hunger strike so that they get help to restore peace and normalcy in the jail premises.
They said that departmental inquiry would be conducted on the violence, the officials involved would be interrogated and action will be taken against them and the demand of judicial inquiry would be sent to the Gujarat Government.
Then Maulana conditionally ended his hunger strike but warned the jail authorities that if the demands were not met, the protest would be started again. He advised the jail officials not to violate human rights and stop cheating and making conspiracies against the prisoners because they can get away with all these in the world but cannot from the God’s eye.
Civil Liberties Monitoring Committee (CLMC) said that by going on hunger strike, Maulana raised voice against the atrocities by the jail officials and brought out facts before the people. CLMC will use all its sources and would try to provide justice to end the violence and achieve the justice.
Patna: In protest to the oppression and brutality which were going on upon Muslim prisoners in Sabarmati Central jail of Gujarat, Maulana Naseeruddin was on indefinite hunger strike from 27th March 2009. He ended the strike two days ago.
When Maulana Naseeruddin, who himself is in Sabarmati Central Jail, came to know about the inhuman behavior of the officials with Muslim inmates, he demanded that violence be stopped, guilty police officials are punished and injured Muslim inmates are provided medical facilities. But when his demands were not heeded to, he went on indefinite hunger strike.
Civil Liberties Monitoring Committee in a press release said that Maulana Naseeruddin detained in Sabarmati Jail of Gujarat for four and a half years, was on indefinite hunger strike against the atrocities on prisoners by the jail authorities.
The hunger strike of Maulana Naseeruddin put much pressure on the jail authorities. Therefore, they were forced to talk to him for ending his hunger strike.
Maulana made clear his stand that he would not end his strike until the jail authorities give him assurance that his demands will be fulfilled. Maulana handed over his list of demands and sought immediate implementation on that. He said that all the rights of the prisoners should be restored whole-heartedly.
He demanded the environment of judicial custody should be restored in the jail. Whoever prisoner commits mistake, only that particular person should be punished according to law instead of punishing all the inmates.
He asked that the beatings should be immediately stopped. Lathis and sticks should be immediately taken away from the wardens. All the facilities of medicines, hospitals and the recommendations of doctors should be provided.
He also said that FIRs of all the injured should be registered. They should be given medical treatment. Judicial inquiry should be conducted on all violence that took place in the jail and guilty officials should be punished.
The higher authorities assured Maulana that they will try to act upon his all demands and appealed him to end his hunger strike so that they get help to restore peace and normalcy in the jail premises.
They said that departmental inquiry would be conducted on the violence, the officials involved would be interrogated and action will be taken against them and the demand of judicial inquiry would be sent to the Gujarat Government.
Then Maulana conditionally ended his hunger strike but warned the jail authorities that if the demands were not met, the protest would be started again. He advised the jail officials not to violate human rights and stop cheating and making conspiracies against the prisoners because they can get away with all these in the world but cannot from the God’s eye.
Civil Liberties Monitoring Committee (CLMC) said that by going on hunger strike, Maulana raised voice against the atrocities by the jail officials and brought out facts before the people. CLMC will use all its sources and would try to provide justice to end the violence and achieve the justice.
AUDF rules out merger, offers outside support to UPA to ensure stability
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: Though Assam United Democratic Front (AUDF) in its debut Lok Sabha elections won only one seat the votes it polled in nine seats it contested in Assam proved its potency in the state politics. As the party caused defeat of some Congress candidates, the news was making round that Congress will induct AUDF in the UPA and offer a ministerial berth to blunt the sharpness of this rising enemy.
But the AUDF chief Maulana Badruddin Ajmal has put to rest the speculation by deciding to support Congress-led UPA from outside. Congress is its main rival in Assam.
Earlier it was said that Maulana Badruddin Ajmal will get ministerial berth in the new UPA government despite being the lone member of his party in the Lok Sabha as two senior Congress leaders Ahmed Patel and Gulam Nabi Azad had been in touch with Maulana Badruddin since the results were out.
The AUDF president had himself admitted that several Congress top leaders contacted him but, he said, he would not join UPA, rather support it from outside for the greater interest of secularism and stability. “People want stable government and we hope that it will continue for five years. We will support it from outside,” he said.
He, however, made it clear that despite supporting UPA at centre his party’s anti-Congress and anti-BJP stand would remain.
He also clarified that though there is no pre-condition for support, the AUDF would demand sealing of the international border, issue of identity cards, solution of the flood and erosion problems and compensation and rehabilitation of the victims of Nellie massacre and Bongaigaon riot victims.
Ruling out the possibility of merging AUDF in Congress as Assam chief minister offered recently, he asked how a party with 10 MLAs could be asked to merge. He said confidently that in the next assembly election AUDF would win more than 30 seats.
Patna: Though Assam United Democratic Front (AUDF) in its debut Lok Sabha elections won only one seat the votes it polled in nine seats it contested in Assam proved its potency in the state politics. As the party caused defeat of some Congress candidates, the news was making round that Congress will induct AUDF in the UPA and offer a ministerial berth to blunt the sharpness of this rising enemy.
But the AUDF chief Maulana Badruddin Ajmal has put to rest the speculation by deciding to support Congress-led UPA from outside. Congress is its main rival in Assam.
Earlier it was said that Maulana Badruddin Ajmal will get ministerial berth in the new UPA government despite being the lone member of his party in the Lok Sabha as two senior Congress leaders Ahmed Patel and Gulam Nabi Azad had been in touch with Maulana Badruddin since the results were out.
The AUDF president had himself admitted that several Congress top leaders contacted him but, he said, he would not join UPA, rather support it from outside for the greater interest of secularism and stability. “People want stable government and we hope that it will continue for five years. We will support it from outside,” he said.
He, however, made it clear that despite supporting UPA at centre his party’s anti-Congress and anti-BJP stand would remain.
He also clarified that though there is no pre-condition for support, the AUDF would demand sealing of the international border, issue of identity cards, solution of the flood and erosion problems and compensation and rehabilitation of the victims of Nellie massacre and Bongaigaon riot victims.
Ruling out the possibility of merging AUDF in Congress as Assam chief minister offered recently, he asked how a party with 10 MLAs could be asked to merge. He said confidently that in the next assembly election AUDF would win more than 30 seats.
Maulana Badruddin Ajmal has an edge in Dhubri LS constituency
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: Perfume baron and Assam United Democratic Front chief Maulana Badruddin Ajmal seems to have got an edge over his rival Congress candidate in Assam’s Dhubri Lok Sabha constituency. People are looking with interest at the seat wherein they expect a direct and tough fight between AUDF and the Congress.
On one hand Congress leaders are campaigning with all strength for the party nominee and sitting MP, Anwar Hussain. Chief Minister of Assam, Mr. Tarun Gogoi is also busy attracting voters in the minority-dominated areas. He has addressed a number of election meetings in the south bank of the district.
On the other hand, AUDF supremo Badruddin Ajmal, who is fighting for Dhubri besides Silcher constituency, is leaving no stone unturned for his victory. He got the upper hand as the AGP-BJP’s candidate Nilimay Prodhani’s nomination was rejected last week. Though AGP-BJP combine is now supporting Arun Das of Rastrabadi Sena – who does not stand anywhere in front of Maulana Ajmal because he is not a familiar figure in the district – the fight is all set to be between AUDF and Congress.
A big plus point for Maulana Badruddin Ajmal is that the ruling Congress has just one MLA in Dhubri district while AUDF has three sitting MLAs in South Salmara, Dhubri and West Bilasipara. Maulana Ajmal himself is representing Dhubri.
Moreover, AUDF president Maulana Ajmal got enough time for campaigning as he had already covered almost all the areas of the Lok Sabha constituency before the announcement of the LS polls.
There are 13, 75,585 electors in the Dhubri LS constituency and the number of Hindu votes is approximately, 4, 50,000. The total electors of three assembly segments represented by AUDF stand at 3, 97,957. In the last Lok Sabha polls, the sitting MP Anwar Hussain retained the seat by securing only three lakhs votes.
Seeing all these facts, observers say that Maulana Badruddin Ajmal will give a tough fight to the Congress sitting MP, Anwar Hussain who has earned displeasure of a sizeable part of minority voters.
