"Kashmiris no longer feel proud that children have joined terrorism"

New Delhi

There is a perceptible change in the ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir since August 2019 when the controversial Article 370 was abrogated and the erstwhile state was bifurcated into two.

Sources say while declining statistics of terror activities and related matters could be one major issue involved, the bigger achievement is in the form of perceptible change in the overall perception.

"Earlier parents used to feel proud if their ward/children joined terrorism/militancy. Now they say their ward is not a terrorist. They also appeal to the children to come out if they joined any terror outfit and return to mainstream," those in the know of things say.

Things have gone further. Parents, according to sources, not only appeal for surrender but there have been instances that family members and parents accuse various terror groups 'directly' of kidnapping/picking up their boys for terrorism.

In terms of statistics, total number of active terrorists declined to double digit and there is a continuous 

decline in 'recruitment' of youths into terror groups as well.

Sources say the index of improvement in the overall security scenario can be understood from the fact that there have been no street violence and no stone pelting at the encounter cites unlike the past.

There is also no burial procession of terrorists and there is no civilian death in crossfire or during firing by the central forces and the local police.

Organiser -- Link

The numbers of terror recruitment of youths have declined during the last three years since 2020.

There were 167 young boys recruited in 2020, this came down to 136 in 2021 and has further nosedived

to 99 in 2022.

During this year (2022) as many as 169 terrorists belonging to various groups have been eliminated. The data break up

also shows - there were 42 foreign terrorists (mostly if not all Pakistanis) and 127 were local recruits.

The recruitment numbers of fresh terrorists had gone up to 201 in 2018 while it was 147

in 2017.

Sources say an estimated 81 terrorists will be possible active in J&K as of now and of them the local terrorists is to

foreign terrorists numbers stand at - 29:52.

In region or district wise break up, sources say a total of 15 of them could be active in Kulgam and around 12

in Shopian. 

Official estimate also suggest that there is no terrorist in Ganderbal region.

 

ends 

Israel envoy's apology is a big gesture ..... its also a slap on Indian Sickular jokers

"You will go back to Israel thinking that you are bold and “made a statement”. We, the representatives of Israel, would stay here. You should see our DM boxes following your “bravery” and what implications it may have on the team under my responsibility." - Israeli envoy blasts film maker Lapid

Sickular jokers have a bad habit of jumping at everything ... 

"As a human being I feel ashamed and want to apologize to our hosts for the bad manner in which we repaid them for their generosity and friendship," said Israel envoy after the controversial remarks ....

*** for a change Sickulars should be ashamed....don't jump at everything !!

 

Biggest takeaway from ‘The Kashmir Files’: A simple question – ‘What’s your humanism?’

(click at link for an earlier piece in March,2022) ......

Link

Some dialogues in the film 'The Kashmir Files' are worth pondering over.

The protagonist, a journalist, tells a former top cop: "You were given the Padma Shri so that you remain silent."

The retired police officer -- utterly frustrated of course -- shoots back: "When we the police have to arrest or take action against a big terrorist or a criminal, you know first we try to find who is the keep (the Hindi word used is 'rakhel') of that criminal. Do you know, who these keeps are: these media people."

I was in an Old Delhi cinema watching the movie with my teenage daughter. She laughed out. I also made some noise apparently. Did I like the statement?

Someone who joined journalism with a commitment to the 'ism' -- mind you, in my age it was not fashionable and your dad would not proudly tell his colleagues and neighbours that his eldest son is a journalist.

Pallavi Joshi plays an intellectual professor and a great motivator. She is suave, throws around her one-liners carefully, waxing eloquently. The impact is huge. The youngsters adore her. Only at the fag end of the film does she talk about her real intent -- "the battle of narratives" she has to win.

She uses a Kashmiri Pandit as an ultimate pawn. She convinces him that every story -- or electoral journey -- needs a villain and that villain should be the 'state' or the Government of India.

The young man discovers that she was photographed with a terrorist in a joyful mood -- holding hands. And the photograph is preserved with utmost love and respect in the terrorist's den. The Left-liberal lobby is 'exposed'.

Here is the big and basic problem with the film. Hence, Bollywood could not back it unanimously.

One video has gone viral showing similarities between the reel-life 'Radhika Menon' and a real-life Ms Menon. Some would definitely call all this propaganda.

Remember the blockbuster 'Deewar', where Amitabh questions Lord Shiva: "Khush toh bahut hogey." Hindu film lovers often say this scene was possible only in a temple.

There were a few more one-liners in 'The Kashmir Files'. "Kya Kashmiri Pandit ko apne ghar jaane ka mauka milega? Is this justice?" The refrain so far has been to not ask these uncomfortable questions.

The film talks about 'cultural genocide' and 'administrative genocide', but how does the police behave in some of the so-called communally sensitive places?

The exodus of Kashmiri Pandits is only one part of the story. Maybe a day will come when people will have the guts to do films on other such instances of mass exodus, albeit on a smaller scale, in some other states.

What about my beloved north-eastern India? Are things good or 'better' there? What was the population break-up in the 1980s or in the early 1990s, and what is it now?

Why is the 'herd syndrome' still a malady? Why does a young man who studied in Kohima, Lunglei or Shillong have to settle down either in Delhi or in Mumbai, or even in the sub divisional town Siliguri? Is it only a career move?

For the film's protagonist, Kashmir is his mother because he was born there. What about people in the audience?

At the end of the film, the chief protagonist says, "Kya hai aap ka humanism (What is your humanism)?" Perhaps, it is a wrong question even in circa 2022.

Parochialism is a disease. Some states have just walked into the lap of the politics of hatred, violence and insurgency, riding on this dangerous tiger called parochialism.

Some of this bitterness reached a crescendo. The Naga-Kuki clashes of the mid-1990s are now a part of the gory but legendary tales from Nagaland and Manipur. Vai Naupang -- the 'outsider' -- is a bad word in Mizoram.

