New spate of attacks to construct illegal mosque in Kolkata Leather Complex

The village of Gangapur within the jurisdiction of KLC Police Station in Bhangor no. 1 Block in the District of 24 Paraganas (South) experienced a fresh onrush on January 23, 2014. Local Hindus were assailed once more by a large group of Muslims with lethal weapons and hell bent to construct a mosque illegally within the area. What makes the confrontation deadliest is the presence of an ancient Hindu temple and it is at a distance of 20 feet away from the disputed site. The temple is venerated by Hindus in the neighborhood highly and the main objective behind recurrent attacks is to oust Hindus from the area and the bid to construct the illegal mosque is the first step, as per locals. However, this is not new; Hindus had premonitions and therefore, to ward off any sinister development, they had submitted a mass petition signed by almost 1100 villagers to the District Magistrate. But the administration remained lackluster as usual and exploiting it, Muslim youths attempted still.       

It is worth mentioning, the village had witnessed similar onslaught on December 24, 2013 and it was also on the same issue. Even if the trouble died down due to persistence of Hindus then, it has surfaced yet again. Nevertheless, to create amity, local police had organized a meeting at the KLC Police Station on January 9. But it failed to have any solution and hence, another meeting for resolution was convened on January 24. And the dreadful attack took place on the day before it.    

Gulzar Zia, violent mob ransack Chittaranjan National Medical College in Kolkata

Traffic was thrown out of gear while law and order was shattered and police remained utterly confused, even perceived to back out – all these features resulting from a wild rampage, led by Gulzar Zia, Trinamool Councilor of Ward No. 60 under Kolkata Municipal Corporation, and his son Sabbar Alam, ruled Chittaranjan National Medical College in Kolkata on January 18 for hours. It has been learnt, Pervez Alam, inhabitant of Jannagar area in Beniapukur and also suffering from diabetes, has been undergoing medical treatment in the hospital for weeks. He was also operated recently. On Saturday, Yasmin Begum and Hena Parvin, his wife and daughter respectively, turned up in the hospital to render the midday meal. However, the scheduled time for visitors in the hospital is between 9 am and 11 am. Both of them entered after 11 am; private security guard asked them to go out and all these led to a scuffle. What followed next were wild allegations – while Yasmin and Hena held staff in the hospital as culpable, security guard and staff blamed both women for the trouble. According to police, problem started when Yasmin and Hena tried to enter without accredited visiting cards.

Within a few minutes, a large mob from the neighborhood and led by Gulzar Zia, Sabbar Alam went on a rampage and also ransacked the hospital. A police outpost was also plundered by the violent mob. It is alleged, some troublers even attempted to molest policewomen.  Police also struck back and took four offenders into custody. But they were freed on bail soon due to pressure of Gulzar Zia and his followers.

Relatives and neighbors of Pervez Alam blocked CIT Road for hours as a mark of protest. The blockade was lifted once protestors were assured of justice.  

Even if Sabbar Alam and his confederate Ershad were arrested on January 19 in the morning, Gulzar Zia is on the run.  

Endeavor to turn Debuttar Property in Jamalpur, Bardhaman to Islamic Cemetery scores high

It has been learnt from sources, a few days back the village of Bishnubati, within the jurisdiction of police station of Jamalpur under Jamalpur block, in the district of Bardhaman remained witness to grievous attempts to encroach Joy Maa Chandi Debuttar Property within it. Trouble started when a group of people (Muslim by religion), under the aegis of local Hindu political leaders, entered the village and attempted to entomb a dead body. The village is infested with underprivileged Hindus but despite hindrances, all including tribal Hindus tried to fend off the event. It has been found, tribal Hindu girls ran to local police personnel seeking their support. But the administration remained indifferent and Hindus were thrashed brutally to nip any such protest in the bud. Hence, the pious intention to turn the Debuttar Property to an Islamic graveyard completed with a great success. Tight vigil is maintained in village at the moment.