Meanwhile, Maulana Badruddin Ajmal, during a rally warned Tarun Gogoi-led Congress Government in the state of a big jolt after the Lok Sabha poll and said that Congress will score zero in the forthcoming electoral battle and the exit of Congress is eminent.
Criticizing the Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and two of his junior colleagues Raqib ul Hussain and Himanta Biswa Sharma, the AUDF supremo said that they have become restless because of the unprecedented rise of his party and hence began to beat about the bush.
On the other hand, the ruling party has alleged that AUDF has entered into a secret understanding with AGP-BJP combine following the rejection of the candidature of Nilimay Prodhani.
Patna: Perfume baron and Assam United Democratic Front chief Maulana Badruddin Ajmal seems to have got an edge over his rival Congress candidate in Assam’s Dhubri Lok Sabha constituency. People are looking with interest at the seat wherein they expect a direct and tough fight between AUDF and the Congress.
On one hand Congress leaders are campaigning with all strength for the party nominee and sitting MP, Anwar Hussain. Chief Minister of Assam, Mr. Tarun Gogoi is also busy attracting voters in the minority-dominated areas. He has addressed a number of election meetings in the south bank of the district.
On the other hand, AUDF supremo Badruddin Ajmal, who is fighting for Dhubri besides Silcher constituency, is leaving no stone unturned for his victory. He got the upper hand as the AGP-BJP’s candidate Nilimay Prodhani’s nomination was rejected last week. Though AGP-BJP combine is now supporting Arun Das of Rastrabadi Sena – who does not stand anywhere in front of Maulana Ajmal because he is not a familiar figure in the district – the fight is all set to be between AUDF and Congress.
A big plus point for Maulana Badruddin Ajmal is that the ruling Congress has just one MLA in Dhubri district while AUDF has three sitting MLAs in South Salmara, Dhubri and West Bilasipara. Maulana Ajmal himself is representing Dhubri.
Moreover, AUDF president Maulana Ajmal got enough time for campaigning as he had already covered almost all the areas of the Lok Sabha constituency before the announcement of the LS polls.
There are 13, 75,585 electors in the Dhubri LS constituency and the number of Hindu votes is approximately, 4, 50,000. The total electors of three assembly segments represented by AUDF stand at 3, 97,957. In the last Lok Sabha polls, the sitting MP Anwar Hussain retained the seat by securing only three lakhs votes.
Seeing all these facts, observers say that Maulana Badruddin Ajmal will give a tough fight to the Congress sitting MP, Anwar Hussain who has earned displeasure of a sizeable part of minority voters.
Meanwhile, Maulana Badruddin Ajmal, during a rally warned Tarun Gogoi-led Congress Government in the state of a big jolt after the Lok Sabha poll and said that Congress will score zero in the forthcoming electoral battle and the exit of Congress is eminent.
Criticizing the Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and two of his junior colleagues Raqib ul Hussain and Himanta Biswa Sharma, the AUDF supremo said that they have become restless because of the unprecedented rise of his party and hence began to beat about the bush.
On the other hand, the ruling party has alleged that AUDF has entered into a secret understanding with AGP-BJP combine following the rejection of the candidature of Nilimay Prodhani.
Lok Sabha elections: JCMOE guidelines for Muslim voters
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: Though Muslim leaders have been demanding the government to implement expeditiously the revised 15 Points Programme and the suggestions made by the Sachar Committee and to recognize the Muslim as a Backward Class under article 15(4) and 16(4) of the constitution and implement the recommendation of the Mishra Commission. But unfortunately, very little progress was made in the implementation of the Programme or the Sachar Report while the Mishra Report was simply filed away to gather dust, as had been done in the case of Gopal Singh Panel Report in (1983) and the Mandal Commission Report, 1979.
Some Muslim leaders formed the ‘Joint Committee of Muslim Organisations for Empowerment (JCMOE)’ some months back to focus on a single demand namely, reservation for Muslims and to place it on the top of the Muslim agenda.
Earlier, the JCMOE organized The National Convention on Muslim Reservation in New Delhi on February 1st 2009, in order to mobilize public opinion.
The Resolution passed in the conference to exert pressure on the political system in the coming election, had advised the Muslim electorate to give the highest priority to the demand for reservation in public employment, higher education, benefits of social development and flow of resources for the Muslim in proportion to their population and level of backwardness.
The JCMOE has decided to prepare an electoral guidelines for the Muslim community on the eve of the LS elections to enable Muslim organizations to assist the electorate to select and support parties and candidates in Muslim winnable constituencies with the primary objective of enlarging support for Muslim reservation, reaffirming their rejection of communal parties and supporting the formation of a secular government at the centre.
As per its promise the JCMOE issued guidelines for the Muslim voters which are as follows;
1. (a) At the constituency level the Muslim electorate, particularly the women and the youth, must vote massively to raise their turn-out above the average, to 100%, which will increase their effective political weight.
(b) The Muslim electorate must vote unitedly for a common candidate, not necessarily a Muslim or belonging to the same party, but generally the most winnable secular candidate of a secular party in the constituency.
2. (a)The Muslim electorate should not vote for weak candidates on the basis of personal relationship or past favours or fear of reprisal or physical violence.
(b)Muslim electorate should not vote under the influence of recent events or emotional issues but always take a long-term view on the overall progress of the community and the nation.
(c)Muslim electorate should not vote for small parties or mini parties of recent origin which are most likely to face defeat and thus waste their vote.
3. (a)The Muslim electorate faces no difficulty when there is only one secular candidate of a secular party pitted against a communal party. But when there are more than one such candidates in a constituency, it should carefully select one of them for extending its fully support through a consultation and dialogue mechanism consistory of a representative cross-section of distinguished Muslims of the constituency who have knowledge, experience and political understanding and are not active in the ranks of any political party. The consultation should take the following points into consideration;
(i) It should be observed that the candidate and the party generally support legitimate Muslim aspirations, in particular, the demand for reservation.
(ii) Political record of the party and of the candidate, in situations of Muslim concern and distress.
(iii) Relative winnability with the reference to the strength of their social core and other political factors and their performance in 2004.
(iv) Overall, acceptability of the candidate by the community.
(v) Proportion of Muslims among the candidates fielded by the party in the state or in the country, their reputation and location.
4 (a) Where Muslims are less than 20%, they should vote for the most winnable candidate of a secular party.
(b) In high concentration seats up to 30%, they should vote for the most winnable candidate of a secular party, preferably a Muslim.
(c) In Muslim majority constituencies, they should vote for the most winnable Muslim candidate, including an independent.
The JCMOE requested all Muslim organizations, particularly those which are its members, to take immediate initiative at the constituency level to form the Consultation Mechanism which would unite and mobilize the Muslim electorate for the common cause.
It also appealed to all Muslim organizations to actively support reservation as the first political objective of the community and to advise the Muslim voters throughout the country by all means at their disposal.
The JCMOE made clear that Muslim community has always favoured the formation of a secular stable and strong government at the centre but to promote secularism and stability is not the sole responsibility of the Muslims but the common responsibility of all citizens. The primary interest of the Muslims today is to raise their representation in the Lok Sabha with vocal and fearless MP’s and to promote their legitimate aspiration for Reservation.
Patna: Though Muslim leaders have been demanding the government to implement expeditiously the revised 15 Points Programme and the suggestions made by the Sachar Committee and to recognize the Muslim as a Backward Class under article 15(4) and 16(4) of the constitution and implement the recommendation of the Mishra Commission. But unfortunately, very little progress was made in the implementation of the Programme or the Sachar Report while the Mishra Report was simply filed away to gather dust, as had been done in the case of Gopal Singh Panel Report in (1983) and the Mandal Commission Report, 1979.
Some Muslim leaders formed the ‘Joint Committee of Muslim Organisations for Empowerment (JCMOE)’ some months back to focus on a single demand namely, reservation for Muslims and to place it on the top of the Muslim agenda.
Earlier, the JCMOE organized The National Convention on Muslim Reservation in New Delhi on February 1st 2009, in order to mobilize public opinion.
The Resolution passed in the conference to exert pressure on the political system in the coming election, had advised the Muslim electorate to give the highest priority to the demand for reservation in public employment, higher education, benefits of social development and flow of resources for the Muslim in proportion to their population and level of backwardness.