Locals say the name 'Meghalaya' was imposed on the people of the state without taking them into confidence. In Meghalaya, even the coffee and tea industries were opposed initially as a result of the fear that more and more outsiders would flow in.

In Shillong, people have sold their properties to settle down in mainstream India. A friend of mine lost his mom recently in Delhi. He said his mother's last wish, that she should go back and live in her residence at Jail Road, was never fulfilled.

Like most people in the north-east, I too believe that matter were mishandled in New Delhi too. The north-east has been often made to feel like a sore thumb, an unwanted growth in the extremities of Mother India's anatomy.

There existed a lobby in Delhi -- netas, babus and some others, including businessmen -- that allowed the north-east to be engulfed in flames.

The volunteers of the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) were once dubbed as 'goons'.

Giani Zail Singh, when he was India's Home Minister, had said in an interview to 'The Indian Express' in January 1980: "The Assam problem is no problem at all. Indiraji's will shall prevail. If she wishes it tomorrow before sunrise, I shall fill Punjab's jails with 10,000 Assamese to crush the movement."

Others were no different. Morarji Desai and even Charan Singh had taken wrong steps on the Naga issue and the Assam agitation. Things do change and yet some things remain the same.

(Nirendra Dev is a New Delhi-based journalist and author of 'The Talking Guns: North East India' and 'Modi to Moditva: An Uncensored Truth')

Source: IANS

Envoy Naor Gilon also apologized to India in an "open letter" on Twitter, a day after filmmaker Nadav Lapid, who is heading the festival jury, slammed the movie at the closing ceremony of the festival yesterday.

"An open letter to #NadavLapid following his criticism of #KashmirFiles. It’s not in Hebrew because I wanted our Indian brothers and sisters to be able to understand. It is also relatively long so I’ll give you the bottom line first. YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED," he tweeted to the film maker Lapid. 

Israeli envoy Gilon said Lapid abused the Indian invitation to the judges' panel in the "worst way".

"In Indian culture, they say that a guest is like God. You have abused in the worst way the Indian invitation to chair the panel of judges at @IFFIGoa as well as the trust, respect, and warm hospitality they have bestowed on you".

Nadav Lapid had said the jury at the film festival were "disturbed and shocked" by 'The Kashmir Files'. 

"That felt to us like a propaganda, vulgar movie, inappropriate for an artistic competitive section of such a prestigious film festival," he said. 

The Israeli envoy said -- "I'm no film expert but I do know that it's insensitive and presumptuous to speak about historic events before deeply studying them and which are an open wound in India because many of the involved are still around and still paying a price". 

What might go against BJP in Saurashtra region ...... Saurashtra Political Pulse

What might go against BJP in Saurashtra region

1. Sidelining of Keshubhai Patel. Modi himself shifted base from Rajkot to Maninagar in Ahmedabad.

2. In 2017, BJP's CM face Vijay Rupani was from Rajkot, but now replaced.

3, There was violence against Dalits. Una episode was here. - In July 2016, seven members of a Dalit family were assaulted by a group of people in pretext of cow protection in  Una, also called Unnatnagar is a town under municipality in Gir Somnath district.

Saurashtra Political Pulse: AAP, Congress fight might help BJP

 

Rajkot (Gujarat) 

Stage is almost set for Dec 1 - phase one - polls in Gujarat wherein voters will exercise their franchise in 89 assembly segments.

Saurashtra is always an important region of 182-assembly seat Gujarat polls. This region has a total of 48 polls and despite the 'Narendra Modi phenomenon' and and Gujarat's Asmita (pride) cards, this bloc has always created hurdles and offered serious challenges to the BJP.

Though putting up a brave face, the saffron party strategists are aware that the 
Saurashtra region will yet again pose a herculean task for the BJP as the saffron party faces infighting, ineffective political management and of course overall misgovernance.

BJP poll strategists at the local level in places like Amreli say the Saurashtra region encompassing 11 districts made all the difference in 2017 elections as out of the 16 seats loss for the BJP from the 2012 tally of 115, as many as 13 of them were from the Saurashtra region.

There are multiple reasons. The socio-political built up in Saurashtra region is rural and agrarian based unlike the general 'urbansed' polity of Gujarat. One possible reason also could be because Late Keshubhai Patel was gradually marginalised in BJP's game plans and even Narendra Modi had shifted base from
Rajkot West to Maninagar in Ahmedabad.

Officials say an estimated 43-44 percent of Gujarat is in urban pockets. This somehow fails in Saurashtra where hubs such as Rajkot, Jamnagar and Bhavnagar are urbansed but most of Saurashtra is based on rural economy and social structures. 

The local Congress leaders say the BJP 'weak spot' is Saurashtra and hence after 2017 polls, they worked

over time to win over Congress legislators. At least nine Congress MLAs have joined BJP in last five years.

Across Gujarat out of 160 candidates fielded by BJP in the first list, at least ten former Congress leaders

or their near and dear ones made it to the saffron party list. 

The Patidar agitation was also built up from this region essentially due to agrarian stress.  

In 2017 assembly polls, the agrarian Saurashtra region had played havoc for the BJP and forced it's strength to go below 100 -- that is 99. Five years before in 2012, the BJP had won as many as 115 seats.

In 2017, riding on the support of the Patidar movement and also encashing the distress of groundnut and cotton growers,  the Congress could add seats around Amreli and also Somnath, Talala, and Kodinar to its kitty.
Four key seats of Dhari, Lathi, Savarkundla and Rajula seats in Amreli district also went to Congress.

Importantly, the BJP's defeat came five years back in the prestigious Somnath seat wherein Jasha Barad,

the sitting BJP MLA and a minister, was humbled by Congress nominee Vimal Chudasama.

 

The Congress successfully dislodged the BJP from Amreli district - winning all five seats. The BJP nominees were

humbled in three seats in neighbouring Gir Somnath district.

Thus, observers say though belated Rahul Gandhi's visit and campaign trail to Rajkot on Monday, Nov 21

was crucial.