In accordance with Indian Law, any property absolutely dedicated to Hindu religious or charitable purpose is called Debuttar Property. De­buttar means literally belonging to a deity. Where the dedication is absolute and complete, the possession and management of the property belongs, in the case of a Deosthana or temple, to the manager of the temple, called Shebait but the property vests in the idol; and in case of math that is an abode for students of religion, to the head of the math called Mahant.

As a general rule, the property given to religious worship and charities connected with it is inalienable.

Wild claims on land weaken communal harmony in Duttapukur

Hindu-Muslim scuffle over a stretch of land in the village of Duttapukur Chaltaberia within Duttapukur 2 No. Gram Panchayat and under the jurisdiction of Duttapukur police station in the district of 24 Paraganas (North) has become a cause of concern by now and the administration is found to apprehend more ominous developments. It is to be noted, the dispute remains over a 15 cottah land (1 cottah = 720 sq. ft.) in an area (within the village) populated by 300 Hindu families, wretched refugees from Bhola and Barisal districts in Bangladesh.  There are almost 60 Muslim families in the same area but around Chaltaberia Uttarpara located at 500 meter away from the disputed site.

Now, Muslims are asserting that the same 15 cottah of land belongs to them and it’s nothing but an Islamic graveyard. Nevertheless, another burial ground of Muslims is located in the environs, used commonly and contains a mosque as well. But these basic facts failed to bring sanity and on January 13 several Muslims were witnessed to construct a boundary wall around the site infuriating local Hindus. Trouble started on January 14 in the morning owing to resumption of the project under alleged protective cover of 200 Muslim individuals. Hindus protested and as a part of it submitted protest letters to both Duttapakur Police Station and Gram Panchayat Pradhan. But it was rejected almost instantly. 

Hindus are in fright at the moment and audaciousness of neighboring Muslims with posture of local administration have dampened their spirit and are wondering whether they would be evicted from this place also. Well, a few Hindu youths have decided to defy this pernicious diktat come what may and go on with struggle.   As per latest reports, today in the morning (January 14), Hindus fought back with might leading to discontinuation of the project. Both communities have been asked to visit the local police station for a truce.

Hindu-Muslim scuffle over a stretch of land in the village of Duttapukur Chaltaberia within Duttapukur 2 No. Gram Panchayat and under the jurisdiction of Duttapukur police station in the district of 24 Paraganas (North) has become a cause of concern by now and the administration is found to apprehend more ominous developments. It is to be noted, the dispute remains over a 15 cottah land (1 cottah = 720 sq. ft.) in an area (within the village) populated by 300 Hindu families, wretched refugees from Bhola and Barisal districts in Bangladesh.  There are almost 60 Muslim families in the same area but around Chaltaberia Uttarpara located at 500 meter away from the disputed site.

Now, Muslims are asserting that the same 15 cottah of land belongs to them and it’s nothing but an Islamic graveyard. Nevertheless, another burial ground of Muslims is located in the environs, used commonly and contains a mosque as well. But these basic facts failed to bring sanity and on January 13 several Muslims were witnessed to construct a boundary wall around the site infuriating local Hindus. Trouble started on January 14 in the morning owing to resumption of the project under alleged protective cover of 200 Muslim individuals. Hindus protested and as a part of it submitted protest letters to both Duttapakur Police Station and Gram Panchayat Pradhan. But it was rejected almost instantly. 

Hindus are in fright at the moment and audaciousness of neighboring Muslims with posture of local administration have dampened their spirit and are wondering whether they would be evicted from this place also. Well, a few Hindu youths have decided to defy this pernicious diktat come what may and go on with struggle.   As per latest reports, today in the morning (January 14), Hindus fought back with might leading to discontinuation of the project. Both communities have been asked to visit the local police station for a truce.

Kali Temple at Hindu crematorium in Mathurapur desecrated, plundered

Fears of communal disorder looming

On January 27, 2014, in the dead of night, Kali temple situated at the Hindu crematorium in the village of Ranaghata in Lalpur area, within the jurisdiction of police station of Mathurapur in the district of 24 Paraganas (South), was desecrated and pillaged by a group of crooks. It has come to knowledge, Jaladhar Pramanik, an aged individual, lives in a hut alongside the crematorium and on the fateful night, he was attacked by the group of criminals before anything else. Even if he was thrashed mercilessly, Jaladhar managed to inform others in the village of the dreadful episode. When a group of people came to the temple, it had already been defiled and ransacked.