The JCMOE has decided to prepare an electoral guidelines for the Muslim community on the eve of the LS elections to enable Muslim organizations to assist the electorate to select and support parties and candidates in Muslim winnable constituencies with the primary objective of enlarging support for Muslim reservation, reaffirming their rejection of communal parties and supporting the formation of a secular government at the centre.
As per its promise the JCMOE issued guidelines for the Muslim voters which are as follows;
1. (a) At the constituency level the Muslim electorate, particularly the women and the youth, must vote massively to raise their turn-out above the average, to 100%, which will increase their effective political weight.
(b) The Muslim electorate must vote unitedly for a common candidate, not necessarily a Muslim or belonging to the same party, but generally the most winnable secular candidate of a secular party in the constituency.
2. (a)The Muslim electorate should not vote for weak candidates on the basis of personal relationship or past favours or fear of reprisal or physical violence.
(b)Muslim electorate should not vote under the influence of recent events or emotional issues but always take a long-term view on the overall progress of the community and the nation.
(c)Muslim electorate should not vote for small parties or mini parties of recent origin which are most likely to face defeat and thus waste their vote.
3. (a)The Muslim electorate faces no difficulty when there is only one secular candidate of a secular party pitted against a communal party. But when there are more than one such candidates in a constituency, it should carefully select one of them for extending its fully support through a consultation and dialogue mechanism consistory of a representative cross-section of distinguished Muslims of the constituency who have knowledge, experience and political understanding and are not active in the ranks of any political party. The consultation should take the following points into consideration;
(i) It should be observed that the candidate and the party generally support legitimate Muslim aspirations, in particular, the demand for reservation.
(ii) Political record of the party and of the candidate, in situations of Muslim concern and distress.
(iii) Relative winnability with the reference to the strength of their social core and other political factors and their performance in 2004.
(iv) Overall, acceptability of the candidate by the community.
(v) Proportion of Muslims among the candidates fielded by the party in the state or in the country, their reputation and location.
4 (a) Where Muslims are less than 20%, they should vote for the most winnable candidate of a secular party.
(b) In high concentration seats up to 30%, they should vote for the most winnable candidate of a secular party, preferably a Muslim.
(c) In Muslim majority constituencies, they should vote for the most winnable Muslim candidate, including an independent.
The JCMOE requested all Muslim organizations, particularly those which are its members, to take immediate initiative at the constituency level to form the Consultation Mechanism which would unite and mobilize the Muslim electorate for the common cause.
It also appealed to all Muslim organizations to actively support reservation as the first political objective of the community and to advise the Muslim voters throughout the country by all means at their disposal.
The JCMOE made clear that Muslim community has always favoured the formation of a secular stable and strong government at the centre but to promote secularism and stability is not the sole responsibility of the Muslims but the common responsibility of all citizens. The primary interest of the Muslims today is to raise their representation in the Lok Sabha with vocal and fearless MP’s and to promote their legitimate aspiration for Reservation.
Gujarat riot victims seeking votes for Lalu in Patna
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: No one knows what Lalu Prasad Yadav and his party RJD have done so far for the victims of the Gujarat riots 2002 but they have succeeded in bringing some riot victims from Gujarat to campaign for Lalu in Patna. A team of four victims of infamous Gujarat riot is seeking votes for Lalu who is contesting for Patliputra Lok Sabha seat.
Ishtyaq Ansari, Qureshi Ghulam Rasool, Shakila Bano and Md Yaseen Ansari, who are among thousands of those who lost their relatives and properties in 2002 Gujarat pogrom, came Patna to seek help of RJD chief Lalu Prasad believing that he will get them justice.
They met Lalu Prasad and told him tales of their destruction in a meeting where other RJD leaders were also present. Their painful stories fielded audiences’ eyes with tears.
Shakila Bano, who hails from Ahmadabad, said that her husband was killed by rioters in the Gujarat carnage but he was not recognized as dead rather as missing by Gujrat government. So she was denied any assistance by government. She has gone two times to Delhi for justice but all in vain so far.
She told Mr. Prasad that Muslim community of Gujarat respects him because he has done a wonderful job for Muslims by inquiring Godhra train incident and brought real culprits before people. She further said that now she came to seek his help for providing them with due compensations and justice.
Ishtyaq Ansari, Qureshi Ghulam Rasool and Md Yaseen Ansari, who were injured in the Gujarat riot and have spots of wounds on their bodies, also requested Lalu Prasad to help them.
Mr. Prasad assured them to help them for providing them with compensation by removing all kinds of barriers in the way as he did by appointing Banerjee Commission.
Though the delegation came to seek help from Lalu Prasad but later they stayed two days in Patna and visited Muslims areas and requested Muslims to keep away communal parties from the power. Otherwise they will make whole country like Gujarat. They sought votes for Lalu showing spots of wounds, telling their painful stories. They were telling people that Lalu is the only person who can defeat communal leaders such as L.K Advani and Narendra Modi. A large number of people came out of their homes and welcomed them warmly.
Notably, Patliputra is Yadav dominated constituency and three Yadavs are in fray from here as JD-U has fielded former RJD MP Ranjan Prasad Yadav, who was a close friend of Lalu Prasad and Congress has also fielded a former RJD MP, Vijay Singh Yadav, who was considered right hand of Lalu Prasad and had been campaigning for Lalu until two days before nomination but surprisingly he emerged as opponent of Lalu. In this circumstances Muslim votes are believed to be decisive. Therefore all parties have set their eyes on Muslim votes.
Patna: No one knows what Lalu Prasad Yadav and his party RJD have done so far for the victims of the Gujarat riots 2002 but they have succeeded in bringing some riot victims from Gujarat to campaign for Lalu in Patna. A team of four victims of infamous Gujarat riot is seeking votes for Lalu who is contesting for Patliputra Lok Sabha seat.
Ishtyaq Ansari, Qureshi Ghulam Rasool, Shakila Bano and Md Yaseen Ansari, who are among thousands of those who lost their relatives and properties in 2002 Gujarat pogrom, came Patna to seek help of RJD chief Lalu Prasad believing that he will get them justice.
They met Lalu Prasad and told him tales of their destruction in a meeting where other RJD leaders were also present. Their painful stories fielded audiences’ eyes with tears.
Shakila Bano, who hails from Ahmadabad, said that her husband was killed by rioters in the Gujarat carnage but he was not recognized as dead rather as missing by Gujrat government. So she was denied any assistance by government. She has gone two times to Delhi for justice but all in vain so far.
She told Mr. Prasad that Muslim community of Gujarat respects him because he has done a wonderful job for Muslims by inquiring Godhra train incident and brought real culprits before people. She further said that now she came to seek his help for providing them with due compensations and justice.
Ishtyaq Ansari, Qureshi Ghulam Rasool and Md Yaseen Ansari, who were injured in the Gujarat riot and have spots of wounds on their bodies, also requested Lalu Prasad to help them.
Mr. Prasad assured them to help them for providing them with compensation by removing all kinds of barriers in the way as he did by appointing Banerjee Commission.
Though the delegation came to seek help from Lalu Prasad but later they stayed two days in Patna and visited Muslims areas and requested Muslims to keep away communal parties from the power. Otherwise they will make whole country like Gujarat. They sought votes for Lalu showing spots of wounds, telling their painful stories. They were telling people that Lalu is the only person who can defeat communal leaders such as L.K Advani and Narendra Modi. A large number of people came out of their homes and welcomed them warmly.
Notably, Patliputra is Yadav dominated constituency and three Yadavs are in fray from here as JD-U has fielded former RJD MP Ranjan Prasad Yadav, who was a close friend of Lalu Prasad and Congress has also fielded a former RJD MP, Vijay Singh Yadav, who was considered right hand of Lalu Prasad and had been campaigning for Lalu until two days before nomination but surprisingly he emerged as opponent of Lalu. In this circumstances Muslim votes are believed to be decisive. Therefore all parties have set their eyes on Muslim votes.
‘AUDF a ray of hope for Muslims of Bihar’
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: Shameem Ahmad, the president of Inqlabi Muslim Federation supported AUDF of Maulana Badruddin Ajmal and termed it as a ray of hope against selfish leaders and extremists.