"Even in 2022, we will do well in the Saurashtra region," says a Congress leader, Bobbhai Parmar in Rajkot.

Among the local population, groundnut farmers are agitated. At the Gondal agricultural produce marketing committee market, price of groundnut has dropped to around Rs 1,170 per 20 kg bad while it used to be Rs 1500. 

But voters have not yet made up their minds. Three factors are working. One, the 'Moditva' phenomenon, 

the Prime Minister's personal popularity is BJP's trump card. But there are other issues like AAP's entry this year

with its 'Delhi model' and the Congress party's low-key and 'delayed' campaign trail.

Among AAP workers the real anxious point is can the 'good will and curiosity factor' of the Delhi-Model

translate into votes.

"Freebies are not what Gujarat voters want. Of course they like good supply of electricity and water. But we are sure,

there will be indirect and hidden taxes. Gujarat's middleclass is at least not keen for any such experiment," says Aparna

Rathore, an housewife. 

Of course the Morbi bridge collapse will certainly haunt the BJP and its hyped Good Governance model.

Sensing the general mood Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke during the campaign on the Morbi Bridge 

collapse tragedy and said no action has been taken against the "real culprits" while the helpless security guard 

has been put behind bars.

He alleged that the BJP follows a "corruption and commission model".

In Rajkot, the Saurashtra heartland, Gandhi said while watchmen who were posted at the site of the

accident were arrested and jailed, no action was taken against the real culprits.

Sources say the BJP is aware of the challenges. Thus in its Sankalp Patra (Manifesto), the BJP has promised 

separate funds for poor people, education, AIIMS level medical facilities, and improved irrigation 

facilities in Saurashtra. It has also assured 20 lakh new jobs generation in the state.

The Congress workers in the Lathi area say the Patidar parents are in dilemma. They want children to become doctors

and engineers. But all seats are reserved for others. The crop insurance also failed to address farmers' problems and

hence they feel the BJP may yet again face tough challenge in the Saurashtra.

Moreover, in Amreli district, with about 45-50 per cent of the population being Patidars and about 8-10 per cent Muslims, 

the Congress knows there are "inherent advantages". 

From Jasdan, a key segment in Rajkot region, BJP has fielded OBC strongman Kunvarji Bavalia. He was a former

Congress MP. 

Yet again from Balasinor assembly segment in Mahisagar region, BJP nominee is Mansinh Chauhan, who had quit

Congress in 2017.

ends 

Tables

What goes against BJP in Saurashtra region

1. Sidelining of Keshubhai Patel. Modi himself shifted base from Rajkot to Maninagar in Ahmedabad.

2. In 2017, BJP's CM face Vijay Rupani was from Rajkot, but now replaced.

3, There was violence against Dalits. Una episode was here. 

    - In July 2016, seven members of a Dalit family were assaulted by a group of people in pretext of cow protection in 

      Una, also called Unnatnagar is a town under municipality in Gir Somnath district.

@What can help BJP

# Bhupendra Patel, CM is a Patidar and a simple town person. His administration has been efficient

  by and large.

# Modi's image is the trump card. 

# Local analyst, Shantibhai Anandbhai Patel in Rajkot says, "Of course, BJP is banking on defectors. But we have to

agree most Congress turncoats were locally important leaders. They are possible capable of winning the seats irrespective of the party affiliations. Personally, all are potential winners".

Dominant Castes in Saurashtra

# Patidars, OBCs, Ahirs, Koli, Kshatriyas

Electoral calculations and Twists

It has to be noted that the two-party system in Gujarat politics started in a big way giving

crystal clear signals in 1995.

Firstly, BJP vote share increased from 26.7 in 1990 to 42.5. The seats increased to 121 (1995)

from 67 in 1990. The leap was one-third to two-third.

At the state level, Janata Dal that ruled between 1990 to 1995 did not win a single seat and out 115 candidates,

109 of them lost security deposit. These make AAP's task much challenging both in Saurashtra as well

as across Gujarat.

In Saurashtra, out of 48 seats, in the 2017 Assembly polls, the Congress won 28 seats improving its 

previous tally of 15 and the BJP seats dropped by 13.

$ BJP's Water-Development plank:

A slew of measures and specially designed schemes were taken up by the BJP government to improve 

water availability in the western state in general and Saurashtra in particular. 

A provision of Rs 500 crore was done towards the works for laying long bulk pipeline from Bhavnagar, Gir-Somnath,

Amreli, Botad, Junagadh, Rajkot and Porbandar to strengthen the drinking water facility in the Saurashtra region.

Gujarat has also made remarkable progress in the micro-irrigation initiative where 13 lakh farmers have

been benefited by putting in place micro irrigation in approximately 21 lakh hectre area.

 

The much ambitious Saurashtra Narmada Avatarana Irrigation Yojana (SAUNI) project is set to supplement

floor water to about 115 existing dams. As a result of this, arid Saurashtra in Gujarat will soon have 

'acchey din', Rajkot Collector, Arun Mahesh Babu, an official from Andhra Pradesh, said in March 2022.

The Phase I works started in April 2014 when Narendra Modi was still the chief minister.

This phase of works is already commissioned at a total cost of Rs 6473 crore.

"With all the three phases done, the much talked about scarcity of water would be reduced in the Saurashtra

region and in the ultimate it will strengthen existing facilities of irrigation for as much as 8,24,871 acre land,"

says Rajkot Collector Babu.

ends  

Foreign Secy's Myanmar visit linked to Naga 'peace parleys' ?

The Big Picture 

'Power' from barrel of gun, deception Vs consensus building 

New Delhi 

In the football season, let's say the score is love-all !

 It is important to note that the Naga peace talks have made forward movement with decks being cleared at various ends to take it to the next level.

Amid hectic consultations between peace emissary A K Mishra and delegations of NSCN-IM and NNPG separately, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra visited Myanmar last week and met senior leadership in the Southeast Asian country.  

Importantly from a long term perspective, during his meetings the Foreign Secretary "expressed India's continued support to people-centric socio-economic developmental projects".