The enraged mob (joined by many gradually) went on in the hunt for criminals and soon they got hold of Lekman Mollah, son-in-law of Morshet Khan inhabiting the same village, who was identified as a member of the gang by Jaladhar Pramanik also. Lekman was delivered to the local police station who assured Hindus to deal with the situation firmly. Contrary to expectations, on January 29, Lekman returned to his father-in-law’s residence but instead of expressing penitence, he asked Muslim youths aggressively to help him to teach Hindus (liable to deliver him to police) a lesson. The belligerent mob came to the crematorium, warned Hindus and went away chanting anti-Hindu slogans. Terrified Hindus rushed to local political leaders seeking help. Albeit leaders pledged them to convey this incident to the local administration and also to step up safety in the village, nothing has been done yet.

It has been learnt, even if affable police officials in local police station asked Hindus to name the culprits along with Lekman Mollah, they haven’t been able to do due to extreme fright.

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’s political manifesto floated to have fast benefits

None is ready to miss an opportunity to influence national politics at this crucial juncture and so, now it’s the turn of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, reputed, premier Islamic organization in India enjoying brawny global support, and true to form, the Islamic outfit is in the center stage once more with a list of demands to the Indian political spectrum ahead of Lok Sabha election, 2014. Jamaat-e-Islami, in accordance with pundits, happens to be one of the foremost mantles (and no mere representative) of Indian Muslims considering Islam as a complete way of life and not any piddling sect having indigenous or a set of practices to worship. On March 1, 2014, the organization brought forth a 15-point Public Manifesto and as per Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari, president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, every political party will be contacted in this regard. However, support will be extended to the political parties agreed to better Muslims in the country.

The essence of the manifesto as found in the official website of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind is included in the following lines.

1) “Right to Livelihood” should be recognized as a Fundamental Right through constitutional amendment to ensure food, housing, clothing, education and healthcare to all citizens of the country.

2)   Justice Ranganath Mishra Commission Report should be accepted and implemented.

3)   The concept of Diversity Index as envisaged in Sachar Committee Report should be implemented in both government and private sectors. All government aids and grants should be based on the Diversity Index.

4)  The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) should be amended to guarantee employment for whole 365 days of a year and to cover the urban poor also under the scheme.

5)  The Communal Violence (Prevention, Control and Rehabilitation of Victims) Bill should be passed and implemented honestly.

6)  All central security laws like AFSPA, UAPA should be brought in alignment with the obligations of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Torture, inhuman and degrading treatment of detainees and prisoners should be banned.

7)  An independent judicial commission should be constructed to probe all accusations of terrorist and disruptive activities; the accused should be tried in fast track courts; mechanism should be developed for reparation for victims; and errant officers should be prosecuted.

8)  Private corporations and NGOs should be brought under the purview of Jan Lokpal Bill. Stringent action should be taken against corruptions. E-governance should be implemented to ensure complete transparency.

9)  The recommendations of National Police Commission should be implemented to make Police forces more professional and humane; and to make them more representative and unbiased, 25% quota should be reserved for minorities.

10) A comprehensive policy should be evolved for protecting the dignity and honour of women and for controlling the sex crimes. Culprits should be sternly punished. Education policy should be amended to sensitize the society on moral and sexual discipline, and spread of pornography and nudity through media, films and erotic literature should be checked. Censor laws and rules should also be amended.

11)  In the Union Budget, 8% of GDP should be allocated for education and 5% for health.

12) To rejuvenate agrarian sector, recommendations of National Commission for Farmers should be implemented; the corporate farming and future selling should be discouraged. A fund should be set up on the lines of Calamity Fund to help the farmers in case of loss of crops.

13) Taxes should be increased for super rich classes; the ratio of direct tax should be higher than indirect tax. Budget should be made more responsive to the needs of the disadvantaged sections of society viz. Dalits, Adivasis, Muslims, women, rural population, urban poor and the marginalized. There should be a “Muslim Component Plan” in the Five Year Plan.