“We had been saying that the major problems of Muslims at national level and particularly Muslims of Bihar is unemployment and insecurity. The organizations claiming to be well wishers of Muslim should know that approximately 25 lakhs Muslims and Dalits are doing jobs in Assam and other states of north-east and this figure goes above one crore in West Bengal” said Shameem Ahmad Hajipuri, the president of Inqlabi Muslim Federation.
He further said that despite performing every kind of sacrifice for the freedom of India Muslims and Dalits have always been discriminated by the ruling class. Muslims population in Assam is 40% and in West Bengal 35% while combine population of Muslims and other Dalits in Bihar is 50% still they have been kept away from governance by communal forces and self-fish politicians.
Mr. Shameem also said: “West Bengal and Assam Muslims rejected the resolution of partition of India and they liked to live here instead of going Pakistan but unfortunately they have been tortured by calling them Pakistanis and Bangladeshsi by all governments that came in power after independence.”
“In such circumstances Maulana Badruddin Ajmal came in the field and made history by winning 10 assembly seats. The most important thing he gave to Muslims is self-confidence to live in this country with dignity” he said adding “Muslims of Bihar should be thankful to Maulana Badruddin Ajmal who decided to bring them out of their inhibitions for seeking their constitutional rights.”
He appealed to all Muslims to vote for the candidates of Assam United Democratic Front (AUDF) and said that it is a ray of hope to come over unemployment and insecurity.
He also expressed his happiness for selecting Mr. Kashif Yonus, the grandson of first Bihar chief minister Md. Yonus, as a coordinator of Bihar AUDF.
Talking to TwoCircles.net Mr. Kashif Younus said that AUDF will put its 5 to 6 candidates in Muslim dominated area such as Madhubani, Champarun, Araria, Bhagalpur and Batia. But he also explained that list of the candidates has been sent to President Maulana Badruddin Ajmal and it will be confirmed within days.
Patna: Shameem Ahmad, the president of Inqlabi Muslim Federation supported AUDF of Maulana Badruddin Ajmal and termed it as a ray of hope against selfish leaders and extremists.
“We had been saying that the major problems of Muslims at national level and particularly Muslims of Bihar is unemployment and insecurity. The organizations claiming to be well wishers of Muslim should know that approximately 25 lakhs Muslims and Dalits are doing jobs in Assam and other states of north-east and this figure goes above one crore in West Bengal” said Shameem Ahmad Hajipuri, the president of Inqlabi Muslim Federation.
He further said that despite performing every kind of sacrifice for the freedom of India Muslims and Dalits have always been discriminated by the ruling class. Muslims population in Assam is 40% and in West Bengal 35% while combine population of Muslims and other Dalits in Bihar is 50% still they have been kept away from governance by communal forces and self-fish politicians.
Mr. Shameem also said: “West Bengal and Assam Muslims rejected the resolution of partition of India and they liked to live here instead of going Pakistan but unfortunately they have been tortured by calling them Pakistanis and Bangladeshsi by all governments that came in power after independence.”
“In such circumstances Maulana Badruddin Ajmal came in the field and made history by winning 10 assembly seats. The most important thing he gave to Muslims is self-confidence to live in this country with dignity” he said adding “Muslims of Bihar should be thankful to Maulana Badruddin Ajmal who decided to bring them out of their inhibitions for seeking their constitutional rights.”
He appealed to all Muslims to vote for the candidates of Assam United Democratic Front (AUDF) and said that it is a ray of hope to come over unemployment and insecurity.
He also expressed his happiness for selecting Mr. Kashif Yonus, the grandson of first Bihar chief minister Md. Yonus, as a coordinator of Bihar AUDF.
Talking to TwoCircles.net Mr. Kashif Younus said that AUDF will put its 5 to 6 candidates in Muslim dominated area such as Madhubani, Champarun, Araria, Bhagalpur and Batia. But he also explained that list of the candidates has been sent to President Maulana Badruddin Ajmal and it will be confirmed within days.
A law graduate’s noble initiative for Ballarpur town
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
In the sleepy Ballarpur town in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra there has been some commotion for the last few months – a law graduate and social activist has come out with a multi-prong initiative to change the face of the town in his own way.
As the district has been frequented by communal violence, Nazim Khalid Khan, 30, has set up a library. Yes, library, to help people understand each other’s religion so that misunderstandings prevailing in the society about faiths could be dispelled. So Khan has collected over 2000 books on different religions and topics of common interests. He opened the Allama Iqbal Public Library in March 2009. For the town of about one lac people this is a very new and interesting step. They are coming and getting benefited from the library.
Talking to TwoCircles.net Mr. Nazim Khalid Khan, manager of the Allama Iqbal Public Library, said: The library has more than 2000 books on various religions and general topics. Five newspapers of local language and magazines such as Tehelka, Business Today and Kanti are also available at the library.
Asked why he established the library he said: “Here in Ballarpur there is not a single library where all religions’ books are available and hence there is no source for common people to know their religions. Neither Muslims nor Hindus of the area are aware of what their religions say. They make opinions by watching Television which leads to much misunderstanding about each other. Therefore, I thought that there must be a source to study about religions and I started this library.”
Now taking one more step Khan has decided to start a study centre especially for the students of class X and XII. At the study centre they will be provided with books as well as guide books.
“We have started a study center and collected books for students of tenth and twelfth class. So that students who are not able to buy guide books can get benefits and this will be for common students irrespective of their religions” informed Mr. Khan. He plans to hire tutors also for the study centre.
“We want to provide students with the educational environment here because students do not find chances to study with attention as they have small houses. But we are in touch with voluntary teachers to give their time at the centre and if we find fund we will appoint teachers for that.”
However, as the library and the study centre are in the initial stage they need books. “We need books on all major religions and books related to other topics. For study centre we need guides and books of Maharashtra State Board with complete sets” he said. He has appealed to people to take part in this good deed by donating books.
Nazim Khan and his team also started one month back some vocational training centers to train women of the area. One is Asra Silai Prashikshan Kendra where 30 women were trained for tailoring in first batch.
Second is Sahara Vocational Training Academy where 38 women have been given training for making purse and bags. Other 30 women were also trained for making acids and other things.
“Of them, 50 got loans from banks and they are now earning money for running their households” told Mr. Khan.
Mr. Khan appealed to people of all part of country especially from Maharashtra to help his mission.
He can be contacted on 09970778000 and 17.nazim@gmail.com.
Address of the library:
Dr Allama Iqbal Public Library
Near Reliance Mobile Tower
In front of Nagar Parishad Swimming Pool
Balaji Ward, Ballarpur
Chandrapur-442701 (Maharashtra)
In the sleepy Ballarpur town in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra there has been some commotion for the last few months – a law graduate and social activist has come out with a multi-prong initiative to change the face of the town in his own way.
As the district has been frequented by communal violence, Nazim Khalid Khan, 30, has set up a library. Yes, library, to help people understand each other’s religion so that misunderstandings prevailing in the society about faiths could be dispelled. So Khan has collected over 2000 books on different religions and topics of common interests. He opened the Allama Iqbal Public Library in March 2009. For the town of about one lac people this is a very new and interesting step. They are coming and getting benefited from the library.
Talking to TwoCircles.net Mr. Nazim Khalid Khan, manager of the Allama Iqbal Public Library, said: The library has more than 2000 books on various religions and general topics. Five newspapers of local language and magazines such as Tehelka, Business Today and Kanti are also available at the library.
Asked why he established the library he said: “Here in Ballarpur there is not a single library where all religions’ books are available and hence there is no source for common people to know their religions. Neither Muslims nor Hindus of the area are aware of what their religions say. They make opinions by watching Television which leads to much misunderstanding about each other. Therefore, I thought that there must be a source to study about religions and I started this library.”
Now taking one more step Khan has decided to start a study centre especially for the students of class X and XII. At the study centre they will be provided with books as well as guide books.
“We have started a study center and collected books for students of tenth and twelfth class. So that students who are not able to buy guide books can get benefits and this will be for common students irrespective of their religions” informed Mr. Khan. He plans to hire tutors also for the study centre.
“We want to provide students with the educational environment here because students do not find chances to study with attention as they have small houses. But we are in touch with voluntary teachers to give their time at the centre and if we find fund we will appoint teachers for that.”