Sources said that some of these projects could be taken up along the India-Myanmar border areas.

As published 'Nagaland Page' 

Ethnic Naga and Mizo people reside in Myanmar along the international border and thus even the 'no man's land' in the thick bushes matter a lot from national security and strategic point of view.

India has also reiterated its commitment towards an expeditious implementation of ongoing connectivity initiatives such as the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the Trilateral Highway. 

The Foreign Secretary also discussed maintenance of security and stability in the border areas and raised the issue of human trafficking by international crime syndicates in the Myawaddy area of Myanmar.

Sources said in pursuance of Naga peace parleys the Government of India could be soon reviewing and assessing the roles played by various NGOs and civil society at different levels and at different times.

"It may sound uncourteous to name a few organisations who played questionable roles from time to time. But we can easily applaud the roles played by Nagaland Gaon Burrah Federation (NGBF) and Nagaland Tribal Council (NTC). They played major roles in fostering the peace parleys once things looked stuck up in some whirlpool in 2016-17," an informed source said.

The developments related to 'unity' among the Naga underground bodies and formation of NNPGs was crucial as for the first time an umbrella organisation had come up backed by the "confidence of the people and at the initiatives of GBs and NTC".

In this context, it is said that insurgents in north east India including in Assam and other states followed a self-serving dogma. For them perhaps power not only flew from the barrel of a gun, the so-called 'revolution' itself was low-cost enterprise. 

The rebellion and peace -- the risk factors and cost in both the stages were borne by common people; while the 'cream of the benefits' went to others.

Therefore it may be pertinent to review the roles played by some organisations -- whether they helped the cause of peace and reconciliation or they deliberately played saboteurs.

Apparently more light will be focused in days to come. 

But gradually and certainly the central government is now firm about one or two basic issues vis-a-vis Naga peace talks. There should not be any 'u-turn' on the peace process and an early solution broadly because the 'Naga people' want it.

Moreover, the stakeholders - Naga warring factions - had decided to bury their own hatchet and came to the negotiating table because they were earnestly invited by the centre to join the peace process.

The fact that a section of 'intellectuals and activists' in Delhi tried to play partisan roles during the tenure of the Vajpayee government and even during UPA-dispensation under Dr Manmohan Singh has been under the scanner of authorities for sometime. 

 

ends 

Hindutva, Modi magic: No Full Stops in Gujarat

 

There is a distinct matrix in each of the three political equations that are being built up in the run up to the two-phased Gujarat assembly elections. It looks like the basics - A, B, C -- Aam Aadmi Party, BJP and the Congress. For the ruling BJP, the trump card is the time-tested Moditva phenomenon and Hindutva ideology, for the opposition Congress as of now the nature of battle strategy is 'confusion’. 

The Congress stalwarts have been keeping themselves away from the hails and blames of Gujarat polls but on Nov 15 the grand old party named Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, his sister Priyanka Vadra and newly 'crowned' party president Mallikarjun Kharge in the list of star campaigners. Unlike 2017 when Rahul Gandhi took keen interest in Gujarat polls, he has so far kept away leaving all campaign work to state leaders only. On the other hand, the third entrant is the AAP. 

Its move in Gujarat is guided by the party’s over ambition and, of course, the success it has tasted in Punjab. However, there is a fourth player too especially in Muslim stronghold pockets. The AIMIM led by vocal leader Asaduddin Owaisi from Hyderabad has decided to field candidates in key segments including in Jamalpur Khadia in Ahmedabad. Bhushan Bhatt of the BJP had won the seat in 2012 but Imran Khedawala of the Congress wrested the same in 2017. 

Blogger in Western Indian state

Imran has been fielded again while another enthusiastic Muslim leader Ilyas Qureshi has been denied the ticket. On the face value the Congress is defensive. The grand old party has preferred to play safe and thus re-nominated all the four sitting MLAs from Ahmedabad. In 2017, the Congress politics had a lot of backroom calculations and surprises. Two such 'surprises' Hardik Patel and Alpesh Thakor are now in the saffron camp and are contesting as well. AAP's poll strategies are seemingly puzzling. 

The seat finally picked by the AAP for its 'CM face' Isudan Gadhvi is Jam Khambhaliya. This segment has last elected a non-Ahir was in 1967. The AAP nominee Gadhvi - a journalist-turned-neta - is a non-Ahir even as he is an OBC. There is also a caste game in AAP’s electoral strategy. However, the general refrain so far is that the caste factor may ultimately work against its ‘Chief Ministerial face’ at Jam Khambhaliya. 

The BJP had won the seat in 2007 but lost in 2012 and since then it has been a complete Congress bastion. In terms of social matrix, Jam Khambhaliya is renowned across the world for its good quality Ghee and AAP’s strategy seems is directed at making deeper penetration in Congress strongholds. 

"See, only Ahir candidates have won in the Khambhaliya seat since 1972. I fail to understand what the AAP is thinking. It is obvious the foremost challenge that Gadhvi will faces is gaining the Ahir community's acceptance," says BJP booth worker Shaileshbhai. 

The AAP is also trying to be a serious contender in the Surat belt but here the BJP had done extremely well in 2017 notwithstanding the local anguish against the noteban and the GST. Gujarat’s richest city Surat's textile and diamond traders shut down markets protesting the imposition of the new tax norms. The usual complaint was that crores of profits would be 'wiped out'. But when the results came in of the 16 seats in Surat district, the Congress could win just one. A much delighted Late Arun Jaitley had then aptly remarked, "I have been proved right...".

The Lotus party retained all 12 seats in Surat city and analysts saw these as 

people's utmost faith in the leadership of Narendra Modi and BJP's undiluted commitment to the Hindutva ideology. But the BJP strategists are walking cautiously. So, in this politically sensitive region, seats like Varachha are important this year.

The BJP has thus decided to renominate Kumar Kanani (sitting MLA) in this 

Patidar-dominated seat. "Some calculations are necessary, and all issues have been handled well by the BJP," says a local trader.