14) Interest free finance should be introduced in the banking sector as recommended by the high level Committee on Financial Sector Reforms of the Planning Commission headed by Dr. Raghuram Rajan. There is a need for amendments in the existing laws so that the marginalized sections and minorities get benefit from the enclusive development.

15) The Constitution should be amended to make Parliamentary sanction mandatory for any major international treaty or basic change in Foreign Policy of the country. Good relations with neighbouring countries and South-South cooperation should be increased.

The report reflects common anguishes and also apart from voicing popular demands in the country now, it accentuates the need of Dalit-Muslim axis as well. The same notion was floated by Rezzaq Mollah, aged leader of CPIM but banished from the party now, through his own “Social Justice Forum” of late.

Taha Siddiqui outsmarts all in propounding Muslim political aspiration for Lok Sabha Election, 2014

As Lok Sabha Election, 2014 is drawing near, cacophony from different strata of Indian society is getting more and more apparent. While political leaders are gearing up, minority communities are not lagging also and the voice of Taha Siddiqui, Pirjada of Furfura Sharif in Bengal, is heard best. Speaking on the annual Isale of Pir Allamma Ruhul Amain (Raha.) at Basirhat on March 1, he emphasized the need for Muslims across the state to act cohesively as without unity they can’t gain anything substantial at this critical juncture of national politics. He asked the large gathering to get more cautious on the issue of development and how Muslims have got to measure the saga of development singlehandedly. And to achieve success, they have got to become conscious more than others envisage even. Without doubt, he was found to play the role of a demagogue better than a religious leader. 

Raking up alleged pitiable conditions of Muslims both in the state and rest of the country, Taha Siddiqui explicated the basic reasons behind it and how this wretched situation has not taken place almost abruptly. The meeting or historic Isale Swab was attended by no less than lakhs of Murids or staunch worshippers. In accordance with him, parties, cutting across political ideologies, are behind this wretchedness of Muslims. Even though lots of Muslim leaders grace different political parties, they remain lackadaisical and hence, any sense of accountability to the vast Muslim community in India remains a casualty.

These leaders are never interested to deal with and also put an end to burgeoning anguishes of Muslims and as a result, the Islamic society is always found in the table of least developed communities in the country. To prove this, he cited several instances and also the Sachar Committee Report which as per him has done a notable job by revealing haplessness of Muslims in India. Which political party can be supported then? Which party is mostly apt to espouse Muslims and heal their wounds? In this context, the number of Muslim candidates put up by political parties is the benchmark.  

Bengal consists of 40 million Muslims at the moment, he claimed and as a result, each political party must proffer 16 Muslim candidates in proportion. But it is unlikely that political parties will agree to this and this brutal reality compels Muslims, as stated by him, to hold a historic assembly at the Brigade Parade Ground soon. The convention will take place under the sway of Mojaddedia Anath (orphan) Foundation and will be attended by Muslims leaders, distinguished Muslims scholars as well as acquaintances.  

Lack of higher education happens to be the greatest hindrance before Muslims in the state and to overcome this age-old weakness, Taha Siddiqui asked Muslim families in the gathering to send their children to schools. However, Muslim families have to be careful to impart religious teachings alongside western education on their wards and the combination of both will lead to an age of light, a new age for Muslims.

Even if Pirjada was followed by other speakers none could match him in putting forward political aspirations of Muslims in Bengal as regards the imminent Parliamentary Election.

Literacy campaign for Muslims only

Why are other communities not included in Maulana Azad Taleem-e-Baligan project?