However, as the library and the study centre are in the initial stage they need books. “We need books on all major religions and books related to other topics. For study centre we need guides and books of Maharashtra State Board with complete sets” he said. He has appealed to people to take part in this good deed by donating books.
Nazim Khan and his team also started one month back some vocational training centers to train women of the area. One is Asra Silai Prashikshan Kendra where 30 women were trained for tailoring in first batch.
Second is Sahara Vocational Training Academy where 38 women have been given training for making purse and bags. Other 30 women were also trained for making acids and other things.
“Of them, 50 got loans from banks and they are now earning money for running their households” told Mr. Khan.
Mr. Khan appealed to people of all part of country especially from Maharashtra to help his mission.
He can be contacted on 09970778000 and 17.nazim@gmail.com.
Address of the library:
Dr Allama Iqbal Public Library
Near Reliance Mobile Tower
In front of Nagar Parishad Swimming Pool
Balaji Ward, Ballarpur
Chandrapur-442701 (Maharashtra)
Patliputra LS seat: In the war of Yadavas, parties sending their Muslim leaders to the front
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: In the newly-created Patliputra Lok Sabha constituency, there is a fierce fighting among three Yadav leaders for one-upmanship but their parties have deployed Muslim leaders to win Muslim votes, sizable number in the constituency. For the seat RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, JD-U leader Dr. Ranjan Prasad Yadav and Congress candidate Mr. Vijay Singh Yadav are in the fray.
Muslim leaders are addressing several rallies in a day along with attending road shows in the constituency especially in Muslim areas. They are visiting Muslim educational and religious centers such as Imarat-e-Shariah and Khanqah Mujibya wearing Muslim caps to meet Muslim clerics.
On one hand, central minister of state Mohammad Ali Ashraf Fatmi, RJD state president Abdul Bari Siddiqi, ex-minority commission chairman Suhail Ahmed Khan and many other senior Muslim leaders are busy in seeking votes for Lalu Prasad Yadav. Meanwhile, Imarat Ahl-e-Ansar has announced to support to RJD after meeting of members of the Imarat with Lalu. Ansari Muslims constitute almost 1.5 lakh in the constituency.
“The victory of Lalu is necessary to defeat communalist extremists because he is the only leader who always stands against anti-Muslims anti-national leaders” said Ashraf Ali Fatmi at a rally.
“It is fighting between communal and secular parties. So, you have to decide whom you should vote for. On one side is L.K. Advani’s party and on the other is Lalu, Paswan and Mulayam’s alliance” said Abdul Bari Siddiqi addressing a gathering.
On the other hand, Congress senior Muslim leaders are also trying to attract Muslim voters. Ex-chief minister of J&K, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad, deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha, Mr. K. Rahman Khan and others are visiting the parts of the constituency seeking vote for Congress candidate.
“Congress is the only party which can give justice to all Indians irrespective of their religions, castes and creeds. Earlier Lalu and now Nitish is pushing Bihar behind. But now Congress became active in Bihar and will play a vital role in development of Bihar” said Mr. Azad at a rally.
NDA Muslim leaders are also campaigning in favor of JDU candidate Dr. Ranjan Prasad Yadav. BJP senior leader Mr. Shahnawaz Hussain, JDU leader Mr. Nematullah and Rayees Azam are in front row to campaign for Dr. Ranjan Prasad Yadav.
It was shocking for many Muslims when Mr. Shahnawaz Hussain openly defended Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh (RSS) in a press conference here and slammed Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav for describing the RSS an outfit made of dissolute and degenerate.
“Does he even know the role the RSS has played in the process of nation building? Despite being a non-political organization, it has produced a number of leaders that India owes its gratitude to. For Lalu to say that the RSS is a gang of the depraved is an insult to a lot of leaders and he should issue an unconditional apology to the entire nation,” Hussain said.
The BJP leader also accused Yadav of cheating and duping the Muslims of Bihar by portraying himself as their well-wisher.
"Lalu was never a Muslim sympathizer; he just pretended to be one to enhance his political ambitions and agendas while ignoring social and economic issues concerning the Muslims” he added.
However, these statements betray the fact that so-called Muslim leaders are being used by the political parties. They are not interested in solving the community problems; rather they are trying to please their political bosses and for that they can go to any extent.
Patna: In the newly-created Patliputra Lok Sabha constituency, there is a fierce fighting among three Yadav leaders for one-upmanship but their parties have deployed Muslim leaders to win Muslim votes, sizable number in the constituency. For the seat RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, JD-U leader Dr. Ranjan Prasad Yadav and Congress candidate Mr. Vijay Singh Yadav are in the fray.
Muslim leaders are addressing several rallies in a day along with attending road shows in the constituency especially in Muslim areas. They are visiting Muslim educational and religious centers such as Imarat-e-Shariah and Khanqah Mujibya wearing Muslim caps to meet Muslim clerics.
On one hand, central minister of state Mohammad Ali Ashraf Fatmi, RJD state president Abdul Bari Siddiqi, ex-minority commission chairman Suhail Ahmed Khan and many other senior Muslim leaders are busy in seeking votes for Lalu Prasad Yadav. Meanwhile, Imarat Ahl-e-Ansar has announced to support to RJD after meeting of members of the Imarat with Lalu. Ansari Muslims constitute almost 1.5 lakh in the constituency.
“The victory of Lalu is necessary to defeat communalist extremists because he is the only leader who always stands against anti-Muslims anti-national leaders” said Ashraf Ali Fatmi at a rally.
“It is fighting between communal and secular parties. So, you have to decide whom you should vote for. On one side is L.K. Advani’s party and on the other is Lalu, Paswan and Mulayam’s alliance” said Abdul Bari Siddiqi addressing a gathering.
On the other hand, Congress senior Muslim leaders are also trying to attract Muslim voters. Ex-chief minister of J&K, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad, deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha, Mr. K. Rahman Khan and others are visiting the parts of the constituency seeking vote for Congress candidate.
“Congress is the only party which can give justice to all Indians irrespective of their religions, castes and creeds. Earlier Lalu and now Nitish is pushing Bihar behind. But now Congress became active in Bihar and will play a vital role in development of Bihar” said Mr. Azad at a rally.
NDA Muslim leaders are also campaigning in favor of JDU candidate Dr. Ranjan Prasad Yadav. BJP senior leader Mr. Shahnawaz Hussain, JDU leader Mr. Nematullah and Rayees Azam are in front row to campaign for Dr. Ranjan Prasad Yadav.
It was shocking for many Muslims when Mr. Shahnawaz Hussain openly defended Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh (RSS) in a press conference here and slammed Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav for describing the RSS an outfit made of dissolute and degenerate.
“Does he even know the role the RSS has played in the process of nation building? Despite being a non-political organization, it has produced a number of leaders that India owes its gratitude to. For Lalu to say that the RSS is a gang of the depraved is an insult to a lot of leaders and he should issue an unconditional apology to the entire nation,” Hussain said.
The BJP leader also accused Yadav of cheating and duping the Muslims of Bihar by portraying himself as their well-wisher.
"Lalu was never a Muslim sympathizer; he just pretended to be one to enhance his political ambitions and agendas while ignoring social and economic issues concerning the Muslims” he added.
However, these statements betray the fact that so-called Muslim leaders are being used by the political parties. They are not interested in solving the community problems; rather they are trying to please their political bosses and for that they can go to any extent.
JDU manifesto promises to implement Sachar and Mishra reports
By Manzar Bilal TwoCircles.net,
Patna: Janta Dal United (JDU) in search of Muslim voters has promised implementation of recommendations of Sachar Committee and Ranganath Mishra Commission, in its election manifesto released here yesterday. The JD (U) tried to present itself as a true well-wisher of the minorities, SCs/ STs and backwards classes and promised to work for an inclusive growth.
Releasing the manifesto which was entitled ‘A visionary charter of performance, promises and pledges for a new India’, chief minister of Bihar and senior leader of JDU, Mr. Nitish Kumar said that the party would try to ensure inclusive growth. “ The overriding vision is to create a just society in which the fruits of development is shared by all segments of the society particularly the most backwards, without discrimination based on caste, creed and religion” he added.
The manifesto promises increasing education among Muslims, particularly the weaker sections and girls, and implementation of the Sachar Committee and Ranganath Mishra Commission's recommendations for the minority welfare. It has special focus on problem of neglect of minorities and removal of gender-based educational barrier.