The AAP's candidate will be Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) Convener Alpesh Kathiria. The BJP has also repeated MLA Purnesh Modi in Surat West. 

In Katargam as well where Patidars and OBC voters are key players, the BJP is fielding its sitting MLA and minister of state Vinu Moradia. He will be pitted against AAP's state president Gopal Italia among others. In Ahmedabad out of 12 candidates named in the first list as many as 10 have been shown the door. 

The poll strategists say an anti-incumbency mood is possible in the western state because the saffron party has been in power for long. The BJP first stated success in 1995 and as such has not looked behind. Nevertheless, this is a Hindutva laboratory state and all important 'Modi magic' is quite powerful even after so many years. 

The RSS respect in the state especially in rural areas and also among the educated lot could be counted as even onetime Congress chief Shankersinh Vaghela too has the Sangh background.  

In the context of caste equations, one local analyst Sri Ramcharan in Rajkot told ‘Organiser’ - "True the Patels will be rooting for the Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel this time. He is a Kadava Patidar. But other communities will also be voting for the BJP in many constituencies across the state. But the real gamechanger will be tribals as out of 27 seats the BJP has not managed good numbers in 2012 and 2017. But they will do well this time”. 

At the state level, the BJP's dream target will be 140-150 but at least 130 seems 'easily possible/reachable in 2022' because it would mean a jump of at least 31 seats from its 2017 tally of 99. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is the first-time legislator. He is also known for telling officials and supporters that to him the abbreviation 'CM' would better mean the 'Common man'. In fact, he is the fifth Patidar Chief Minister.

An enthusiastic voter Ramjee Patel in Ahmedabad says, "Chief Minister Patel's down to earth personality and practical administrative approaches have endeared him to the voters across communities and social strata. With him at the helm the BJP has possibly been able to brave the anti-incumbency factor to a large extent". Some of this confidence comes from the fact that the Congress is apparently not working as hard as it is expected to do; and the newcomer AAP is still 'very new'. 

But it is also a fact that in Ahmedabad city - which has 16 seats - only Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and sitting MLA Jagdish Vishwakarma have been renominated from Ghatlodia and Nikol constituencies. So, there are ten new faces in Ahmedabad alone. Across Gujarat too there are 62 new faces and even stalwarts like Vijay Rupani and Nitin Patel have been kept away from the electoral battle. 

AAP needed a Mann-like face

Elections are also about popular leaders and generally acceptable state-level faces. The AAP came late into the game in Gujarat and it could not get any state-level known face. In Punjab, Bhagwant Mann has a huge fan following and moreover he was an MP too. The AAP campaign in Uttarakhand and Goa also apparently failed almost due to this reason. Its campaign pushing the 'Delhi Model of Governance' initially had many takers in Gujarat. But with BJP’s Modi around, such campaign also has limitations. Modi is the catalyst of Development himself and also a great champion of Hindutva cause. 

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel though has developed a signature style of his own, the public perception is Patel too was mentored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his initial days of political career. In Congress, after Ahmed Patel there is none. On this backdrop, a Muslim leader denied ticket for 2022 battle told this journalist, - "My career was half over with the sad demise of Ahmed Patel, now it is completely finished”.

The BJP presumes the battle will be much easier than it was in 2017. The biggest challenge will be to increase the tally. Anything between 130-150 will be a huge endorsement to Narendra Modi’s performance in the centre too and that will make BJP’s Mission 2024 ‘reachable’. 

Political observers are busy analysing factors that might have forced Rahul Gandhi to practically stay away from Gujarat. However, it is also true that the AAP is seen only a seasonal bird and hence Congress is still the struggling outfit in the state.

The absence of Ahmed Patel is a big gap and moreover, the AAP has serious credibility questions especially in the light of various corruption allegations around money laundering and the controversial Delhi excise policy. Madhavsinh Solanki had managed to win 149 in the 182-member assembly in 1985 when politics was hugely dominated by the Congress. The BJP's best performance was in 2002 when it won 127 and that poll had elevated Narendra Modi as a formidable player in the national politics.

Ends 

Opposing 'rewriting history' agenda, experts ridicule 'digging up' the villains

Joining issue with PM, Shah and others on 'rewrite history' agenda; experts say there is no need to dig up the villains

New Delhi 

Amid push by the powerful section in the government including no less than Prime Minister Narendra Modi to 'rewrite' Indian history to give recognition to unsung heroes, a section of scholars say there is also an attempt to "dig up the villains".

"I am simply trying to find out how our attitudes towards history and contemporary systems have changed. We are trying to dig out the villains," said Amitabh Kundu, former professor and dean of the School of Social Sciences at Jawaharlal Nehru University.

In today's world, he said the 'knowledge system' is largely coming up from the 'Whatsapp University' - that talks mostly about villains Aurangzeb, Khilji, Ghaznavi and Ghori.

Speaking at a book release function in the capital on Saturday, Kundu further said, "I am sorry to say. Some of the heroes we have learnt about in schools and colleges are referred to as otherwise...These days we hear of Akbar chasing a woman to molest her. Whatsapp University has dug up that"

The book 'Religion for Harmonious Living' penned by eminent Christian scholar Father M D Thomas underlines the fact that ethical, human and spiritual values are the most brilliant component of religion and religions.

It strongly advocates that religion should work as a tool to ensure harmonious living in the world.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof S M Sajid, former pro-Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia University, said religion should not be left for "interpretation only to the clergy".  He also said it would be erroneous to define someone as 'religious fundamentalist' and then try to debate or discuss the issues of religious tolerance and mutual cooperation.

Knowing more about one's own religion is also crucial, he opined.

"Religious diversity is not just a religious issue. The challenge of managing religious diversity is also a social and political issue that is heavily dependent on the context".

These remarks come close on the heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that "After independence, there was a need to fight the agenda of those ruling over us. But that was not done". 