Even if diatribes against alleged ominous effects of Brahamanical Hinduism and verbal compassions to its worst victims or Hindu depressed castes never die down, governmental benefits are rendered to a particular minority community or the Muslims only. And other minority communities are left in the lurch. This account is enough to shock any sane and enlightened individual but this has also been the reality in India ever since August 15, 1947 and the trend is gaining strength with each day it passes. UPA government, known to hanker after Muslim support to retain its own suzerainty, has created a new saga through introduction of a new project to increase the rate of literacy among Muslims. The project was inaugurated by Mallipudi Raju Pallam Mangapati, Hon’ble Minister for Human Resources Development, Government of India on January 5, 2014 and it is worth Rs. 600 crores. The project has been named as Maulana Azad Taleem-e-Baligan and its mission is to make a crore of Muslim adolescents (of age 15 and above) literate. Apart from this, the project also includes schemes to make two-and-half lakh Muslim elders literate and impart developed technical knowledge among 3 lakh Muslims to better their lives.   

On the word of officials in the Union Ministry, 1000 adult education centers will also be set up only for Muslim women and only village panchayats where the Muslim population exceeds 5, 000 will have this facility. The project of Maulana Azad Taleem-e-Baligan will focus on 61 Muslim-concentrated “Sakshar Bharat” districts across 11 states of India. It has been learnt, first stage of the project will be completed by September, 2014. When journalists asked the concerned officials of the need of this project at the annual meeting of the National Monitoring Committee for Minorities Education on January 5, it was said that it had been designed to better each commoner in the country.

In accordance with members of the National Monitoring Committee for Minorities' Education (NMCME), the rate of registering Muslim children in educational sector is rising high. While the rate of registration of Muslim children in primary education was 9.4% (on a national scale), it turned into 14.25% in 2012-2013. Such type of surge has been found in the realm of secondary education as well; it has become 12.1% from 7.2% within a few years. The Union Government has commenced Maulana Azad Taleem-e-Baligan project to fill up the outstanding deficit fast.

Will this novel approach bring desired success? Members of NMCME are quite optimistic whereas critics are being found to be skeptical and term it as both frivolous and politics of compulsion and also ugliest representation of the lust to grab minority votes. They do opine that several such measures were adopted in the past and all these have failed miserably thanks to deficiency in response from the Muslim society. But, albeit there were failures, budgets were devoured and as per security experts, currency was channelized for belligerent activities altogether. These experts apprehend its repetition at this time too. Reprisals from other minority communities, thanks to the government’s partisanship, as well as sections of the majority community can’t also be ruled out. 

It is to be noted, Union Human Resources Development Ministry has already asked the government of Uttar Pradesh for readmission of students affected by Muzaffarnagar riots in the state. But current developments portray that this facility is only for Muslim children at the primary level. The situation is no different in Bengal where Hindu victims in any communal riot are left high and dry, let alone creating special opportunities for Hindu students.

North Dinajpur – depot of illegal weapons, safest corridor for Islamic insurgents

Police trying desperately to recover illegal arms, stop potential mayhem

Apprehending worst violence along with destructive activities of radical Muslims hailing from Bangladesh in the imminent parliamentary election, district police of North Dinajpur has issued an alert and also asked all police stations to expedite recovery of illegal arms and ammunitions. It is worth to mention, the district shares an international border with the neighboring country of Bangladesh and as a result, impression of any tumult there is perceived in this district as well. While the district is enclosed by the districts of Thakurgaon, Panchagarh and Dinajpur districts of Bangladesh on the east, it shares borders with Kishanganj, Katihar and Purnia districts of Bihar on the west. Islampur subdivision in the district contains a checkpoint on the India-Bangladesh international border and is also known as highly contentious. Allegations that this checkpoint is used by radical Muslims from Bangladesh as a safe passage to enter Indian mainland, according to experts, are not wild.    

According to sources, there are ample chances that miscreants, backed by extra-constitutional forces, can wreak mayhem across the district and all these have made the district police tighten its grip and urge police personnel to hasten the saga of recovery. On the word of Amit Javalgi, Superintendent of Police in North Dinajpur, police has definite information that a large amount of illegal arms and ammunitions are with miscreants. To save the society and also the district from any havoc, police is determined to recover all those and the special operation will continue till the Parliamentary Election, 2014.