Dissimilar to the BJP's stand, the manifesto supports the inclusion of Dalit Muslims and Christians among the scheduled castes and social identification of dalits for more focused initiatives and also of extremely backward castes within the backward classes.
Mr. Kumar also said that his party sticks to its ideology of non-compromise with communal strife, and made clear its disagreement with ally BJP over controversial issues like Ram Temple, uniform civil code and abrogation of Article 370.
“We remain secular committed to zero-tolerance to any communal strife. Our secular policy and practices do not subscribe to any other ideology on divisive issues relating to communal amity like the construction of Ram Temple, Introduction of Uniform Civil Code or removal Article 370," he told media persons while releasing the election manifesto with party national president Mr. Sharad Yadav.
Speaking on the occasion, party president Mr. Sharad Yadav also confirmed the difference with BJP on certain issues. “Yes we have differences with BJP on Article 370, reservation for women and reservation for Dalit Muslims and Christians” he said.
The manifesto sought to reverse current economic decline, review growth momentum, create new employment opportunities and improve the environment for fresh investment both for public and private sector and promote public private partnerships.
Patna: Janta Dal United (JDU) in search of Muslim voters has promised implementation of recommendations of Sachar Committee and Ranganath Mishra Commission, in its election manifesto released here yesterday. The JD (U) tried to present itself as a true well-wisher of the minorities, SCs/ STs and backwards classes and promised to work for an inclusive growth.
Releasing the manifesto which was entitled ‘A visionary charter of performance, promises and pledges for a new India’, chief minister of Bihar and senior leader of JDU, Mr. Nitish Kumar said that the party would try to ensure inclusive growth. “ The overriding vision is to create a just society in which the fruits of development is shared by all segments of the society particularly the most backwards, without discrimination based on caste, creed and religion” he added.
The manifesto promises increasing education among Muslims, particularly the weaker sections and girls, and implementation of the Sachar Committee and Ranganath Mishra Commission's recommendations for the minority welfare. It has special focus on problem of neglect of minorities and removal of gender-based educational barrier.
Dissimilar to the BJP's stand, the manifesto supports the inclusion of Dalit Muslims and Christians among the scheduled castes and social identification of dalits for more focused initiatives and also of extremely backward castes within the backward classes.
Mr. Kumar also said that his party sticks to its ideology of non-compromise with communal strife, and made clear its disagreement with ally BJP over controversial issues like Ram Temple, uniform civil code and abrogation of Article 370.
“We remain secular committed to zero-tolerance to any communal strife. Our secular policy and practices do not subscribe to any other ideology on divisive issues relating to communal amity like the construction of Ram Temple, Introduction of Uniform Civil Code or removal Article 370," he told media persons while releasing the election manifesto with party national president Mr. Sharad Yadav.
Speaking on the occasion, party president Mr. Sharad Yadav also confirmed the difference with BJP on certain issues. “Yes we have differences with BJP on Article 370, reservation for women and reservation for Dalit Muslims and Christians” he said.
The manifesto sought to reverse current economic decline, review growth momentum, create new employment opportunities and improve the environment for fresh investment both for public and private sector and promote public private partnerships.
Rahmani 30 to coach Class X students also for IIT-JEE, test on Apr. 5
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: The Rahmani 30, the free coaching centre run by the Rahmani Foundation of Munger for poor, talented Muslim students aspiring for IIT-JEE, has decided to intake students for Class X also from this year. The admission test will be held on 5th April 2009.
Besides free of cost tutorial classes, the Rahmani 30 coaching centre also provides free lodging and food to the selected candidates.
Students appearing for 10th class examination of 2009 either from State Board or CBSE will also be able to face the competition for the two years coaching course.
It is notable that earlier this course was only for the 11th and 12th class students but now it has been decided to select 10th class students also because in the light of experience, the management of the coaching centre found that because of weakness in school education qualified students are not available in sufficient number for ITI and the centre had to make extra efforts to bring them to the required level.
The institute aims to select 10th class students and to train them for ITI so at least 30 students will be chosen for the course every year.
The decision was taken by Maulana Syed Mohammad Wali Rahmani, Sajjada Nashin, Khanqah Rahmani of Munger, Abhyanand, Additional Director General, Bihar Military Police, who is also administrator of this coaching centre, and administration of the institute.
The administration hopes that students in large number will participate in this entrance test to make their future bright. The entrance exam will be held at following centers in Bihar.
Test Centers:
Patna Muslim High School, BM Das Road, Patna
S. Raza High School, Ali Nagar Anis Abad, Patna
Hadi Hashmi High School, Gaya
Mata Gunjari Medical College, Kishanganj
Katihar Medical College, Katihar
Convent School, Rambagh, Purnea
Mahila Technical Centre, Supaul
Azad Academy,High Secondry School, Araria
Awasiya Adarsh Madhya Vidyalaya Shikshak Sangh, Refugee Colony, Saharsa
Dr Zakir Hussain Teachers Training College, Darbhanga
Central Public School, Sadpura, Muzaffarpur
Alfalah School, Naya Tola, Betiah
Iqra Public School, Motihari
AR Academy, Kaghazi Mohalla, Biharsharif
Muslim Minority College Asanandpur, Bhagalpur
Chauhan Coaching Centre, Radha Ram Singh Road, Ghanta Ghar,Bhagalpur
Z.A Islamia College, Siwan
Rahmani Foundation Head Quarter, Belan Bazar, Munger
According to the management the entrance exam will also be held in Jharkhand to accommodate students from that state also. The test centers will be in Ranchi and Jamshedpur but the exact venue will be announced later.
This should be noted that this test will be only for those Muslim students who are going to complete their 10th class examination in March, 2009 while the test for those Muslim students who are in 12th class or have completed 12th class will be held as per last year’s program in the end of the May or in 1st week of June. The details of the schedule will be announced later.
Rahmani Foundation of Munger has been active for the educational development of the Muslim students. For example, Students are being provided with computer knowledge at Rahmani Foundation and also efforts for development of language and literature are going on.
The foundation of Rahmani 30 is one of the great adventures of Rahmani Foundation which provides Muslims students with standard education to go ahead in technical field. So, Muslim parents should grab this golden opportunity and urge their children to sit in the test and get benefit.
Link:
http://www.twocircles.net/rahmani30.html
Patna: The Rahmani 30, the free coaching centre run by the Rahmani Foundation of Munger for poor, talented Muslim students aspiring for IIT-JEE, has decided to intake students for Class X also from this year. The admission test will be held on 5th April 2009.
Besides free of cost tutorial classes, the Rahmani 30 coaching centre also provides free lodging and food to the selected candidates.
Students appearing for 10th class examination of 2009 either from State Board or CBSE will also be able to face the competition for the two years coaching course.
It is notable that earlier this course was only for the 11th and 12th class students but now it has been decided to select 10th class students also because in the light of experience, the management of the coaching centre found that because of weakness in school education qualified students are not available in sufficient number for ITI and the centre had to make extra efforts to bring them to the required level.
The institute aims to select 10th class students and to train them for ITI so at least 30 students will be chosen for the course every year.
The decision was taken by Maulana Syed Mohammad Wali Rahmani, Sajjada Nashin, Khanqah Rahmani of Munger, Abhyanand, Additional Director General, Bihar Military Police, who is also administrator of this coaching centre, and administration of the institute.
The administration hopes that students in large number will participate in this entrance test to make their future bright. The entrance exam will be held at following centers in Bihar.
Test Centers:
Patna Muslim High School, BM Das Road, Patna
S. Raza High School, Ali Nagar Anis Abad, Patna
Hadi Hashmi High School, Gaya
Mata Gunjari Medical College, Kishanganj
Katihar Medical College, Katihar
Convent School, Rambagh, Purnea
Mahila Technical Centre, Supaul
Azad Academy,High Secondry School, Araria
Awasiya Adarsh Madhya Vidyalaya Shikshak Sangh, Refugee Colony, Saharsa
Dr Zakir Hussain Teachers Training College, Darbhanga
Central Public School, Sadpura, Muzaffarpur
Alfalah School, Naya Tola, Betiah
Iqra Public School, Motihari
AR Academy, Kaghazi Mohalla, Biharsharif
Muslim Minority College Asanandpur, Bhagalpur
Chauhan Coaching Centre, Radha Ram Singh Road, Ghanta Ghar,Bhagalpur
Z.A Islamia College, Siwan
Rahmani Foundation Head Quarter, Belan Bazar, Munger
According to the management the entrance exam will also be held in Jharkhand to accommodate students from that state also. The test centers will be in Ranchi and Jamshedpur but the exact venue will be announced later.