Addressing the 400th year anniversary function of Assam's iconic figure Lachit Barphukan, Mr Modi said on Friday, Nov 25, 2022 that post-Independence, Indian history and history writers did not do justice to heroes like Ahom general Barphukan who resisted and defeated Mughal rulers from annexing Assam.

"India's history is the history of warriors, the history of victory, the history of sacrifice, selflessness and bravery. But we were taught history which was a part of the colonial agenda. Does the bravery of heroes like him not matter"," the PM had said.

A day before, Home Minister Amit Shah had said. "I often come across complaints that our history has been distorted and tempered with. These allegations could be true....But who stops it from correcting it now? Who stops us from writing the correct history now".

At the book release function, Kundu, who also headed the Post-Sachar Evaluation Committee, lamented that communal overtones have been unleashed at virtually everything happening around in the society.

"I am sometimes surprised that even my friends and colleagues say on Whatsapp that about ten Muslims have been selected for IAS, Hindus are now digging their own graveyards," he said.

In his Foreword to the book, Kundu notes: "Empericists argue that poor countries or those trapped in difficult

socio-economic circumstances tend to become more religious, as people start seeking support from divinity. As

societies develop economically and there is spread of scientific knowledge across social groups....people tend to

become less religious". 

He further argues - "There is no evidence that countries with high religiosity are less corrupt, less discriminatory and less violent".

He also notes, "Interestingly, the Corruption Perceptions Index of Transparency International for 2019 suggests that Canada along with several Scandinavian countries, wherein a low percentage of people report as actively practicing religion, have an extremely low level of corruption and social disturbances while the highly religious countries, such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Cambodia, Iraq, Tanzania, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, India included find places on the other side of the spectrum".

ends

As reported in 'Nagaland Page' newspaper - Dimapur 

Now, PM says post-Independence, only history written as 'conspiracy' were taught

 

New Delhi 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that after seven decades of Independence the country could successfully break the "shackles of colonialism" and now it is able to celebrate its rich heritage and also the valiant fight of unsung heroes.

"After independence, there was a need to fight the agenda of those ruling over us. But that was not done. Today India has broken the shackles of colonialism and is moving forward, celebrating our heritage and remembering our heroes with pride," the Prime Minister said addressing the Lachit Barphukan 400th year birth anniversary function in the capital.

He said, "Today, India is not only celebrating its varied heritage, but also remembering its braveheart unsung heroes".

"Assam's history is a matter of great pride in India's journey. We believe in uniting the various thoughts, beliefs and cultures of India. India has always valued its rich and cultural heritage; we have always protected our spiritual and cultural principles. That's what makes us a marvelous civilization," Modi said.

He said - "Our ancestors bore the oppression of terror from outsiders. Heroes like Lachit Barphukan demonstrated that terror won't be tolerated. India has the ability to give a befitting reply to those who practice atrocities".

Post Independence, Indian history and history writers did not do justice to heroes like Barphukan, the iconic son of Assam. "India's history is the history of warriors, the history of victory, the history of sacrifice, selflessness and bravery. But we were taught history which was a part of the colonial agenda. Does the bravery of heroes like him not matter?" 

The Prime Minister's assertion comes close on the heels of Union Home Minister Amit Shah stating that at present no one can really stop rewriting Indian history to free it from “distortions”.

Addressing the plenary session of the Lachit Barphukan function organised by the Assam Government,Shah on Thursday said, "I often come across complaints that our history has been distorted and tempered with. These allegations could be true....But who stops it from correcting it now? Who stops us from writing the correct history now". 

During the three-day special event historians and experts lambasted at the manner Marxist historians have over the years painted a gloomy picture of Indian history where only 'defeats' and to be 'vanquished' have been glorified.

"Indian history is full of stories of resistance and fight. These are not portrayed. In the manner history has been written largely by the Matrxist tradition we are only being made to celebrate our losses," remarked historian and author Vikram Sampat. 

ends 

NPF stalwarts on move, say Gadkari must visit Nagaland roads ::::::::: Chakhesang politics comes alive: Aza Kenye supporters dream big

NPF stalwarts on move, say Gadkari must visit Nagaland roads

New Delhi/Zunheboto

The NPF may still be part of the UDA and a section in the party may still prefer to have another round of the opposition) less alliance in 2023, but gloves are off between two regional parties in Nagaland.

Blogger with veteran Shurhozelie: Aug 2022

NPF Chief Shurhozelie accompanied key leaders former Speaker  Thenucho and Kuzholuzo Nienu Azo have been on move signalling that things are turning serious for the ensuing assembly elections.

Battlelines are drawn. 

Shürhozelie alleged that the present government’s economic policy has failed. He even said - "If the government spent money for which it is taken for then there will be visible development". 

That means the 'visible development' is absent - a point which BJP in Nagaland has not mentioned so far obviously for the mysterious 20: 40 formula.

NPF chief also flagged off an important aspect -- illegal immigrants. These words and issues keep revisiting every election season. Shurhozelie, whose party took actions against Kewege Kenye for supporting CAA, also said it will be “high time we deal with the true reality else we will become strangers in our own land one day.”

On the defection of 21 former NPF MLAs and joining the NDPP, Shürhozelie used strong language that it is better to have a hundred "enemies" outside the house than one inside.

It is altogether a different chapter that a few of the 21 'enemies' may look for another shot electorally on NPF tickets. 

Regionalist cap: Azo, NPF

 Other leaders are not far behind. 

The real change socially and politically has to come

in Nagaland, they say it has to come from Zunheboto district and also Mokokchung. There are 17 seats in these two districts.

A senior leader told 'Nagaland Page', "the NPF firmly believes in the importance of keeping up with the momentum of

change. 'With Time We Change'. This is also the Motto of Zunheboto Students' Union and

hence NPF can easily strike an emotional chord with the people of the district".

In Mokokchung, some prominent leaders including Tiameren and Imkong joined NPF. These show the NPF has taken it's ensuing electoral battle much seriously.