The district of North Dinajpur shares a 187 kilometer-long international border with Bangladesh while it has a 280 kilometer border with the neighboring state of Bihar and it has also come to knowledge, thanks to this geographical position, smugglers of illegal weapons use this district as a corridor. Lots of police raids have brought forth how illegal weapons manufactured at Munger in Bihar, infamous as hub of illegal weapons industry across India, are brought through this corridor and then distributed around North Bengal. One of such victims is Raiganj, prominent town as well as municipality in the district of North Dinajpur. Now, if sources are to be depended on, large caches of illegal arms can be found both in the city of Raiganj and its outskirts. As per journalists, political parties make use of these mercenaries during elections at random and this can be found best from the surge in violence in the district’s college elections of late. And the uneasiness reigning the national political arena now can lead to more use of these illegal weapons in the ensuing election.  

Raiganj parliamentary seat, after several years, is all set to perceive a stiff fight and chances of flexing muscles and using violence, hence, can’t be brushed aside. On the other hand, it is no news but a reality that radical Muslims from Bangladesh enjoys a steady support in this district and it is increasing fast, according to several sources. The recent victory of BNP and also slow but steady resurgence of Jamaat in Bangladesh is also being supported by a large section of inhabitants here. 

JAGO GHULAM BENGALI JAGO

Exodus of persecuted Hindus from Bangladesh to Bengal may resume soon 

 

 

 No matter the claims of government and administration in Bangladesh, Hindu persecution there following recent election has not subsided and if sources instead of police are counted on, such horrific incidents continue to appear in any part of country on a daily basis endangering existence of Hindus. Now, if police reports submitted to the High Court of Bangladesh recently are taken into consideration, it gets apparent that at least160 incidents of onslaughts along with atrocities on Hindus have occurred in 21 districts following the parliamentary polls on

January 5 till now.  Reports assert further that property worth 40 lakh taka (currency of Bangladesh) have been damaged as a result of 70 attacks and perpetrators in the majority of incidents are connected to either BNP or Jamaat-e-Islami or abide by their coordinated leadership. All these prove that there may be attackers from other political or social groups also.

What is the nature of atrocities? This question is natural as no news of pogrom or genocide of Hindus has been learnt yet. Reports do state that atrocities (at this time) include merciless attacks on Hindus and their properties, desecration and also destruction of their Holy Deities. Hindu business establishments have also become victim to wrath of radical Muslims of any political group. This also suggests that the aim has always been to overthrow local Hindu population and also to send them a message to desert Bangladesh and move to India. Reports have been submitted by officials of an assortment of administrative regions or police departments to the High Court of Bangladesh through the Office of the Attorney General corresponding to a suo moto rule issued by the Hon’ble Court on January 15.

 

 

 

 Even if heinousness had been perceived around Bangladesh, worst affected districts were Dinajpur, Mymensingh, Netrakona, Sherpur, Tangail, Comilla, Chandpur, Bagerhat, Jessore, Narail, Rajshahi, Naogaon, Natore, Joypurhat, Barisal, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Rangpur, Gaibandha Nilphamari and Thakurgaon. Now, if a question is asked of the penalization, the revelation is enough to disappoint the inquirer. Albeit burgeoning atrocities rocked the whole of Bangladesh along with the international arena, only 36 criminal cases have been filed and these include three general diaries. Only139 people have been arrested even though huge mobs were seen to participate in carnages. 

 

 

 

 

On February 5, 2014, radical Muslims despoiled a hermitage of minority Hindus in the sub-district of Kaharol within the district of Dinajpur. The entire operation, according to locals,

was carried out by a few masked men having lethal weapons too. While the diagnostic laboratory hall was pillaged in the beginning, a temple within the same premises was looted later on and lots of valuables were also stolen.

On February 23, 2014, at 11 am, residences of two neighboring Hindu families were burnt down by criminals in the village of Nrisingha within Laxmichap Union at the district headquarter of Nilphamari. Seven houses belonging to both families burnt up. While talking to the local Hindu villagers, it was learnt that attacks on Hindus in the area is no new. Several attempts to burn down Hindu properties took place but the reluctance of police to solve Hindus’ anguishes has stimulated felons altogether.

Exodus of Hindus from Bangladesh can start once more; the situation is highly volatile and Bengal in India can be their best haven.