This should be noted that this test will be only for those Muslim students who are going to complete their 10th class examination in March, 2009 while the test for those Muslim students who are in 12th class or have completed 12th class will be held as per last year’s program in the end of the May or in 1st week of June. The details of the schedule will be announced later.
Rahmani Foundation of Munger has been active for the educational development of the Muslim students. For example, Students are being provided with computer knowledge at Rahmani Foundation and also efforts for development of language and literature are going on.
The foundation of Rahmani 30 is one of the great adventures of Rahmani Foundation which provides Muslims students with standard education to go ahead in technical field. So, Muslim parents should grab this golden opportunity and urge their children to sit in the test and get benefit.
Link:
http://www.twocircles.net/rahmani30.html
Prof. Islamuddin murder case: PM assures positive action
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: A team of Muslim girl students from Manipur, headed by Ms. Rukshar Choudhury, president of the All Manipur Muslim Girls’ Students’ Union, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and informed him about the dismal situation in the Manipur University following the murder of Professor Islamuddin inside the varsity campus.
Former Dean of Students at the University, Prof. Islamuddin, was killed on May 25, 2009 by miscreants. The murder had not only left a bad impact on the environment in the University but also disturbed the lives of common citizens in the state. Fifty-two year old Islamuddin was the Professor of Economics at the University.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister assured to look into the matter to bring justice.
He also informed the delegation that a meeting with his Council of Ministers may be held on June 25 to discuss the dilemma of the students following the assassination of the Professor who was an active personality in the university. He went on to assure that he would get in touch with the state government and advise speedy investigation in the case.
The delegation demanded the Prime Minister to put a qualified person from the Muslim community in place of the slain Professor as well as to set up a separate guest house for the minority Muslim students in the university. The team also urged the Prime Minister to take up specific actions to ensure the development of the university as well as the education system in the state, particularly for the minority Muslims.
According to Ms. Rukshar Choudhury who returned yesterday evening from Delhi, the Prime Minister has assured that he would try to take sufficient action in this regard.
It is to be noted that five students of the University have been arrested and booked under the NSA allegedly in connection with the murder of the Professor and further investigation is going on.
Patna: A team of Muslim girl students from Manipur, headed by Ms. Rukshar Choudhury, president of the All Manipur Muslim Girls’ Students’ Union, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and informed him about the dismal situation in the Manipur University following the murder of Professor Islamuddin inside the varsity campus.
Former Dean of Students at the University, Prof. Islamuddin, was killed on May 25, 2009 by miscreants. The murder had not only left a bad impact on the environment in the University but also disturbed the lives of common citizens in the state. Fifty-two year old Islamuddin was the Professor of Economics at the University.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister assured to look into the matter to bring justice.
He also informed the delegation that a meeting with his Council of Ministers may be held on June 25 to discuss the dilemma of the students following the assassination of the Professor who was an active personality in the university. He went on to assure that he would get in touch with the state government and advise speedy investigation in the case.
The delegation demanded the Prime Minister to put a qualified person from the Muslim community in place of the slain Professor as well as to set up a separate guest house for the minority Muslim students in the university. The team also urged the Prime Minister to take up specific actions to ensure the development of the university as well as the education system in the state, particularly for the minority Muslims.
According to Ms. Rukshar Choudhury who returned yesterday evening from Delhi, the Prime Minister has assured that he would try to take sufficient action in this regard.
It is to be noted that five students of the University have been arrested and booked under the NSA allegedly in connection with the murder of the Professor and further investigation is going on.
AUDF victory hailed as beginning of a new era for the downtrodden
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net
New Delhi: The victory of Assam United Democratic Front in the Lok Sabha elections in Assam is being hailed both as the beginning of a new era for healthy and positive politics in the country and a ray of hope for the downtrodden.
Indian Muslim Rabita Council (IMRC) while greeting AUDF chief Maulana Badruddin Ajmal for taking his party to the Parliament described his victory as a new ray of hope for the minorities and neglected and backward classes.
“AUDF’ victory has ushered in a new era of healthy, positive and creative politics in the country, and this will bring a change,” says IMRC General Secretary Maulana Abdur Rahman Abid. “AUDF has reached Delhi but it still has a long way to go to achieve its target,” he avers.
In a meeting held today in New Delhi IMRC has congratulated both Ajmal and Maulana Asrarul Haq Qasmi for their win and expressed hope they will do needful for the country and the community.
The organization has also urged the Congress party to wage an open war against the communalists. The party and the government must not take any excuse in exposing the forces that are continuously conspiring against the minorities. “People have voted for Congress against communalism and thus it is obligatory for the party to take on the communal forces,” IMRC said.
New Delhi: The victory of Assam United Democratic Front in the Lok Sabha elections in Assam is being hailed both as the beginning of a new era for healthy and positive politics in the country and a ray of hope for the downtrodden.
Indian Muslim Rabita Council (IMRC) while greeting AUDF chief Maulana Badruddin Ajmal for taking his party to the Parliament described his victory as a new ray of hope for the minorities and neglected and backward classes.
“AUDF’ victory has ushered in a new era of healthy, positive and creative politics in the country, and this will bring a change,” says IMRC General Secretary Maulana Abdur Rahman Abid. “AUDF has reached Delhi but it still has a long way to go to achieve its target,” he avers.
In a meeting held today in New Delhi IMRC has congratulated both Ajmal and Maulana Asrarul Haq Qasmi for their win and expressed hope they will do needful for the country and the community.
The organization has also urged the Congress party to wage an open war against the communalists. The party and the government must not take any excuse in exposing the forces that are continuously conspiring against the minorities. “People have voted for Congress against communalism and thus it is obligatory for the party to take on the communal forces,” IMRC said.
Women joining hands to protect secularism in the country
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
With the high intention for mobilizing women of the country to propagate harmony, inclusion, justice and peace all over the country, a group of women moved to launch a forum “Women For Secularism” recently in Mumbai.
The forum believes that though people are divided on the lines of class, caste, race and religion, there is an urge among them to see a peaceful environment and women can play very important role in promoting secularism and secular values in our country which is increasingly coming under the influence of communal forces.
The main objective of Women For Secularism is to provide women of this country with a forum to reassert their rights as a free and independent citizen of India. It is a fact that women have been denied their rights – even those rights enshrined in the Constitution of the country.
One of the important aims of the forum is to prove to the world that it is possible to live harmoniously in a society that has enormous religious, linguistic, cultural and social diversity. It also believes in the inherent dignity of all human beings and condemns all forms of discrimination based on religion, caste, class and gender.
The forum managed by women intends to counter violence against women, contribute to the efforts for gender justice, raise voices against fundamentalism and communalism and to initiate action against all forms of discrimination.
Talking to TwoCircles.net, Noorjehan, a co-convener of the forum, said: “We want to spread the message of secularism in every street of the country so that every Indian can live peacefully.”
About future plans of the forum, she said the forum would organize at least 5-6 conferences in a year to promote secularism, justice and peace, and also would meet people of every section across the country and urge them to join this mission.
There are so many organizations already working on such issues in the country, so why a new group? “The problems of women in the country are too many to be solved. The organizations working today are not enough, and also they do not work out all women’s problems as most of them are working under the leadership of men,” she said.
Noorjehan is confident that her group will soon emerge as a successful platform for all those who believe in secularism and harmony. “We will go ahead with the help of nation-loving people irrespective of their religions, castes, class, and races and surely will succeed,” said she. Ms. Anuradha is the other co-convenor of the forum.
With the high intention for mobilizing women of the country to propagate harmony, inclusion, justice and peace all over the country, a group of women moved to launch a forum “Women For Secularism” recently in Mumbai.
The forum believes that though people are divided on the lines of class, caste, race and religion, there is an urge among them to see a peaceful environment and women can play very important role in promoting secularism and secular values in our country which is increasingly coming under the influence of communal forces.