The Congress is not in a position to fight and the BJP has no longer the hunger to fight for obvious reasons; hence the battle in Nagaland can yet again turn between NPF and NDPP-BJP alliance.

Some NPF leaders also say the lack of development in Nagaland

is the theme of party's campaign. Roads are in pitiable conditions, they say and also feel  Union Roads Minister

Nitin Gadkari perhaps ought to visit these roads personally. "He will get the shock of his life".

Another NPF source said - "For all practical purposes the Neiphiu Rio regime

is the BJP government in Nagaland and so central BJP leaders also have to assess why Nagaland is

today the least performing state".

It is sad, they say  that under the NDA disposition in Delhi, the Niti Aayog has designated

Nagaland as the least performing state.

Next question is why the elected representatives of NPF are keeping mum.

They are not raising people's issues or matters that concern common Nagas, it is alleged.

Are they then seem to be very happy only 

remaining in the good books of the government of the day ?

Dr Shurhozelie has to take a call -- the sooner ....it is better.

ends 

Chakhesang politics comes alive: Aza Kenye supporters dream big ::::  

This may shake up regional power structures

New Delhi/Kohima 

"Rezhii sii shudii te......" -- if I am not wrong, in Chakhesang this means - the game has just begun.

"Do not underestimate one Chakhesang, I have been handling two Bengali journalists," remarked Late Vamuzo when he was Chief Minister in reference to his 'wordsmith dealings' with this journo and 'Guru' Asheem Poddar of All India Radio.

It was a casual remark. But the powerful 'Chakhesang politics' power-game is back in action in Nagaland. 

Essentially a fiefdom of regional politics, often Chakhesang heartland have produced stalwarts among so-called 'nationalist politics' of the Congress party also.

Flamboyant Vamuzo 

Veteran M Vero from Chazouba was one such leader. Among other Congressmen there have been equally significant players such as Zhovehu Lohe, Kewekhape Therie and Zachillhu.

Then I do remember Late Vejoi Vero, who had said - "As a journalist working in Nagaland, you must know the power of the word 'almost'. A day will come, you will realise what I am stating". 

Among regionalists of course one has to mention Thenucho, a former Home Minister and ex-Speaker, and Kewege Kenye, a former Rajya Sabha MP, and of course his illustrious father Goyiepra Kenye.

Senior Kenye had accronized the word Chakhesang -- creating a tribe in the 20th century  - by bringing together Chakros, Khejas and Sangtams together, 

Kewege Kenye or also known to friends as Aza hails from the Chizami assembly constituency. He had won the 1989 polls on an NPC ticket. He also became a Minister of State when Vamuzo formed first non-opposition JLP government.

Aza was persuaded by NPC leadership and he had vacated the seat to facilitate 'non-MLA chief minister' Vamuzo's election to the state assembly.

The by-polls to the Chizami seat was highly controversial. Though S C Jamir pushed Congress to give 'walkover' to Vamuzo then heading the state's first opposition-less regime; Lohe, also a pradesh Congress general secretary, wanted to contest against Vamuzo.

Later when differences cropped up, Jamir accused Vamuzo of using 'muscle power' to stop Lohe file nomination. Vamuzo countered saying, "I was consensus Chakhesang Chief Minister so it was people's desire". Jamir again shot back, "It's not true, Lohe wanted to contest, we in the party said it's okay, you can come as an MLA". 

These should bring us to the issue of typical 'Chakhesang pride' and their pragmatism in political approach.

Kenye made a name for himself first by resigning his seat to facilitate a Chief Minister in 1990. He stayed away from state politics for long. He even declined to contest more than once from Chizami.  But he was nominated by the NPF to Rajya Sabha in 2016.

Here too, he made news chiefly during the debate and voting on highly controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Donning a regional NPF hat, Kenye took to the floors in Rajya Sabha on Dec 11, 2019 and had defended the legislation by defying the diktats of his bosses in Kohima.

Aza Kenye: Supporters dream big 

One school of thought believes and this conviction brings us to the next stage -- a logical conclusion -- whether his actions have made him 'dearer' to a section of the BJP.

The election season's rumour mill is at work again and that echoes a line - Chakhesang voters in Chizami should make up their mind -- whether they deserve a potential CM or just an MLA.

The grapevine says as Neiphiu Rio is aging; Kenye should be cultivated and projected as the next chief ministerial candidate for NDPP. This is only a figment of imagination and obviously lacks political backing at this critical juncture.

Moreover, according to 2018 alliance --- 20:40 formula between BJP and NDPP. Chizami is saffron party's seat and here the BJP nominee Kevechutso Doulo came very close to winning it.

Doulo certainly deserves another shot at the goal post. But a good intention leader, Doulo also has enemies. A former regionalist himself Kevechutso knows the art of politics. He has joined two colleagues sitting MLA K Khalo (NPF) and ex-minister Deo Nukhu and issued a joint statement.

"It is disheartening to note that naive persons were misguided and lured....Politics is for progress and upliftment of the society and also to create a good atmosphere for all round development. We the undersigned after considering the prevailing situations have agreed to work collectively for the welfare of the 17th Chizami constituency at all levels," it says. 

Of course, the joint statement itself shows that Chakhesang leaders have 
'concern' for people and so they came together to deal with any challenge.

The rumour on Aza is aimed at multiple purposes. Does it have Rio's backing? Does NDPP leadership know the public mood is against the regional party for several reasons ?  

Former Speaker Thenucho: NPF 

Thus this 'new Tenyimia face' politics would somewhat dilute the anti-incumbency spirit. 

It will rekindle the good old regional sentiment in Phek district. But why Rio should not feel threatened?

This could be also a ploy to counter 'emerging leader' NPF floor leader Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu.

   
The game in Chakhesang heartland is far from over. In nearby Pfutsero, NPF stalwart and former Speaker Thenucho is also active again.