The main objective of Women For Secularism is to provide women of this country with a forum to reassert their rights as a free and independent citizen of India. It is a fact that women have been denied their rights – even those rights enshrined in the Constitution of the country.
One of the important aims of the forum is to prove to the world that it is possible to live harmoniously in a society that has enormous religious, linguistic, cultural and social diversity. It also believes in the inherent dignity of all human beings and condemns all forms of discrimination based on religion, caste, class and gender.
The forum managed by women intends to counter violence against women, contribute to the efforts for gender justice, raise voices against fundamentalism and communalism and to initiate action against all forms of discrimination.
Talking to TwoCircles.net, Noorjehan, a co-convener of the forum, said: “We want to spread the message of secularism in every street of the country so that every Indian can live peacefully.”
About future plans of the forum, she said the forum would organize at least 5-6 conferences in a year to promote secularism, justice and peace, and also would meet people of every section across the country and urge them to join this mission.
There are so many organizations already working on such issues in the country, so why a new group? “The problems of women in the country are too many to be solved. The organizations working today are not enough, and also they do not work out all women’s problems as most of them are working under the leadership of men,” she said.
Noorjehan is confident that her group will soon emerge as a successful platform for all those who believe in secularism and harmony. “We will go ahead with the help of nation-loving people irrespective of their religions, castes, class, and races and surely will succeed,” said she. Ms. Anuradha is the other co-convenor of the forum.
Justice Markandeya Katju remark on beard is against secular fabric of the country:SIO
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: Justice Markandeya Katju‘s remark on beard and burqa created a wave of anger among the Muslim Community. Muslim leaders condemned that and termed it an attack on religious rights.
In a press statement Mr. Suhail K.K, president of Students Islamic Organization of India (SIO), said: “The remarks of an apex court’s justice on beard is disappointing and against the secular fabric of the country.”
Criticizing Justice Markandeya Katju, he said: “Mr. Katju did not even bother to verify the fact that the relation of Muslims with sporting beard is not related to Taliban but with practicing the religion of Islam.”
“It is one of the fundamental rights of every Indian according to article 25 of Indian Constitution that he is free to practice and propagate his religion. It is as per this provision that the Sikhs of this country are allowed to sport beard, wear a turban and even carry knife” he added.
He further said that Justice Markandeya Katju should explain that how Sikh beard and a communist beard are treated different from that of a Muslim beard and why some sections are allowed and some not.
He also stated that long beard has been generally considered to be a symbol of dignity and wisdom in all societies including the Indian society.
“In ancient India the punishment for adultery was to have the beard of the offending parties publicly cut off and had such a sacred regard for the preservation of their beards that a man might pledge it for the payment of debt” he added.
Patna: Justice Markandeya Katju‘s remark on beard and burqa created a wave of anger among the Muslim Community. Muslim leaders condemned that and termed it an attack on religious rights.
In a press statement Mr. Suhail K.K, president of Students Islamic Organization of India (SIO), said: “The remarks of an apex court’s justice on beard is disappointing and against the secular fabric of the country.”
Criticizing Justice Markandeya Katju, he said: “Mr. Katju did not even bother to verify the fact that the relation of Muslims with sporting beard is not related to Taliban but with practicing the religion of Islam.”
“It is one of the fundamental rights of every Indian according to article 25 of Indian Constitution that he is free to practice and propagate his religion. It is as per this provision that the Sikhs of this country are allowed to sport beard, wear a turban and even carry knife” he added.
He further said that Justice Markandeya Katju should explain that how Sikh beard and a communist beard are treated different from that of a Muslim beard and why some sections are allowed and some not.
He also stated that long beard has been generally considered to be a symbol of dignity and wisdom in all societies including the Indian society.
“In ancient India the punishment for adultery was to have the beard of the offending parties publicly cut off and had such a sacred regard for the preservation of their beards that a man might pledge it for the payment of debt” he added.
AIM adopts a primary school in Faizabad Village, builds classrooms
By Manzar Bilal, TwoCircles.net,
Patna: With the aim to improve the quality of education, Association of Indian Muslims of America, Washington DC (AIM) took a positive step by adopting a small primary school passing through poor condition in the Kopepur village, Faizabad district of UP.
Notably, Kopepur is a Muslim dominated village and educationally very backward with high percentage of illiteracy as well as large number of children who do not attend school.
In 2001 Faiz-e-Aam Muslim Educational Society, Faizabad, started a school in the village. But due to lack of fund school could not progress regarding building and had been run in 4 temporary classrooms with tinned roof without doors, windows and constructed floor. The school has 80 boys and 60 girls presently upto Vth standard. Examination of the school is conducted by N.I.O.S, ministry of H.R.D., govt. of India.
The school was given name with “AIM Junior High School" with an enrollment of 150
students in a ceremony in Kopepur village on April 9, 2009 where Mr. Kaleem Khaja participated on behalf of AIM.
AMI donated 11 lakh to transfer the 4 tin sheded class rooms into proper class rooms by
providing walls, doors, windows, flooring etc and also to build 4 additional pucca classrooms. The renovation works in old classrooms have been completed and construction of pucca classrooms is in progress which will be completed in early July 2009.
The school will begin functioning as a junior high school and will be operated by the Faiz- e-Aam Muslim Education Society, Faizabad which presently operates a few other
schools in the villages of Faizabad district.
AIM will be monitoring the quality of teachers and education at the school in the future and as per need AIM will provide funds, books. It will guide how to improve and maintain the quality of education at the school and also will be checking the performance of the school's students in the annual examinations.
Mr. Kaleem Khaja appointed his friend who lives in Faizabad and a relative who lives in Lucknow to visit the school on every 4 months to check the quality of education at the school and to send report to AIM in Washington DC.
The goal of AIM is to make the standard of education in this school a model for
other community schools in the various villages in Faizabad district. AIM wants to prepare a large number of students who will get success with excellence marks.
The especial emphasize will be given on study of Science, Mathematics and English not merely to teach students reading and writing but to motivate them for going ahead to get success.
It will not be first and last step of AIM rather it will consider adopting more similar primary schools in villages of UP that are running in sorry condition and will provide all the necessities as well as buildings.
Patna: With the aim to improve the quality of education, Association of Indian Muslims of America, Washington DC (AIM) took a positive step by adopting a small primary school passing through poor condition in the Kopepur village, Faizabad district of UP.
Notably, Kopepur is a Muslim dominated village and educationally very backward with high percentage of illiteracy as well as large number of children who do not attend school.
In 2001 Faiz-e-Aam Muslim Educational Society, Faizabad, started a school in the village. But due to lack of fund school could not progress regarding building and had been run in 4 temporary classrooms with tinned roof without doors, windows and constructed floor. The school has 80 boys and 60 girls presently upto Vth standard. Examination of the school is conducted by N.I.O.S, ministry of H.R.D., govt. of India.
The school was given name with “AIM Junior High School" with an enrollment of 150
students in a ceremony in Kopepur village on April 9, 2009 where Mr. Kaleem Khaja participated on behalf of AIM.
AMI donated 11 lakh to transfer the 4 tin sheded class rooms into proper class rooms by
providing walls, doors, windows, flooring etc and also to build 4 additional pucca classrooms. The renovation works in old classrooms have been completed and construction of pucca classrooms is in progress which will be completed in early July 2009.
The school will begin functioning as a junior high school and will be operated by the Faiz- e-Aam Muslim Education Society, Faizabad which presently operates a few other
schools in the villages of Faizabad district.
AIM will be monitoring the quality of teachers and education at the school in the future and as per need AIM will provide funds, books. It will guide how to improve and maintain the quality of education at the school and also will be checking the performance of the school's students in the annual examinations.
Mr. Kaleem Khaja appointed his friend who lives in Faizabad and a relative who lives in Lucknow to visit the school on every 4 months to check the quality of education at the school and to send report to AIM in Washington DC.
The goal of AIM is to make the standard of education in this school a model for
other community schools in the various villages in Faizabad district. AIM wants to prepare a large number of students who will get success with excellence marks.
The especial emphasize will be given on study of Science, Mathematics and English not merely to teach students reading and writing but to motivate them for going ahead to get success.
It will not be first and last step of AIM rather it will consider adopting more similar primary schools in villages of UP that are running in sorry condition and will provide all the necessities as well as buildings.
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