Rightly they say in Chakhesang -- "Rezhii sii shudii te...". 

ends 

History penned by Marxist writers only celebrate "defeat of Indians"

"NCERT books....teach us to hate 5000 years old Indian history"  

New Delhi 

The ugly truth of Marxist school of history and the manner they celebrate the defeat of indigenous Indian leaders came to light during a panel discussion here.

"Indian history is full of stories of resistance and fight. These are not portrayed. In the manner history has been written largely by the Matxist tradition we are only being made to celebrate our losses," remarked historian and author Vikram Sampat. 

Participating at the discussions on 'Ignored Historiography of Assam' Assertion' organised to mark the 400th year of Assam's iconic hero Lachit Barphukan at Vigyan Bhawan, among others film critic Rajesh Kr Singh shared similar sentiment.

"There was this challenge earlier...It is being faced even today. The Marxists have destroyed our history," Singh said.

To a question on NCERT books and school curriculum on History, he said the real Indian history is not being taught.

"You ask about NCERT books....that history (of valiant fight by Indian and Hindu leaders and generals) are not being taught. They teach us to hate 5000 years old Indian history.  That is there today and that's the challenge.How do you stop all these happening," said Singh.

He maintained "the establishment of history writers in India are ruled by them. It is ruled by Marxists".

Singh also said there are also challenges posed by radical Islam schools and also the church. 

Dr. Sangita Gogoi in her presentation spoke at length on the tradition of history writing and other socio-cultural superiority of the Ahoms compared to other societies of their contemporary India.

Chandraprakash Dwivedi said that Lachit Barphukan ascended to Dolakaxoria Barua, Ghorabaruah and then to Barphukan with the duty of driving away the invading Mughals from the western frontier of their sacred homeland. There are many stories like Lachit in India which are still to be told through books, films and other popular culture, he added.

Prof. Rajib Handique from Gauhati University talked about several sons of Assam who deserve special mentions for their contributions but are still ignored in Indian historiography to a large extent. 

The distance of Assam and Northeast from Delhi may be one of the reasons for such negligence, he opined.He also appreciated Suryya Kumar Bhuyan's laudable effort in bringing Lachit Barphukan's life and works to the forefront with his monumental work on the Ahom general.

Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the plenary session on Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the valedictory session on Friday.

Vikram Sampath also deliberated on the negligence that Assam and Northeast or South India have been suffering in the so called mainstream historiography of India. 

Substantiating his view he mentioned that in India young generations grow up with the stories of Bhakhtiyar Khalji's military expeditions but are unaware of his humiliating defeat in Kamrupa in the hands of King Prithu. He also referred to the appreciation, the indomitable spirit of Ahoms in Alamgirnama, an important mughal historical document. 

Lachit was Shivaji of East; It's time to honour unsung heroes : Amit Shah

(Home Minister Amit Shah appealed to the historians and students of history to identify 30 great empires in Indian history that ruled for more than 150 years and 300 warriors who fought to protect the motherland.) 

New Delhi 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that it was high time to honour several of our anonymous freedom fighters and national icons. 

Underlining the Modi government’s decision to celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to mark 75 years of the country'sliberation, he said iconic figure Lachit Barphukan of Assam was like Shivaji and he too had fought the Mughal rulersvaliantly. 

“Today, there is peace in the north-east. Development of the region has begun,” Shah said. 

He said the steps taken by the Centre have ended the differences between mainstream India and the region, which is now connected by rail and road. The growing connectivity has brought the people together, he added.

The Home Minister said perhaps time is ripe to correct the 'history books' based on reality andthe valiant fight put forth by many Indian leaders and kings.

"I often come across complaints that our history has been distorted and tempered with. These allegations could be true," he said at the plenary session of the 400th birth anniversary of Lachit Barphukan.

"But who stops it from correcting it now? Who stops us from writing the correct history now" the Home Minister asserted.

"If Lachit Barphukan, the Ahom general, was not there in Assam during those times, Assam and Northeast India would have never become a part of India," he maintained. 

Shah said that Lachit gave capital punishment to his own uncle for procrastinating the work of building the war bastion around Guwahati. Only a true patriot can show this singularity of mind. He also said that right from 1206 to 1671 Assam was invaded 22 times by Muslim invaders but they could not keep it under the thumb of Muslim rule for long. "Often within a short period of time, the region would garner its strength again and win their motherland back.As a result North East India's culture still exists in its purest form till today," Shah said. 

The Home Minister recalled the sacrifices of freedom fighters in various parts of the country. 

“All of them had some common characteristics that helped the people to regain swaraj,” Shah said.

“The Mughals attacked the northeast part of India in general and Assam in particular 22 times. Barphukan fought valiantly against the invading army and repulsed the attacks successfully,” he said.

The Home Minister appreciated Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for organising celebrations to mark Barphukan’s 400th birth anniversary. Narrating anecdotes on Barphukan’s “commitment” and patriotism; Shah said that the Ahom warrior disregarded personal illness to fight the decisive battle of Saraighat, in which he defeated the Mughal army. That victory stopped further attacks from Delhi, he said.

“Barphukan even built a navy. While the Mughals had large ships, Barphukan built smaller boats and his infantrymen possessed rifles. But he overcame the obvious asymmetry in power and in this, he was aided by soldiers loyal to him,” the Home Minister said.

Shah was speaking at an event organised by the Assam government in Viagyan Bhavan here to mark the 400th birth anniversary of the great Ahom warrior.

Shah said the Ahom commander Lachit Barphukan was like “Shivaji in the West” who helped in India’s quest to attain ‘swaraj’ (self-rule). 

Assam celebrates Lachit Diwas on November 24 as a tribute to Barphukan’s valour and heroism. Barphukan (November 24, 1622-April 25, 1672) was the famous general of the Royal Army of the Ahom Kingdom of Assam who defeated the Mughals and successfully halted their ever-expanding ambitions under Aurangzeb.

Shah also appealed to the historians and students of history to identify 30 great empires in Indian history that ruled for more than 150 years and 300 warriors who showed exemplary courage and valour to protect the motherland and conduct research and write extensively about them.

ends 

ends